Bechtel Hands Over the Reins: Cheniere’s LNG Train 1 Goes Live
In a landmark moment for the energy sector, Cheniere Energy has officially taken control of Train 1 at its Corpus Christi liquefaction (CCL) Stage 3 project, marking a major leap forward in the company’s mission to dominate the global LNG market. The handover, completed by engineering powerhouse Bechtel, signifies the culmination of a meticulously orchestrated engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) process. This isn’t just another industrial milestone—it’s a glimpse into the future of energy infrastructure, where precision engineering meets cutting-edge tech to power the world.
Train 1, part of the sprawling CCL facility on the La Quinta Ship Channel in Texas, achieved substantial completion on March 16, 2025. This follows its first LNG production in December 2024 and the loading of its inaugural cargo last month. For Cheniere, this isn’t just about adding capacity—it’s about redefining the energy landscape. “We’re laser-focused on bringing the remaining CCL Stage 3 trains online ahead of schedule,” said Jack Fusco, Cheniere’s President and CEO. “This isn’t just about supply—it’s about creating long-term value for our stakeholders and solidifying our position as a global energy leader.”
The Blueprint for Expansion: Seven Trains, One Vision
The CCL Stage 3 project is no small feat. With a final investment decision (FID) secured in June 2022, the expansion plan includes seven midscale trains, each designed to boost the terminal’s total nominal capacity to over 10 million tonnes per annum (mtpa). Once fully operational, the facility’s liquefaction capacity will soar to over 25 mtpa, making it a cornerstone of U.S. energy exports. Two more trains are slated for completion in 2025, with the remaining four expected to come online in 2026.
As of January 31, 2025, the overall project completion stood at 78.3%, with engineering and procurement nearing the finish line at 97.6% and 97.2%, respectively. Subcontract work and construction are also progressing steadily, clocking in at 88.8% and 45.5% completion. But Cheniere isn’t stopping there. The company is already eyeing two additional midscale trains adjacent to the CCL Stage 3 project, which could add another 3 mtpa of LNG production capacity. With a positive environmental assessment from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in hand, Cheniere is poised to secure the remaining regulatory approvals this year.
Pipeline Power: Fueling the Future
To support this massive infrastructure, Cheniere has also brought a 40-mile intrastate pipeline into commercial operation. This pipeline, capable of transporting up to 1.7 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d)—expandable to 2.5 Bcf/d—connects the Whistler pipeline in Agua Dulce to the Corpus Christi plant. Since its launch in July 2024, it has become a critical artery for delivering LNG to global markets, ensuring that Cheniere’s operations remain agile and scalable.
This isn’t just about energy—it’s about innovation. From advanced liquefaction tech to smart pipeline systems, Cheniere is leveraging cutting-edge solutions to stay ahead of the curve. As the world pivots toward cleaner energy sources, LNG is emerging as a key player, and Cheniere is leading the charge.
