FERC approves restart of Freeport LNG Train 1

The US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on March 8 approved Freeport LNG’s request to begin commissioning Train 1, nine months to the day since the June 8, 2022 fire disabled the 15mn mt/yr liquefaction facility in Texas.

Freeport requested the Train 1 approval last week, but FERC asked for more information on certain aspects the restart and needed time to process the results of a site visit March 2 by staff from the commission and the Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. 

More work needs to be done, however, before Freeport can return its third storage tank and its second LNG loading dock to service, the commission said.

“Authorisation will only be granted following the review of filed completed PSSR (pre-startup safety review) documentation, any responses requested, a determination that the facilities are fit for service, and documentation that acceptable measures have been put into place to safely return the facilities to operation,” it said.