Freeport LNG, one of the leading firms in the market for liquefied natural gas, marked a recent milestone when its 800th shipment left from its facility based in Freeport, Texas. The operations at Freeport LNG reached one of their defining moments when client JERA took delivery of that shipment.
In a statement, Freeport LNG expressed appreciation for the teamwork that contributed to the milestone, noting that the cargo, lifted by JERA, had safely departed from their dock.
The 800th cargo achievement occurs amidst legal challenges still pending against Freeport LNG. Just last month, a Texas law firm called Hicks Thomas LLP won two cases, filing $1.3 billion in damages against the Freeport LNG project’s builders. The lawsuits result from an explosion that happened last June 2022 and badly damaged the Freeport LNG facility in Texas. Yet, despite all these, the company remains persistent in advancing its operations and boosting its capacity.
Strategic Steps and Investments of JERA in Freeport LNG
JERA is one of the major players associated with the Freeport LNG project. The company has been engaged in the construction of the facility. It signed a liquefaction agreement with FLIQ1 Holdings for Train 1 services and acquired a 25% equity stake. This will further strengthen JERA’s position in the US natural gas market.
JERA also secured pipeline capacity with major operators, allowing it to access US natural gas markets and supply Train 1. Following the purchase of 25.7% interest in Freeport LNG Development by JERA in Freeport LNG, which controls the project, this investment has followed an agreement the company sealed with Global Infrastructure Partners in November 2021.
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Freeport LNG Current Expansions
Freeport LNG started constructing its liquefaction facility back in 2010, while the first dirt was turned in late 2014. Liquefaction trains at the terminal can liquefy more than 600 MMcf/d of LNG each. Currently, the facility is growing as it is expanding its fourth liquefaction train known as Train 4. The fourth liquefaction train will raise the facility’s total capacity to more than 20 mpta.
In attempts to achieve lower emissions, Train 4 will be driven by electric motors with variable frequency drives both cooling and liquefaction compression. This approach mirrors the environmentally conscious design of the first three trains, which also prioritize emission reductions in their operations.