ConocoPhillips, operator of the long-running LNG liquefaction plant on the Kenai Peninsula, AK, announced it has renewed its agreement with Bechtel Corp. to collaborate in pursuing worldwide LNG projects.

Bechtel and ConocoPhillips currently are working on expanding the Atlantic LNG facility in Trinidad. Bechtel designed and built the Kenai Peninsula plant in 1969, using ConocoPhillips’ Optimized Cascade LNG process. The plant was the first to ship LNG to Japan and the first to use gas turbines to drive its compressors. The two companies are continuing to enhance the technology through their Houston-based LNG Product Development Center, where current efforts are aimed at developing higher-capacity plants with improved environmental performance. The center is staffed by employees from both companies. It also supports marketing efforts worldwide.

“We have now been working for more than nine years with ConocoPhillips to optimize LNG process design, physical facilities and overall plant efficiency,” said Amos Avidan, Bechtel’s principal vice president and manager of petroleum and chemicals technologies. “Our objective is to continue this investment to meet our customers’ expectations and maintain LNG industry leadership.”

ConocoPhillips’ Optimized Cascade LNG process is highly efficient, cost-effective and reliable, and has significant advantages over other processes, according to Rick Hernandez, ConocoPhillips manager of worldwide LNG technology licensing. “Our expertise in LNG design and operation, coupled with Bechtel’s leadership in engineering, procurement, construction and management, continues to provide new opportunities to the industry.”

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