U.S. weekly exports slip despite record daily output

Weekly exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States have slipped for the fourth week in a row.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration noted that a total of 18 vessels departed the U.S. export facilities during the week between January 21 and January 27.

The vessels had a combined LNG-carrying capacity of 65 Billion cubic feet (Bcf).

This compares to 20 vessels with a combined LNG-carrying capacity of 72 Billion cubic feet (Bcf), that departed U.S. LNG export facilities in the previous week.

Cheniere’s Sabine Pass plant shipped five cargoes with four cargoes shipped from Cameron, Corpus Christi and Freeport LNG facilities each. Dominion’s Cove Point facility shipped a single cargo during the period.

EIA further noted that during the week under review, U.S. LNG traffic flow was affected by fog at Sabine Pass LNG, Corpus Christi LNG, and Cameron LNG.

Piloting services in the waterways around Corpus Christi LNG were suspended for part of the day on January 21, 2021. Pilot services were suspended for Sabine Pass LNG traffic on January 21, 23, and 25 because of fog conditions.

Weather-related closures were also reported for several days at Lake Charles, the location of Cameron LNG, EIA said.

However, EIA also noted that on January 26, a new record of U.S. LNG daily loadings was set. The agency estimates that 25.4 Bcf were loaded on seven LNG tankers that departed the U.S. LNG terminal on that day.

Natural gas deliveries to U.S. liquefied natural gas export facilities averaged 9.9 Bcf/d, or 0.9 Bcf/d lower than last week.