Cameron LNG Train 1 undergoing three weeks of scheduled maintenance: operator

One of the three trains at Sempra Energy's Cameron LNG export facility in Louisiana was taken offline for scheduled maintenance that was expected to last around three weeks, the operator said April 29.

The turnaround on Train 1 began April 28, spokeswoman Anya McInnis said in an email responding to questions. The facility's total capacity is around 12 million mt/year.

Based on nominations for the morning cycle, feedgas deliveries to the facility totaled 1.39 Bcf/d April 29, versus 2.18 Bcf/d the day before the maintenance began.

"LNG production, feedgas flows and cargo loading frequency will be lower during the maintenance period, but we don't anticipate any disruption to the service to our customers," McInnis said.

During the spring and early summer, it is common for US liquefaction facilities to undergo scheduled maintenance. Freeport LNG in Texas began a scheduled turnaround on one of its three trains April 5. That work was expected to last 18 days, though it was extended by a few days, with feedgas deliveries to the 15 million mt/year capacity facility April 29 showing a substantial rebound from the previous day, though not quite back to full capacity.

Cameron LNG's Train 1 also was taken offline in July 2021 for a week's worth of scheduled maintenance.

Total US LNG feedgas demand stood at 12.20 Bcf/d April 29, up 400 MMcf/d from the day before, with most of the other five US liquefaction facilities appearing to be operating at or near full utilization.

A turnabout in LNG prices in Europe and Asia since record lows in 2020 has spurred renewed interest in US LNG supplies. Offering relatively low fixed fees and destination flexibility for cargoes, US LNG exporters and project developers including Cheniere, Venture Global LNG, NextDecade and Energy Transfer have announced new long-term deals in recent months. The swings in delivered prices also present opportunities in the prompt market for US FOB cargoes.

The Platts Gulf Coast Marker for US FOB cargoes loading 30 to 60 days forward was assessed at $21.000/MMBtu April 29. While down $2.200/MMBtu on the day, GCM is currently three times higher than at the same time a year ago.