Sempra Energy’s Cameron LNG export project begins production

Sempra Energy has started production of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the first train of the $10bn Cameron LNG export project in Hackberry, Louisiana, US.

The milestone is a precursor to first cargo and comes after the company commenced the commissioning and start-up process last November.

Last month, pipeline feed gas was introduced into the first train for testing.

The production startup was marked by an event that was attended by US President Donald Trump.

A joint venture comprising McDermott International and Chiyoda is delivering the engineering, procurement and construction for the Cameron LNG project under a contract awarded in 2014.

Sempra LNG Lisa Glatch said: “Reaching this important milestone of first LNG production is truly a credit to the team at Cameron LNG and the work they’ve done to reach this point.

“Cameron LNG expects to load cargoes in the coming weeks – another major step forward to bringing cleaner, affordable energy to global markets.”

The LNG project involves the construction of three liquefaction trains under the first phase.

The three trains are expected to have a combined export capacity of more than 12 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of LNG.

In May 2016, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved plans to expand the existing liquefaction export project. The expansion will include up to two more liquefaction trains and two additional LNG storage tanks.

Sempra Energy aims to build 45Mtpa of LNG export capacity to serve global markets.

Sempra is the majority owner in the Cameron LNG with a 50.2% interest. Partners in the project include affiliates of Total (16.6%), Mitsui & Co (16.6%), and Japan LNG Investment (16.6%), a company jointly owned by Mitsubishi and Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK).

The partners made the final investment decision (FID) on the project in August 2014.

According to Sempra, the first LNG shipment from the project to international markets is set to begin in the coming weeks.

Mitsubishi has a 4Mtpa tolling agreement with the project. The company intends to source gas from throughout North America and deliver it to the Cameron LNG terminal for liquefaction by Cameron LNG.

Following liquefaction, Mitsubishi will sell the gas to buyers in Japan and overseas.