US Freeport Kicks Off Train 2

Texas, US-based Freeport LNG has started commercial operations at its second of three planned liquefaction trains, it said January 17. UK major BP has a 20-yr tolling agreement for the 5mn metric tons/year train. Train 1 began in December with the start of Osaka Gas’ and Jera’s tolling agreements.

“We are thrilled to now be providing service to BP, in addition to Osaka Gas and Jera,” said CEO Michael Smith. "We are also especially pleased with the performance of our electric motor drive liquefaction units. Freeport’s electric drive motors not only reduce emissions by over 90% relative to other plants which use combustion turbines; they should also require less maintenance with less downtime."

The performance test on Train 2 was completed in only 37 days after first gas was delivered to the liquefaction facilities, down from 107 days on Train 1, he said.

Gas has already been introduced to the pretreatment facilities of the third train and the company expects Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approval to bring gas to the liquefaction site next month. Train 3 remains on track for a commercial start date in May, the company said.

Spot sales might start earlier than that if the company manages to pull off the same feat again but global spot prices are very low.