Coastal Bend LNG Kicks Off FERC Pre-Filing for Texas Terminal
Coastal Bend LNG LLC has asked the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to open a pre-filing review of its planned Texas export terminal, Rigzone reports, formally starting the regulatory process under Section 3 of the Natural Gas Act. The Houston-based developer said the move follows completed engineering and environmental studies and expects to file its formal application with FERC next year. Per the company’s published timeline, a final FERC decision is expected in 2028, with construction to follow and first LNG production targeted for 2031.
The Gulf Coast project calls for four liquefaction trains at 4.8 million metric tons per annum each, plus integrated carbon capture and storage. Chief commercial officer Keith Shoemaker said the project is “seeing strong interest from global off-takers.” Coastal Bend previously awarded a front-end engineering design contract using ConocoPhillips’ Optimized Cascade Process to KBR Inc. and Técnicas Reunidas, a January 12 press release noted, with the same pairing slated to execute EPC work pending a positive final investment decision.
What It Means for Subcontractors
- Pipeline, E&I, mechanical, and insulation subs should start tracking the FERC docket now, but actual bidding won’t materialize until after a 2028 final decision and positive FID, so don’t mobilize resources yet.
- KBR and Técnicas Reunidas are the named EPC contractors in line for the work once FID is reached, making them the key firms to build relationships with for eventual subcontract packages.
- With first production targeted for 2031, this is a multi-year runway. Firms should use the time to get pre-qualified with KBR and Técnicas Reunidas and monitor FERC’s formal application filing expected in 2027.
