Trinidad's Atlantic LNG will shut down Train 4 to perform major maintenance

Three people familiar with the plan said that Trinidad and Tobago’s flagship 'Atlantic LNG' plans to close its 6 million metric ton per annum Train 4 in May and/or June for maintenance and repairs.

Atlantic LNG is owned by Shell, BP and Trinidad's National Gas Company. Each company holds a 45% share. According to documents from the company, this facility will account for?roughly 15% of BP’s global LNG production in 2025 and 10% of Shell’s LNG output.

People told us that the maintenance and repairs will begin on May 4, and last between 45-50 days.

During this time, Atlantic will continue exporting LNG from Trains 2 &?3, with a combined 6 mtpa capacity.

Atlantic LNG said that the turnaround was 'designed to ensure they can operate the plant reliably' and couldn't comment on whether or not it would allow Trains 2 & 3 to run at full capacity using the additional gas needed for Train 4 in the interim.

Shell has said that it will not comment on its trading activities. BP and NGC have not responded to requests for comment.

Atlantic LNG, Latin America's leading LNG exporter with a production capacity of 12 mtpa, is the largest LNG producer in Latin America. Last year however, the plant only exported 9 MT due to natural gas shortages, according to data from financial firm LSEG.

According to LSEG data, Atlantic is the largest LNG exporter to South America.

Calculations show that based on the production of last year, Atlantic's output will likely be reduced by more than 600,000 MT.

According to calculations, last year Atlantic exported 143 shipments. Based on the ownership structure this could mean a loss of 20 shipments during the 50-day period. Shell and BP both gave up 9 shipments and NGC 2.

Atlantic LNG shipped four cargos to the United States in January, as some U.S. LNG facilities became gas importers. Curtis Williams, Houston; Nathan Crooks and Kirby Donovan edited the story.

(source: Reuters)