Cheniere Energy, which operates the Sabine Pass LNG terminal in Louisiana, has suspended the facility’s operations as Hurricane Laura strengthened and headed toward the US Gulf Coast. No LNG tankers were loading at Sabine Pass LNG, and Cameron LNG terminals after inbound vessels through the channel serving both facilities were suspended.
A spokesman from the company said five liquefaction trains at the 25.6 million tons/year terminal would be temporarily shut. However, he did not disclose where the company would lift the suspension. Meanwhile, Sempra Energy, the operator of Cameron LNG terminal, said it would conduct a meeting to decide whether to initiate emergency plans. Representatives from Freeport LNG said the company had secured the site but did not disclose whether operations would be reduced or suspended.
Previously, Tropical Storm Marco weakened and is not forecast to make landfall. On the other hand, Laura is expected to develop into a hurricane before arriving at southwest Louisiana on late Wednesday or early Thursday. The double storms, however, are expected to have limited impact on the global LNG market, traders said. The number of inbound shipments from US LNG terminals is low due to cargo cancellations throughout the summer.
