The board of directors of Cheniere Energy has announced a positive final investment decision (FID) and issued a notice to proceed (NTP) to Bechtel Oil, Gas and Chemicals to construct the first two natural gas liquefaction trains at its CCL project in Corpus Christi, Texas.

The CCL project is designed for up to three trains with expected aggregate nominal production capacity of approximately 13.5 metric MMtpy; three LNG storage tanks with a combined capacity of approximately 10.1 Bcfe; two LNG carrier docks; and a 22-mi, 48-in. natural gas supply pipeline.

The first train is expected to begin operations as early as 2018, with the second train expected to commence operations approximately six to nine months later.

According to the company, the total project costs of approximately $11.5 B for the first two trains, two LNG storage tanks, one dock and the natural gas supply pipeline, will be funded with approximately $3.1 B ofproject equity and approximately $8.4 B of debt.

The company believes that LNG exports from the CCL project could commence as early as 2018.

Through its subsidiary, Cheniere Energy Partners, Houston-based Cheniere Energy is also developing a liquefaction project at the Sabine Pass LNG terminal adjacent to the existing regasification facilities for up to six trains, each of which is expected to have a nominal production capacity of approximately 4.5 metric MMtpy.

Construction has begun on trains 1 through 4 at the SPL Project.