Freeport LNG has received regulatory approval to restart operations of Train 1 at its three-train 15 mtpa liquefaction plant in Texas.
Last month, the LNG terminal operator shipped the first cargo from its LNG export plant in Texas since the shutdown in June last year onboard the 2008-built 155,000-cbm LNG carrier, Kmarin Diamond.
Moreover, Freeport LNG secured regulatory approval on February 21 to launch commercial operations of two trains, Train 2 and Train 3, at its liquefaction plant in Texas as part of the restart process.
The LNG terminal operator sought approval from FERC to restart the remaining train and Phase I facilities in a filling dated February 26.
Both the US FERC and the PHMSA approved Freeport LNG’s request to restart Train 1, the LNG terminal operator said in a statement issued on Wednesday.
“Freeport LNG’s Trains 2 & 3 returned to full commercial operation in recent weeks, reaching production levels in excess of 1.5 billion cubic feet per day,” it said.
This approval does not grant authorization to Freeport LNG to commission or place LNG Tank 3, Loop 2, and Dock 2 back into service.
Also, Freeport LNG noted that it expects changes in feed gas flows and production rates as the recommissioning of the liquefaction facility continues, given the duration of the plant’s outage.
“As previously stated, a conservative ramp-up profile to establish full three-train production is anticipated to occur over the next few weeks,” Freeport LNG said.
BP, Jera, Osaka Gas, SK E&S, and TotalEnergies have long-term contracts with Freeport LNG.