Freeport LNG Enters Final Start-up Phase

The first train of the Freeport LNG export terminal in Texas has entered its final stage of commissioning, one of its developers US-based McDermott International reported on July 22.

Feed gas has been introduced to the 5mn mt/yr train, which McDermott is developing alongside local partners Chiyoda International and Zachry Group.

“We are extremely proud of the Freeport LNG project team for reaching this major milestone at this unique LNG production facility,” said McDermott’s senior president for North, Central and South America, Mark Coscio.

The launch of Freeport LNG’s first train was originally scheduled for mid-2018, but was pushed back because of construction delays. The US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Ferc) anticipates the facility's start-up in September, while the second and third train are due to enter service in the first half of next year. The watchdog recently gave the green light for development of a fourth train that would boost the project’s overall capacity to 20mn mt/yr.