Cameron LNG Reaches Commercial Launch

The first 4mn mt/yr train of the Cameron LNG export terminal in Louisiana has launched commercial operations, its US-based developer Sempra Energy reported on August 19.

The train’s launch was initially scheduled for early 2018, but the milestone was delayed because of problems with construction. Its full-scale start-up was approved by the US Federal Energy Regulation Commission (Ferc) in late July.

“This is an exciting moment for Cameron LNG and for Sempra Energy,” Carlos Ruiz Sacristan, CEO of Sempra North American Infrastructure, said in a statement. “Cameron LNG is exporting LNG to customers in the largest world markets, helping to support economic growth in the US and abroad.”

At full capacity, Cameron LNG will consist of three trains with a combined output of 12mn mt/yr, providing Sempra with $400-450mn in annual earnings. Sempra has a 50.2% stake in the project, joined by France’s Total, Japan’s Mitsui & Co and Japan LNG Investment, a joint venture between Mitsubishi and Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha.

Two more US liquefaction plants – Elba Island LNG in Georgia and Freeport LNG in Texas – are due on stream in the next two months.