SUEZ LNG Subsidiary Completes Pipeline Construction For Neptune Offshore LNG Facility
BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SUEZ LNG NA LLC (GDF SUEZ Group) announced today that it has completed pipeline construction for its offshore LNG project, Neptune. The first phase of construction began in late July and included the installation of a 13-mile sub-sea pipeline that will connect the Neptune LNG facility with the existing Spectra Energy HubLineSM. The second phase, scheduled to begin in early May 2009 and continue into September 2009, includes connecting the new pipeline to the HubLineSM and installing two off-loading buoys. Upon completion, the LNG facility will consist of an unloading buoy system where specially designed vessels will moor, offload their natural gas, and deliver it to customers in Massachusetts and throughout New England.
"We're pleased to have completed phase one of our project with the least possible impact to the environment and what we hope has been minimal disruption to the local communities," said Clay Harris, SUEZ LNG NA President and CEO. "We thank area residents and local community groups for their understanding and support, and also municipal, state, and federal officials for their assistance."
"SUEZ LNG has been providing about 20 percent of the natural gas to New England through our Everett LNG import facility, which has been in operation since 1971," added Harris. "The addition of Neptune will solidify and also reinforce our continued commitment to serving the region and helping meet its growing demand for natural gas. This month we have reached an important step in fulfilling this commitment."
The City of Gloucester will serve as the home port for the Neptune project, representing a direct infusion of over $10 million into the local economy over the expected lifespan of the project. This includes SUEZ's lease at the Cruiseport, where it will dock its support and towing vessel for the project, as well as lease storage and office space. The support vessel is equipped with fire-fighting equipment, and will be available to local emergency responders.
Pipeline installation activities for 2008 included: (1) laying the pipeline, consisting of both a natural gas transmission line and a flowline that connects the buoys, on the sea bottom; (2) plowing a sub-sea trench and placing the pipeline in the trench; and (3) backfilling the trench and hydrotesting to ensure pipeline integrity. Next year, the company will focus on installing the buoy system, which will connect the LNG vessels to the sub-sea pipeline, and the connection between the new pipeline to the existing Spectra Energy HubLineSM.
About SUEZ LNG NA and GDF SUEZ Energy North America
SUEZ LNG NA LLC is a subsidiary of GDF SUEZ Energy North America, Inc. (GSENA), which manages a range of energy businesses in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, including electricity generation and cogeneration, natural gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG), asset-based trading and origination, and retail energy sales and related services to commercial and industrial customers.
GDF SUEZ Energy North America owns and/or operates a total of 63(a) power, cogeneration, steam, and chilled-water facilities, including those in construction, representing a capacity of 7,400(a) MW of electricity generation, 6.0 million pounds per hour of steam, and 41,973 tons per hour of chilled water. GDF SUEZ Energy North America's wholly owned subsidiary, Distrigas of Massachusetts, owns and operates a liquefied natural gas receiving terminal in Everett, Mass., which began operations in 1971 and currently serves most of the gas utilities in New England and key power producers, meeting approximately 20 percent of New England's annual gas demand. In addition to the Neptune project, GDF SUEZ Energy North America has another LNG deepwater port under development off the coast of Florida.
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