Mr. Chain's Vital Role in LNG Construction: Safety and Durability in Extreme Environments

Over the past few years, Mr. Chain has provided thousands of feet of plastic chain to two large liquefied natural gas (LNG) construction projects in Kitimat, British Columbia, and Sabine, Texas. The chain serves a safety role during the construction of these facilities. According to reports, the chain has performed well in both locations, enduring temperatures as low as -0°F in Kitimat and highs exceeding 100°F in Texas. Since both projects have multi-year construction periods, a durable safety solution was essential, and Mr. Chain's plastic safety chain has consistently met this requirement. Due to the substantial volume of chain purchased, our curiosity about these projects has grown.

Both facilities are being constructed for the production of LNG, which involves cooling natural gas to a liquid state at approximately -260°F for shipping and storage. In its liquid form, natural gas occupies about 600 times less space than in its gaseous state. LNG is a viable method for transporting natural gas over long distances when pipeline transport is impractical. Areas located far from gas-producing regions gain access to natural gas through LNG. At receiving terminals, LNG is converted back to its gaseous form and transported via pipelines.

LNG stands out as the cleanest among fossil fuels, emitting 40% less carbon dioxide (CO₂) than coal and 30% less than oil. It also lacks emissions of soot, dust, particulates, and produces minimal amounts of harmful compounds like sulfur dioxide and mercury that negatively impact the Earth's atmosphere.

The LNG export terminal in Kitimat, B.C., initially designed to produce 6.5 million tons per annum (mtpa) of LNG, has the flexibility to expand to a total estimated production capacity of 26 mtpa. The Kitimat LNG project in Canada is currently around 85% complete overall, with the first shipments approaching. LNG Canada, a joint venture involving Shell, PETRONAS, PetroChina, Mitsubishi Corporation, and Korea Gas Corporation, oversees this substantial terminal project, estimated at $18 billion in cost. It's just one part of the broader commitment to LNG Canada, which is projected to total $40 billion, marking the largest energy investment in Canadian history.

Just over 3,000 miles to the southeast, Golden Pass LNG is expanding its existing facility in Sabine Pass, Texas, to incorporate liquefaction and export capabilities. This expansion will provide the flexibility to import and export natural gas in response to market conditions. Production is expected to commence in the second half of 2024.

The project is estimated to have a send-out capacity of approximately 18 million tons of LNG per year. The new facility will make use of the existing state-of-the-art tanks, berths, and pipeline infrastructure. Additionally, new facilities for natural gas pre-treatment and liquefaction will be constructed.

The Golden Pass project is a partnership between QatarEnergy and ExxonMobil affiliates, two leading energy companies with an unrivaled track record in producing, shipping, and marketing natural gas globally.

This project represents an investment of approximately $10 billion in Gulf Coast infrastructure, expected to generate billions of dollars in economic growth and contribute millions of dollars in annual taxes to local, state, and federal governments. During the construction phase, it is anticipated to create thousands of jobs, followed by the establishment of more than 200 permanent positions once operational.

Both projects will not only bring significant economic benefits to their respective regions but also contribute to vast new sources of cleaner energy. Mr. Chain is proud to be a part of these developments!