Sempra Infrastructure has awarded Bechtel Energy a fixed-price engineering, procurement and construction contract for the Port Arthur LNG Phase 2 project in Texas, intended to increase LNG exports.

The value of the contract was not disclosed.

Bechtel will do detailed engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, startup, performance testing and operator training activities for the project.

It will also analyse project cost and scheduling ahead of Sempra’s final investment decision.

Phase 2 received authorisation from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in September 2023.

It’s expected to include two liquefaction trains capable of producing around 13 million tons per annum (Mtpa) of LNG, which would double the total liquefaction capacity of the plant to 26 Mtpa.

Phase 1 is currently under construction and consists of trains 1 and 2, as well as two LNG storage tanks and associated facilities.

Trains 1 and 2 are expected to start operating in 2027 and 2028, respectively.

Phase 2 remains subject to required commercial agreements, permitting, and financing before a final investment decision can be made.

Sempra Infrastructure chief executive Justin Bird said: “Building on the success of Port Arthur LNG Phase 1, which is currently under construction, the Phase 2 project is expected to further enhance the supply of secure, abundant and reliable US natural gas to customers around the globe.”