FERC approves Freeport LNG request to begin restart
The US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved February 1 a request from Freeport LNG to begin the next stage in its planned restart of Train 3, damaged in a June 8 fire that has kept the three-train facility in Texas out of commission.
In a filing to FERC earlier this week, Freeport sought the commission’s authorisation to begin certain cooldown procedures within Train 3 and to begin introducing hydrocarbons to the unit.
|
Advertisement: The National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (NGC) NGC’s HSSE strategy is reflective and supportive of the organisational vision to become a leader in the global energy business. |
In an email to Freeport LNG COO Mark Mallett, Andrew Kohout, director of FERC’s LNG facility reviews and inspections division, approved the request, and reminded the company of its continuing responsibilities to ensure the safe restart of the facility.
“As noted in your request, additional authorization to restart operations is necessary to reinstate service for Loop 1 LNG circulation to enable ship loading to Dock 1 and to reinstate service of the liquefaction trains, including rundown piping to tanks,” Kohout’s letter continues. “Authorization will only be granted following the review of filed responses, a determination that the facilities are fit for service, and documentation that acceptable measures have been put into place to safely return the facilities to operation.”
Analysts have suggested that the 15mn metric tons/year terminal won’t be back in full operation until at least the end of March.