Project description

Originally named Hackberry LNG, Cameron LNG was purchased by Sempra Energy from Dynegy in April 2003. In September 2003, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued a permit, and subsequently in April, 2004, authorized the construction of Cameron LNG, one of the first new liquefied natural gas receipt terminals in North America in more than 20 years.

In December 2004, a permit modification to enhance the marine facilities was submitted to FERC and conditionally approved in April of 2005. The FERC granted its authority to construct in August 2005. The principal marine facility upgrades include:

• Widening and enlarging the LNG ship unloading slip.
• Adding a 1,700-foot-diameter turning basin integrated into the slip with a depth of 45 feet.
• Moving the eastern edge of the slip (and berthed LNG ship) an additional 90 feet away from the edge of the channel for a total offset of 250 feet.
• Expanding the berthing capability to accommodate LNG carriers up to 200,000 m³.

The Cameron LNG receipt terminal and associated facilities were built in Cameron, Louisiana, which is located approximately 148 miles east of Houston, Texas, and 230 miles west of New Orleans, Louisiana. The terminal is capable of processing up to 1.5 billion cubic feet (Bcf) of natural gas per day, and the site can accommodate expansion up to 2.65 Bcf per day. Commercial operations began July 2009. The receipt facility is only 35 miles from a major pipeline hub that serves nearly two-thirds of all U.S. natural gas markets.

On Aug. 1, 2005, Sempra LNG signed a 20-year Capacity Agreement with ENI S.p.A. for a TSA for 40% of the capacity of the Cameron LNG receipt terminal (approximately 600 MMcfd).

The Engineering, Construction and Procurement contract was signed in December 2004 with the joint venture Aker Kvaerner / IHI. A Notice To Proceed with construction was granted in August 2005.

The FERC application was submitted in December 2005, requesting approval to expand to 2.65 Bcf/d send out capacity. FERC approval was granted January 2007.

On June 21, 2009, Cameron LNG’s first cargo arrived aboard BP’s British Diamond, an LNG carrier bringing supplies from Trinidad. A second ship, BP’s British Emerald, arrived at the terminal June 30 with a cargo from Trinidad. The performance tests were successfully completed and earned us approval from FERC to begin commercial operations on July 30, 2009.

In addition to the terminal, Sempra Pipelines & Storage has constructed a 36-mile pipeline to transport natural gas from the facility to connect with existing interstate pipelines to the north. Other benefits include stimulating the local economy, increasing the tax base for the Cameron, Beauregard and Calcasieu parishes, and having a Fortune 500 company in the community that has demonstrated itself to be a good corporate neighbor.