Cheniere Energy Partners said on Thursday it has signed a contract with Bechtel Energy to carry out engineering, procurement and construction work for the first phase of the Sabine Pass liquefied natural gas expansion in Cameron Parish, Louisiana.
The initial phase will feature the addition of Train 7 and a boil-off gas re-liquefaction unit alongside related infrastructure integrated with the existing Sabine Pass LNG terminal. Cheniere described the phase as having an expected total production capacity of over 6 million tonnes per annum of LNG.
Sabine Pass already operates natural gas liquefaction facilities with combined production capacity of over 30 million tonnes per annum. The terminal enables the United States to export shale gas, with feedstock sourced from the Permian and Haynesville basins, and the company said those exports bolster the U.S. trade balance while offering geopolitical allies an alternative to Russian or Middle Eastern gas.
Cheniere indicated it expects to reach a final investment decision for the first phase by early 2027. To support preparatory work, the company issued Bechtel a limited notice to proceed, authorizing early-stage engineering and procurement activity ahead of any final investment commitment.
The contract with Bechtel covers the engineering, procurement and construction scope for the phase described. The expansion phase is tied to the existing Sabine Pass terminal infrastructure and is positioned as the first step in increasing the terminal's overall liquefaction throughput.
Contextual notes
- The Sabine Pass terminal's current operational capacity exceeds 30 mtpa of LNG.
- The initial expansion phase is expected to add over 6 mtpa through Train 7 and associated systems.
- Cheniere has provided Bechtel with a limited notice to proceed, enabling early engineering and procurement work.
- Cheniere expects a final investment decision on Phase 1 by early 2027.