Freeport LNG, the operator of the three-train 15 mtpa liquefaction plant in Texas, has secured approval from US FERC to start introducing LNG into the piping system at the plant.
The terminal has been offline for some seven months due to an incident that took place on June 8 last year.
Freeport LNG asked US FERC on January 22 for authorization to cool down the Loop 1 LNG transfer piping and and reinstate the facility’s boil off gas (BOG) management compressors and associated piping as its initial step to resuming normal operations at the export facility.
This includes the introduction of LNG into the piping system to allow the piping to cool down to cryogenic temperatures necessary for circulation of LNG within the Loop 1 piping system.
FERC approved the request on January 26, according to a filling.
Additional authorization
The regulator said in the filling that “additional authorization to restart operations is necessary to reinstate service for Loop 1 LNG circulation to enable ship loading to Dock 1 and to cooldown, recommission, and reinstate service of the liquefaction trains, including rundown piping to tanks.”
“Freeport LNG must also continue to provide and file weekly reports and, as recognized in your request, provide and file daily commissioning reports that details the progress toward demonstrating the facilities can safely and reliably operate as designed,” the regulator said.
Also, Freeport LNG must also comply with any applicable PHMSA and US Coast Guard requirements, it added.
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, FERC granted Freeport LNG’s request for a 26-month extension of time to build the fourth liquefaction train.