Three dead in accident at Port Arthur LNG site

“At approximately 2 a.m. on Tuesday, April 29, an incident occurred at the Port Arthur LNG construction site involving employees of engineering, procurement, and construction contractor, Bechtel,” a spokeswoman for Sempra Infrastructure, a unit of Sempra, told LNG Prime via email.

“Three fatalities have been reported, and two others who were injured have been released from the hospital. Our condolences go out to the families of those who lost their lives as well as those who are injured,” the spokeswoman said.

She said that Bechtel had suspended work on the site while the incident is investigated.

“We are deeply saddened to confirm a tank jump form system incident occurred at elevation on April 29 at the Port Arthur LNG construction site, resulting in three fatalities and two injuries. Our thoughts are with the families and our colleagues affected by this tragic incident,” Bechtel said in a separate statement.

“All work at the site was immediately stopped following the incident, and we have sent all craft professionals home early to be with their families during this difficult time. We are cooperating fully with local authorities as investigations continue and have launched our own internal review,” Bechtel said.

“Supporting those impacted and ensuring site safety remain our top priorities,” the firm said.

Port Arthur LNG

In March 2023, Sempra Infrastructure took a final investment decision for the first phase of its Port Arthur LNG export project worth about $13 billion.

Bechtel won the EPC contract which includes building two trains with a total capacity of about 13 mtpa and two storage tanks with a capacity of 160,000 cbm.

The expected commercial operation dates for train 1 and train 2 are 2027 and 2028, respectively.

The first phase of the project is fully subscribed with 10.5 mtpa under binding long-term agreements.

Sempra Infrastructure entered into long-term agreements with each of ConocoPhillips, Ineos, Engie, RWE, and PKN Orlen.

Besides a 20-year LNG SPA for 5 mtpa of LNG, US energy giant ConocoPhillips is a shareholder in the project with a 30 percent stake.

Sempra Infrastructure also completed the sale of a 42 percent non-controlling interest in its Port Arthur LNG Phase 1 project to compatriot private equity firm KKR.

Sempra Infrastructure has a controlling 28 percent indirect interest in Phase 1 at the project level.

Besides this phase, Sempra Infrastructure expects to make a final investment decision on the second phase of its Port Arthur LNG export project in 2025.

The development of the proposed second phase would increase the total liquefaction capacity of the facility to about 26 mtpa.