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Freeport LNG Restores Third Storage Tank

On May 21, 2025, Freeport LNG Development, L.P. announced a major milestone: the return of its third LNG storage tank to active service. This development comes following a nearly three-year period during which the tank was non-operational due to damage caused by an incident at the company's liquefaction and export facility on June 8, 2022. The restoration of the tank was carried out with the necessary approvals from both the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

The incident in June 2022 had significant implications for Freeport LNG, leading to extensive collaborative efforts with local, state, and federal regulators to ensure safe and effective recovery. According to Michael Smith, the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Freeport LNG, this moment marks the completion of physical restoration efforts since the incident. He expressed gratitude for the dedication of employees and contractors, stating, "Freeport LNG has emerged from this incident as a more resilient company with an enhanced safety focus."

Over the past three years, Freeport LNG has not only restored its facilities but has also enacted comprehensive improvements throughout the organization. The company has doubled its operations and maintenance workforce and strengthened leadership positions across critical areas, including operations, maintenance, engineering, and safety. This strategic enhancement is aimed at ensuring higher performance standards and operational reliability, particularly in safety and environmental health, which remain top priorities for the organization.

In conjunction with these changes, Freeport LNG completed a debottlenecking project, successfully increasing its LNG production capacity. Remarkably, even while operating with only two of its three storage tanks, the company achieved record production rates over the past year. April 2025 marked an all-time monthly production record for Freeport LNG, showcasing the company's ability to adapt and thrive under challenging circumstances.

The restoration of the third LNG storage tank represents a crucial phase in Freeport LNG's journey towards recovery and resiliency. The company’s electric drive motors, utilized in its liquefaction facility, are designed to reduce carbon emissions significantly, aligning with broader environmental sustainability goals.

As Freeport LNG looks towards expansion with plans for a fourth liquefaction train, the lessons learned from their operational adjustments and incident recovery are expected to play a pivotal role in their future endeavors. Having established itself as a leader in both safety and production, Freeport LNG is well-positioned to continue its significant contributions to the energy sector while adhering to rigorous safety and environmental standards.

The future appears bright for Freeport LNG as they not only restore their facilities but also enhance their commitment to continuous improvement, ensuring they maintain an industry-leading safety record while driving operational excellence. Further information can be explored on their official website at www.freeportlng.com.