QatarEnergy and ExxonMobil are seeking approval from US energy regulators to increase the peak workforce to speed up the construction of the pipeline project as part of the Golden Pass LNG export terminal in Texas.
The pipeline project includes modifications to the existing Golden Pass pipeline system to provide transportation of up to 2.5 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) of domestically sourced natural gas for delivery to the Golden Pass LNG export facilities.
It involves three key components and these are the Milepost 1 compressor station in Sabine Pass on the terminal site in Texas which serves as the last stop before natural gas enters the liquefaction facility, and the Milepost 33 compressor station project in Orange, Texas, which includes a new compressor station and three pipeline interconnects to enable delivery of natural gas to the Golden Pass LNG terminal.
Also, the project includes the Milepost 69 compressor station project in Starks, Louisiana, which includes a new compressor station, metering station and pipeline interconnect, which will connect the Golden Pass pipeline to the Gulf Run pipeline, and connect the LNG terminal to more sources of natural gas supply.
According to a filling by Golden Pass Pipeline on June 20, it is seeking an approval from the US FERC to increase the peak construction workforce to 650 workers for the project.
Golden Pass Pipeline is seeking an additional 150 peak workers above the previously authorized 500 peak workforce included in the FEIS for a total peak workforce of 200 workers at the MP 33 compressor station and 450 workers at the MP 69 compressor Station.
It is also seeking approval to extend the construction workdays and hours to a “24/7” hours/workday schedule at the compressor stations in order to maintain the Golden Pass LNG schedule.
2025
Golden Pass Pipeline said the increase in workforce and implementing a “24/7” hours/workday schedule will be for a limited time frame to complete construction of the MP 33 and MP 69 compressor stations.
This is from approximately July 1, 2024, through January 31, 2025, it said.
The proposed night-time work will only require a portion of the increased workforce.
Golden Pass Pipeline said the specific tasks being requested for the night-time work hours from 10 pm to 7 am will also be limited.
The tasks will include installation of electrical and instrumentation infrastructure, installation of structural steel including pipe and tray supports, access platforms, coating, installation of piping infrastructure including hydrostatic testing, pneumatic testing, welding, coating and backfilling, and site dewatering, as necessary.
Zachry’s bankruptcy
State-owned QatarEnergy owns a 70 percent stake in the three-train Golden Pass LNG project with a capacity of more than 18 mtpa and will offtake 70 percent of the capacity, while US energy firm ExxonMobil has a 30 percent share.
A joint venture of Chiyoda, McDermott’s CB&I, and Zachry won the contract to build the tree Golden Pass trains worth more than $10 billion next to the existing LNG import terminal.
However, Zachry said on May 21 it has filed for bankruptcy, initiating a structured exit from the Golden Pass LNG export project due to “financial challenges” related to the construction of the facility.
Japan’s Chiyoda said in a statement released on Wednesday that Golden Pass LNG has filed motions on June 18 requesting Zachry’s withdrawal from the project and for lifting the automatic stay to resume construction work of the first train.
The court will make a final decision regarding Zachry’s withdrawal from the project after hearings, it said.
Discussions about a short-term execution plan and a long-term execution plan of the project among Golden Pass LNG, CB&I, and Chiyoda’s unit CIC have been continuing in preparation for Zachry’s official withdrawal from the project, according to the firm.
Golden Pass LNG previously told LNG Prime that work continues on the project with McDermott and Chiyoda, the other two parties to the EPC contract, with thousands of workers on site.
“The project is already 75 percent progressed and we are committed to completing the project,” it said.