10 November 2007
On Monday 4 November 2007, the first LNG tank roof was air raised successfully in the field, marking a major construction milestone at the LNG plant at Balhaf, Shabwa governorate.

The operation consisted of elevating a 74m diameter and 12m high steel dome, weighing 580 tons and built inside the concrete structure of the Tank which stands at a height of 37m above the ground and a storage capacity of 140,000 cubic meter.

The lifting started at 9:30 AM and ended at 1:30 PM.

The method used, for the first time in Yemen, was by blowing air under the roof at a pressure of 13milibar with air blowers. One blower was initially used to lift the dome few centimeters high, and after stabilisation of the dome, the second blower stepped into operation, providing together a 500 cubic meters per minute air flow, lifting the roof at an average speed of 150mm per minute.

With the support of a highly dedicated multinational team and under the supervision of YEMGAS, the main plant contractor, this challenge has been successfully achieved in accordance with the project safety and quality standards.