Freeport LNG, the operator of the three-train 15 mtpa liquefaction plant in Texas, is ready to place back into service its second jetty.
In October, Freeport received approval from the US 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 now requests authorization from FERC to place Loop 2 and Dock 2 back into service, according to a filling dated November 17.
“We anticipate nitrogen cooldown to be completed in the next few days, which will then be followed by introduction of hydrocarbons (i.e., LNG) in order to re-inventory the Loop 2 piping system,” Freeport said.
Freeport anticipates having the Loop 2 system inventoried on or about November 21st.
“Given this, Freeport would greatly appreciate FERC’s response to this request on November 21st so that Dock 2 can be returned to service,” it said.
Any return to service would only proceed after the successful and safe completion of Loop 2 cooldown and re-inventorying, Freeport said.
Third tank remains idled
The LNG terminal operator noted that any authorization pursuant to this request will be limited to returning Loop 2 and Dock 2 to service and will not include the return to service of any other equipment at its facilities that remain idled from the June 8, 2022 incident, such as Tank 3.
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 LNG 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).