Port Arthur LNG celebrates one year of achievement

While the project broke ground shortly after Sempra Infrastructure issued a positive final investment decision (FID) nearly one year ago, this event marked a significant advancement in the Port Arthur LNG Phase 1 project, underscoring Sempra Infrastructure’s role in contributing to the energy transition, serving increasing global energy demand, providing a secure and reliable source of natural gas for US allies, as well as the project’s positive impacts on the local community and economy.

The gathering of distinguished guests included partners, customers, government officials, community leaders, and employees. The celebration highlighted the collaborative spirit that has been central in reaching this juncture, as well as the project’s commitments to safety, sustainability, and innovation in LNG technology. Most importantly, the event served to reaffirm Sempra Infrastructure’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community investments.

Justin Bird, CEO of Sempra Infrastructure and Executive Vice President at Sempra, spoke at the event to share his vision for the future, emphasising the strategic importance of the Port Arthur LNG Phase 1 project in the global energy transition. He also shared how this project is set to enhance energy reliability and security, particularly for US allies, while providing a cleaner alternative to traditional hydrocarbons.

“We each have a part to play to ensure that the transition to a lower-carbon future is well-managed, that affordability and reliability are not sacrificed in the pursuit of sustainability,” said Bird. “We can do that by ensuring companies are able to launch timely projects to meet today’s growing energy demand. Port Arthur LNG Phase 1 is uniquely positioned to meet the moment, as it underpins world-class, low-carbon opportunities proximal to the facility, enabling the region to serve as a flagship hub for the energy transition."

Tania Ortiz Mena, President of Sempra Infrastructure, underscored the critical role the local community has played in reaching this milestone in the project’s construction. She highlighted the project's significant role in bolstering the local economy through local hiring and procurement initiatives, as well as social investment partnerships with nonprofits, schools and community-based organisations throughout Jefferson County, with a focused commitment toward workforce readiness and development programs.

“Without the local community leaders and support from the community, Port Arthur LNG would not be the successful project that it is,” said Ortiz Mena. “Today I want to reiterate our commitment to each of you to be a good neighbour, support the local economy through local procurement and local hiring, and reaffirm our commitment to continued social investment to ensure the community is a better place because we are here.”

The event also served as a platform for acknowledging the project's key contributors, including Brendan Bechtel, Chairman and CEO of Bechtel, the engineering, procurement and construction company which has been instrumental in making sure the project remains within budget and on schedule.

Together, Sempra Infrastructure and Bechtel have hired more than 1000 construction and office staff in the past year. More than 580 of those hired are local to the greater Port Arthur area. In addition, Bechtel has more than 100 local vendors for the project, totalling more than US$160 million in local contracts.

Read the article online at: https://www.tanksterminals.com/terminals/28032024/port-arthur-lng-celebrates-one-year-of-achievement/