The Cameron LNG project achieved first LNG production on May 14 and the project will begin exports in the coming weeks, Total SA said in a press release.

The project, located along the Louisiana Gulf Coast, is operated by Cameron LNG LLC jointly owned by Sempra Energy (50.2%), Total (16.6%), Mitsui & Co. Ltd. (16.6%) and Mitsubishi/NYK (16.6%).

“The start-up of the LNG production marks an important milestone for the Cameron LNG project,” Patrick Pouyanné, chairman and CEO of Total, said in a statement on May 14.

Phase 1 of the Cameron LNG project of 13.5 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) capacity includes three LNG trains of 4.5 Mtpa each. Construction is ongoing for trains 2 and 3 with first production expected by the turn of the year and mid-2020 respectively.

In addition, the Cameron LNG co-owners are currently discussing a potential expansion of the base project, already authorized by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, that would add two liquefaction trains of 4.5 Mtpa capacity each and two LNG storage tanks.

Total entered the Cameron LNG project through the acquisition of Engie’s upstream LNG business in 2018.

Pouyanné said Total’s commitment to Cameron LNG and its expansion is in line with the company’s strategy to continue building a strong position in the U.S. LNG market. 

“With Cameron LNG start-up, we will achieve our target of being integrated along the gas value chain in the U.S. since we are already a gas producer in the country,” he said.