September 28, 2023 [LNG Prime]- QatarEnergy and ExxonMobil released the latest construction update for their giant Golden Pass LNG export plant on the US Gulf Coast near Sabine Pass, Texas, as they work to launch the first train next year.

State-owned QatarEnergy owns a 70 percent stake in the Golden Pass project with a capacity of more than 18 mpta and will offtake 70 percent of the capacity, while US energy firm ExxonMobil has a 30 percent share.

A joint venture of Chiyoda, McDermott, and Zachry is building the tree Golden Pass trains worth about $10 billion next to the existing LNG import terminal.

Work progressing

Golden Pass LNG Terminal and Golden Pass Pipeline said in the newest construction report filed with the US FERC that Golden Pass is continuing to carry out Phase I and Phase II activities, such as storm water protection, levee construction, stockpiling of material, and piling.

Golden Pass and its contractors progressed installation of piping and steel in process and utilities areas, continued piping and vessels insulation activities and helical piles and piping installation for the ground flares, while concrete foundation pours continued in Train 2 and Train 3.

In addition, Golden Pass progressed setting various vessels on respective foundations and progressed brownfield tie-ins.

The firm also continued LNG tank tops modifications and progressed cable tray installations and cable pulling activities, and continued pipe pneumatic/hydrostatic testing program.

As per the pipeline expansion project, Golden Pass continued civil and construction activities supporting milepost (MP)01 Compressor Station, Sabine Spur, Natural Gas Pipeline (NGPL) Interconnect improvements, and associated facilities.

Nitrogen system

Golden Pass recently also submitted its implementation plan No. 242 to the FERC to provide information needed prior to commissioning and introduction of hazardous fluids for the nitrogen system (961).

Also, the company requests authorization of the implementation plan to allow it to begin the commissioning and startup of the nitrogen system by November 10, 2023.

As per the start of operations, the FERC said in an inspection report on August 30 that the anticipated in-service timing for the first Golden Pass train is the second half of 2024, with the second and the third train following after.

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