NFE says ‘minor mechanical issue’ will not affect Altamira LNG launch

US LNG player New Fortress Energy said that “a minor technical issue” which took place last week on one of its rigs as part of the Altamira LNG project will not affect the launch of production.

“This was a minor mechanical issue that we experienced during the commissioning of our cold box,” an NFE spokesperson told LNG Prime in an emailed statement.

“All relevant team members were assessed by medical staff and no serious injuries were reported,” the spokesperson said.

“We’re in the final stages of commissioning this project and this is not expected to have an impact on our timeline to begin production of LNG,” the spokesperson added.

NFE’s spokesperson did not provide any additional details regarding the issue or when NFE expects to produce first cargo.

According to images posted via social media, the incident took place on Friday on Pioneer II, which is the project’s liquefaction rig.

The images show the rig covered in a white, powdery substance with several comments saying that it could be perlite.

Three rigs and FSU

The Wes Edens-led firm said in February that it was expecting “first LNG in March and first cargo in April 2024.”

Prior to that, in its latest update in November 2023, NFE said it completed “sailaway, installation, and first gas for our first FLNG asset in offshore Altamira, Mexico.”

The company said in its third-quarter report it expected to achieve first LNG and to reach full commercial operation by the end of the fourth quarter last year.

NFE sent its liquefaction rig Pioneer II on September 26, 2023 to Altamira to start serving the FLNG project.

Prior to this, NFE’s utilities and accommodation rig, Pioneer III, arrived off Altamira, as well as the gas treatment rig, Pioneer I.

Besides the three rigs, the 160,000-cbm Penguin FSU serves the project as a floating storage unit.

NFE previously also secured financing commitments of $700 million for its second LNG project located onshore Altamira.

The firm said it expects to begin construction on this project in April and complete it in the first quarter of 2026.

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