Freeport LNG, the operator of the three-train 15 mtpa liquefaction plant, is now expecting to restart operations at its facility in Texas by the end of this year.
The LNG terminal operator closed the liquefaction and export facility some six months ago following an incident that took place on June 8.
In November, Freeport LNG again delayed the restart of the plant targeting initial production at the facility in mid-December.
The LNG terminal terminal operator said at the time that reconstruction work necessary to start initial operations, including utilization of all three liquefaction trains, two LNG storage tanks and one dock, was approximately 90 percent complete.
Freeport LNG also submitted proposed remedial work activities for a safe restart of initial operations to the relevant regulatory agencies for review and approval.
“We received yesterday several key approvals from the regulatory agencies that allow us to complete certain critical repairs and commence reinstatement of certain systems,” a Freeport LNG spokeswoman told LNG Prime on Friday.
“Based upon current progress, and subject to us continuing to meet necessary regulatory requirements, we now anticipate that the restart of our liquefaction facility to be achieved around year end,” the spokeswoman said.
BP, Jera, Osaka Gas, SK E&S, as well as TotalEnergies have long-term contracts with Freeport LNG.
Besides the three trains, Freeport LNG is also planning to add another production unit with a capacity of 5 mtpa, but it has not yet taken a final investment decision.
In October, US energy regulators granted Freeport LNG’s request for a 26-month extension of time to build the fourth liquefaction train.