Freeport LNG seeks OK to return third tank to commercial service

Following the incident in 2022, Freeport received approval from FERC for commercial operations of Phase 1 in February 2023.

This phase includes all three trains, LNG storage tanks 1 and 2, and dock 1.

Thereafter, Freeport received approval from FERC for commercial operations of Phase 2 in November 2023. This phase includes LNG loop 2 and dock 2.

Moreover, Phase 3 restoration work included the inspection, repair, and replacement of impacted infrastructure associated with LNG storage tank 3 and its piping systems and ancillary components from the incident.

Freeport LNG wrote to FERC on April 28 that it has completed Phase 3 restoration work in accordance with the FERC-approved remedial work plans.

On April 30, FERC authorized the commissioning and cooldown of Phase 3 following Freeport’s request.

Cooldown

After receipt of this approval, the commissioning and cooldown of Phase 3 started.

It has “continued to progress safely and efficiently,” Freeport told FERC in its request dated May 16.

Freeport said that it has substantially completed nitrogen and boil-off gas cooldown.

Moreover, the LNG terminal operator is preparing to close the nitrogen vents and begin LNG sparging through the LNG spray ring as part of the final cooldown of the tank and related piping system.

Freeport noted that this final cooldown step will begin to establish LNG liquid level in the tank.

It will continue until minimum liquid levels are established such that the in-tank pumps can be restarted and the tank can be placed back into commercial service.

“Given the foregoing, and in anticipation that the minimum LNG liquid level should be established over the next four or five days, Freeport respectfully requests FERC’s authorization to place Phase 3 into commercial operation upon the safe completion of cooldown, establishment of the minimum tank levels to restart the LNG in-tank pumps, and completion of remaining punchlist activities that are necessary to allow the safe restart of those pumps and LNG circulation through tank 3 and into the LNG loop and transfer system,” it said.

Freeport LNG seeks Phase 3 in-service authorization on or before May 21.