US LNG firm Tellurian and compatriot engineer Bechtel are moving forward with early site works for the Driftwood LNG export project in Louisiana.
In March, Tellurian issued a limited notice to proceed to Bechtel under its executed EPC contract to begin construction of phase one of the Driftwood LNG plant.
Bechtel’s first activities include demolition, civil site preparation and construction of critical foundations, while Baker Hughes will progress manufacturing two of the natural gas turbines required for phase one of the project.
Phase one will include two LNG plants near Lake Charles with an export capacity of up to 11 million tonnes per annum (mtpa), while the full project would have 27.6 mtpa liquefaction capacity.
Tellurian is still working to complete financing for the project and expects to start first LNG exports in 2026. It recently executed definitive agreements to sell $500 million principal amount of senior secured convertible notes.
Construction progress
Tellurian said in its May construction report sent to US FERC that its key project personnel continued mobilization to the Driftwood LNG site.
“Along with the mobilization of professional staff, key activities included site preparation, demolition, mobilization of construction equipment and tools, and preparation of the Pioneer facilities to make ready for occupancy,” it said.
In addition, Driftwood continued activities under its early works program.
These activities included construction of the water wells and the road widening projects, and the initial operation efforts for the traffic signal located at the intersection of Highway 27 and Burton Shipyard Road, it said.
During the next reporting, Driftwood would continue activities for the LNTP scope and early
works program, Tellurian said.