Live Oak LNG to develop $2bn natural gas liquefaction project in Louisiana, US

Live Oak LNG, a subsidiary of Parallax Energy, has unveiled plans to develop a $2bn natural gas liquefaction and export project in Louisiana, the US.

The project, which is planned to be developed in the Calcasieu waterway, will feature two 130,000 m3 storage tanks, and port facilities with a jetty for standard size liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers.

It is being designed for a plant capacity of about five million tonnes per year production.

The 350-acre proposed site of the project is located within Calcasieu Parish on the west bank of the Calcasieu River.

Initial study work is in progress and Live Oak LNG plans to start the permitting process shortly. The plant is expected to start services in late 2019.

Bechtel will provide pre-engineering design while Chart Industries will carry out the process design work.

Live Oak LNG chairman Martin Houston said: "We will be working hand in hand with the community and government officials to ensure the new Live Oak LNG project brings economic benefit, business opportunities and jobs to Calcasieu Parish."

Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal said: "This investment by Live Oak LNG is a welcome addition to the wealth of major industrial projects in Southwest Louisiana that are capitalizing on our state’s energy infrastructure and our outstanding, skilled workforce.

"The global demand for affordable, American-produced liquefied natural gas is on the rise, and Calcasieu Parish is ideally situated to serve that market with its deepwater ports and access to natural gas supplies."