Freeport LNG, the operator of the three-train 15 mtpa liquefaction plant in Texas, is working to secure approvals to place back its second jetty in service and to return the export facility to full commercial operations.
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 regulatory approvals from both the US FERC and PHMSA during the first quarter to restart Phase I operations, which consists of three liquefaction trains, two LNG storage tanks (tanks 1 and 2) and a single LNG jetty (dock 1).
These approvals did not grant authorization to Freeport to commission or place LNG tank 3, Loop 2, and Dock 2 back into service.
In order to continue Freeport’s sequential plan to return the export facility to full commercial operations, Freeport has requested authorization from FERC for the nitrogen cooldown of the Loop 2 LNG rundown piping system and the introduction of hydrocarbons to Loop 2 to complete its cooldown and commissioning.
“These activities are necessary to move into Phase II operations, which would return Dock 2 to service,” Freeport said in a filling with FERC dated September 30.
Freeport noted that any authorization pursuant to this request will be limited to the nitrogen cool down of the Loop 2 LNG rundown piping system and introduction of LNG into the Loop 2 piping.
Subsequent approvals will be necessary to fully return Dock 2 to service, the LNG terminal operator said.
“Given the close coordination that Freeport, PHMSA, and FERC have maintained over the course of the Phase II restoration activities, Freeport would greatly appreciate FERC’s response to this request by October 6, 2023,” it said.