NFE’s rig arrives in Mexico to start serving Altamira FLNG project

New Fortress Energy’s utilities and accommodation rig, Pioneer III, has arrived in Mexico to start serving the company’s first FLNG project off Altamira.

The jackup rig set sail under tow from the Kiewit Offshore Services shipyard in Ingleside, near Corpus Christi, Texas on Friday.

It was located offshore Mexico on Sunday, according to its AIS data. With this speed, it could arrive in Altamira on Monday.

Pioneer III consists of the facility main control room, three Siemens SGT 400 power generation turbines to power the full facility, beds for about 80 team members, a helideck, and also all systems required for the living quarters and utility needs of NFE’s Fast LNG 1 project, according to NFE.

NFE did not provide any further information regarding the launch of the project.

In early June, the US LNG firm received an export permit for its Altamira Fast LNG facility from Mexico’s Ministry of Energy (SENER).

Under the permit, NFE is authorized to export up to 7.8 million metric tons through April, 2028, providing ample capacity to support the operations of the 1.4 million tons per annum Fast LNG facility through the permitted period, it said.

NFE has previously received authorization from the US Department of Energy to export US-sourced LNG to Mexico and other FTA countries.

The firm said at the time that operations are slated to begin in the third quarter of 2023.

Moreover, NFE is currently working on up to five units using its “Fast LNG” liquefaction design that incorporates modular, midsize liquefaction technology with jackup rigs or similar offshore infrastructure.

Last year, NFE signed separate deals with CFE and Pemex aimed at installing floating LNG production units off Mexico.

Under the deal with CFE, the firm agreed to create a new FLNG hub off the coast of Altamira, Tamaulipas.

Most Popular

Another steam LNG carrier sold for demolition

An NYK-managed steam liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier has been sold for demolition, according to brokers.

Abaxx sees significant volume growth in its LNG futures

Abaxx Commodity Futures Exchange, a wholly owned subsidiary of Abaxx Technologies (CBOE:ABXX) has seen significant volume growth in its physically deliverable LNG futures during the past summer months, according to Abaxx Exchange Chief Commercial Officer Joe Raia.

Shell’s LNG Canada expansion project to get boost from government

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney named the planned second phase of Shell's LNG Canada export project as one of the major projects the federal government would help fast-track.

More News Like This

NFE logs $557 million net loss, continues Puerto Rico supply deal talks

US LNG player New Fortress Energy reported a net loss of $557 million in the second quarter of 2025, while it continues to negotiate a long-term gas sale agreement with PREPA to provide gas island-wide in Puerto Rico.

Sawgrass LNG & Power secures Barbados supply deal

Miami-based Sawgrass LNG & Power has once again been selected as the supplier of LNG to Barbados National Energy Company (BNECL).

NFE receives non-compliance notice from Nasdaq

US LNG player New Fortress Energy has received a notice from Nasdaq on non-compliance with the latter’s listing rule for not submitting its quarterly report with the US SEC.

NFE delays quarterly report filing

US LNG firm New Fortress Energy has sought more time from the US SEC to file its second-quarter report due to ongoing negotiations related to additional credit support that is required to be delivered under one of its debt instruments.