Bechtel announced it has been selected by Delfin LNG, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fairwood Peninsula Energy Corporation, to perform front-end engineering and design for the first U.S.-based floating liquefied natural gas vessel (FLNGV) to go into service at Port Delfin. 

Port Delfin is a proposed deepwater port and floating LNG facility that will be located approximately 50 miles off the coastline of Cameron Parish, La. Delfin LNG's project will be the first offshore floating natural gas liquefaction facility in the United States. Upon the final investment decision, Bechtel is expected to design, build and commission the FLNGV.

Frederick Jones, founder of Delfin LNG commented, "Delfin is excited that we have been able to develop a strong relationship with Bechtel because we could not think of a stronger partner nor a better management and project execution team to entrust with the performance of our FEED activities. We look forward to working with Bechtel to construct and commission what will be the first floating liquefaction vessel to operate off the North American Coast."

"We bring extensive engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning expertise in the LNG and offshore industries to the exciting new market of floating LNG facilities," said Jack Futcher, president of Bechtel's oil, gas and chemicals business unit in Houston. "Our team is looking forward to working with Delfin LNG to deliver another first in the U.S. – a world-class FLNGV."

Port Delfin will receive natural gas from the Delfin Offshore Pipeline. FLNGV will be able to disconnect from the port facility and move to protected waters during a hurricane. The offshore location of the port will significantly reduce coastal LNG carrier traffic and minimize near-shore environmental impacts.

Bechtel said it is responsible for about a third of the world's LNG liquefaction capacity under construction today, including four projects in Australia and the first LNG export facility in the United States, Cheniere's Sabine Pass Liquefaction project.