A Delfin LNG liquefied natural gas pipeline explosion shook a rural area of southwest Louisiana on Tuesday, prompting an immediate response from local authorities. The incident occurred on a pipeline approximately 45 kilometers long in Cameron Parish and resulted in one minor injury.
According to reports from the Louisiana State Police, the explosion occurred at about 11:00 a.m. Central Standard Time. Witnesses reported visible flames from nearby, prompting precautionary measures such as sheltering in place for students at a local school in Johnson Bayou.
Gas was allowed to burn to contain the fire
Following the incident, emergency crews allowed the gas still flowing in the pipeline to be consumed in a controlled manner before proceeding with the extinguishment of the fire. extinguishing the fire. Fortunately, no mass evacuation was necessary and the situation was contained without major consequences for the community.
The exact cause of the explosion is still unknown and authorities have not yet provided information on the amount of gas released. The investigation is being led by the Louisiana State Police, which has already begun technical evaluations.
Key infrastructure for the Delfin LNG project
The affected pipeline is part of the preliminary works for the development of the ambitious floating natural gas liquefaction (FLNG) platforms project that Delfin Midstream, owner of Delfin LNG, plans to operate some 74 kilometers offshore.
This is a strategic project for the energy future of the United States.The project involves the deployment of three FLNG vessels with a combined production capacity of 13.2 million tons of liquefied natural gas per year. Among the contractors associated with the development are Samsung Heavy Industries and Black & Veatch.
Critical time for investment decision making
The explosion occurs in a sensitive context for Delfin LNG, in which the company had reported weeks earlier that it expected to make the final investment decision (FID) in February. This step is key to secure the financing and progress of the project, one of the most relevant of its kind in the U.S. market.
For now, Delfin LNG has not issued a public statement on the incident. Specialized media such as Upstream and The Advocate have requested comments from the company without obtaining a response so far.
Delfin LNG under the spotlight
As the Cameron Parish community recovers from the scare, the focus remains on the integrity of operations and state oversight. The explosion, although of limited consequence, revives questions about the operational risks of LNG in vulnerable coastal areas.
As the investigation progresses, the case could have regulatory and financial implications for Delfin Midstream, especially if any technical failure or operational negligence is proven.
Source: 7KPLC
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