Freeport LNG, the operator of the three-train 15 mtpa liquefaction plant in Texas, received approval from the US FERC to place back into service its second jetty.
In October, Freeport received approval from the FERC to start commissioning its second jetty.
The commissioning and cooldown included the Loop 2 transfer piping, Dock, 2 and the recirculation piping.
In order to continue Freeport’s sequential plan to return the LNG export facility to full commercial operations, Freeport requested authorization from the FERC last week to place Loop 2 and Dock 2 back into service.
The regulator granted Freeport’s request to return to service Phase II facilities which includes LNG Loop 2 and Dock 2 for ship loading, according to a filling dated November 22.
“This approval is based on a review of the written request filed on November 17, 2023, previous submittals and supplements filed in response to certain actions taken to address the root and contributing causes identified as a result of the June 8, 2022 incident as well as satisfactory progression of cooldown activities, including remedial actions taken during cooldown,” the FERC said.
The regulator said that this does not grant Freeport authorization to commission or place LNG Tank 3 back into service.
Also, the FERC noted that Freeport must also comply with any applicable PHMSA and US Coast Guard requirements.
In February this year, the LNG terminal operator shipped the first cargo from its LNG export plant in Texas since the shutdown in June 2022.
Freeport received approvals from both FERC and PHMSA during the first quarter to restart Phase I operations.
These consist of three trains, two LNG storage tanks (tanks 1 and 2), and a single LNG jetty (dock 1).