Cheniere to Completion 4th LNG Unit Soon
Houston-based energy company Cheniere Energy said that it is nearing completion of its fourth liquefied natural gas unit at its massive Sabine Pass terminal in Louisiana near the Texas border.
The company, primarily engaged in LNG-related businesses, owns and operates the Sabine Pass LNG terminal in Louisiana.
"Our long-term contract with Gas Natural Fenosa commenced and first LNG production occurred from Train 4 at Sabine Pass," said Jack Fusco, Cheniere's President and CEO.
"We are revising our 2017 guidance upward as our operating results year-to-date have exceeded our expectations, primarily due to LNG trains entering service ahead of schedule and the ramp-up in LNG production levels occurring faster than we'd forecast earlier this year. During the second half of 2017, our focus remains on bringing Train 4 at Sabine Pass online safely and efficiently, executing on our commercialization strategies, and delivering on our increased 2017 guidance," he added.
Through Cheniere Partners, the company is developing up to six Trains at the Sabine Pass LNG terminal adjacent to the existing regasification facilities (SPL Project). Each Train is expected to have a nominal production capacity, which is prior to adjusting for planned maintenance, production reliability, and potential overdesign, of approximately 4.5 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of LNG.
Trains 1, 2, and 3 are operational, Train 4 is undergoing commissioning, Train 5 is under construction, and Train 6 is being commercialized and has all necessary regulatory approvals in place.
The Sabine Pass LNG terminal is located on over 1,000 acres of land along the Sabine Pass River on the border between Texas and Louisiana, in Cameron Parish, Louisiana. It is located at the widest point on the Sabine River Navigation Channel, only 3.7 nautical miles from the open water and 23 nautical miles from the outer buoy.
The channel is maintained at a depth of 40 feet and is not subject to tidal limitations. The terminal has two docks that are recessed far enough so that no part of the LNG vessel will protrude into the open waterway while docked.
In May 2017, Moody's Investors Service upgraded the senior secured debt rating of Sabine Pass Liquefaction, LLC (SPL) from Ba1 to Baa3, an investment-grade rating.
