News Details

Exxon and Qatar Energy JV granted three year extension for Golden Pass LNG plant in Texas by US FERC

The joint venture (JV) requested an extension to complete and launch its Golden Pass LNG plant project in Texas by 30 November 2029.

ExxonMobil and Qatar Energy JV GPLNG has been granted a three-year extension by the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to complete the Golden Pass LNG plant in Texas, reported Reuters, citing a regulatory document.

On 28 August 2024, GPLNG requested an extension until 30 November 2029 to complete and activate its export terminal project in Texas.

Initially, the FERC authorised GPLNG in December 2016 with a completion deadline of 21 December 2021. The deadline was later extended to 30 November 2026, but ongoing delays have led GPLNG to request for another extension.

Delays are attributed to the bankruptcy filing of the lead construction contractor, Zachry Holdings, schedule uncertainties due to a new contractor, and possible external factors such as hurricanes, as well as time needed for commissioning.

Zachry Holdings has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, citing that the Golden Pass project exceeded its initial budget by at least $2.4bn, reported the news agency.

With the project’s main contractor in bankruptcy, GPLNG is currently in talks with McDermott International to take over as the lead contractor.

editor@lngworldwide.com