Summary
Cheniere Energy, Inc. (LNG) has filed an 8-K report detailing a significant operational and contractual adjustment for its Cheniere Creole Trail Pipeline, L.P. ("CCTP"). The company is seeking partial vacatur of a previously granted certificate from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC"), which would reduce the authorized transportation capacity of a segment of the Creole Trail pipeline from 3.3 Bcf/d to 2.0 Bcf/d. This adjustment is driven by revised transportation needs of its affiliate, Cheniere Marketing, Inc., which is the sole contracted shipper. The modification reflects a strategy to build a more streamlined pipeline initially, with the flexibility to expand capacity or modify flow patterns as market demand dictates, particularly after the Creole Trail LNG receiving terminal becomes operational.
Key Highlights
- 1Cheniere Creole Trail Pipeline, L.P. (CCTP) is seeking to partially vacate its FERC certificate, reducing a pipeline segment's capacity from 3.3 Bcf/d to 2.0 Bcf/d.
- 2This reduction in capacity is based on revised transportation requirements from its affiliate, Cheniere Marketing, Inc., the sole contracted shipper.
- 3CCTP is also seeking authorization for an additional pipeline segment connecting to the Cheniere Sabine Pass Pipeline system.
- 4The company plans to construct an initial phase of the pipeline, comprising the western connection and a 58.0-mile northern/northeastern segment, with an estimated in-service date of the second quarter of 2008.
- 5This operational adjustment involves a proposed amendment to a pipe supply contract with ILVA S.p.A., potentially terminating a portion of the order and incurring a $500,000 termination fee.
- 6Cheniere Energy anticipates FERC approval of these modifications in the first quarter of 2007.
- 7The company retains flexibility to seek further FERC authorization for capacity expansion or modifications based on future market demand and the operational status of the Creole Trail LNG terminal.