Freeport LNG targets mid-December restart
US LNG producer Freeport LNG said November 18 it hoped to restart its Texas facility by mid-December, assuming it meets all regulatory requirements.
As of November 14, it said, reconstruction work needed to commence initial operations of all three liquefaction trains, two storage tanks and one of two marine loading dock, was about 90% complete and heading for completion by the end of November.
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“Proposed remedial work activities for a safe restart of initial operations have been submitted to the relevant regulatory agencies for review and approval,” it said in a news release. “Subject to Freeport LNG meeting its regulatory requirements, it is targeting initial production at the facility in mid-December.”
The facility has been closed since June after an explosion and fire that a consultant’s report earlier this week blamed on inadequate operating and testing procedures and human error.
During the restart, each of the terminal’s three liquefaction trains will be started separately, with each being slowly brought back online before the next train is restarted. Freeport hopes to be producing 2bn ft3/day of LNG in January, with full operations using both marine docks expected to be achieved in March 2023.
“Our teams have worked diligently over the last several months alongside regulators to ensure the safe restart of our facility,” CEO Michael Smith said. “We are committed to moving forward with an uncompromising safety focus and enhanced operational processes that will enable us to chart a safe, sustainable path forward to serve our customers and the broader LNG market as a whole.”