The regulatory process for a proposed floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) terminal by New Fortress Energy Inc. (NFE) offshore Louisiana has begun, kicking off what the company intends to be a sprint to startup.

The Maritime Administration and the U.S. Coast Guard stated in the Federal Register that they found NFE’s application to license the deepwater FLNG facility was sufficient. An environmental impact statement now is to be prepared, with public comments underway (No. MARAD-2022-0076).

New Fortress LNG

CEO Wes Edens said the announcement was a “significant step forward” in efforts to build what it has called the country’s first “Fast” LNG facility. The project could begin operations as soon as early next year. FAST LNG has been described by NFE as a way to deploy an LNG terminal...