Sabine Pass LNG to place sixth train in service

The US' 33mn t/yr Sabine Pass LNG export facility in Louisiana has received regulatory approval to place its sixth liquefaction train into service.

Permission from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on 4 February signals the end of commissioning and start of normal production. The operator requested approval on 1 February. Long-term supply contracts associated with the unit will probably come into force once the train comes into service.

Train 6 loaded its first cargo in early December, having produced its first LNG on 23 November, and was expected to enter long-term service during the current quarter.

Ferc's approval could support loadings from Sabine Pass this month, as the new train ramps up to capacity after its commissioning period. But commissioning cargoes from the train had already probably buoyed exports from the site in December-January. Given the spread between US domestic gas prices and global LNG prices, there is ample incentive for strong production at the facility.

By Samuel Good