Honeywell Process Solutions (HPS) announced Monday that its automation and security systems will help Freeport LNG expand its southeast Texas liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal into a world-class liquefaction and export operation.

This expansion will give Freeport LNG 13.9 MMtpy of export capacity, with startup expected in 2018. Freeport LNG is one of 10 new or expanded import or export LNG terminals that have been approved by the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

HPS will be the integrated main automation contractor (I-MAC) for the expansion project. In this role, HPS will be responsible for designing, delivering and installing the automation, instrumentation, controls, and safety and security systems. The unified approach will be critical in helping the project meet operational and business readiness goals on the first day of operations.

“The expanded I-MAC capabilities that Honeywell brings to this project – and specifically our new LEAPproject services – will help Freeport LNG start up this terminal expansion faster and within budget,” said Pieter Krynauw, vice president for HPS’s projects and automation solutions business. 

“Honeywell’s latest technologies, project delivery capabilities and expert services will create a highly integrated infrastructure to boost the plant’s profitability," he added.

The terminal, located on Quintana Island near Freeport, Texas, will build three new processing units, or trains, as part of a more than $13-billion expansion, adding gas pretreatment and liquefaction capabilities. 

Honeywell will supply its automation and control expertise and a unique approach to project consulting and execution to support Freeport LNG’s move to exporting LNG in the wake of newly-exploited domestic natural gas resources.

“Such a significant expansion of our business requires us to leverage our strategic partners to ensure we develop the safest, most efficient world-class asset,” said Michael Smith, CEO of Freeport LNG.

Honeywell says it will go beyond the traditional main automation contractor role to include a broader scope of products, services, and consulting capabilities that add value over the entire project and operating lifecycle of the venture. 

Specific key deliverables include a number of Honeywell’s innovative and patented technologies includingLEAP, Honeywell’s lean project execution services, Experion PKS Orion with Distributed Systems Architecture (DSA), Experion Security Integrator, Fault Tolerant Ethernet (FTE), Universal process and safety I/O, virtualization, advanced control, safety manager, fire and gas systems, OneWireless Network, Digital Video Manager (DVM), UniSim operator training simulator, advanced alarm management software, and PHD data historian. 

By leveraging these integrated solutions, Honeywell says it will reduce risks and minimize potential schedule delays for both Freeport LNG and its engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor during the facility expansion’s startup. 

Honeywell has partnered with principals at Freeport LNG for almost a decade to drive supply chain optimization aimed at achieving production and cargo deliveries that meet or exceed Freeport LNG’s annual delivery plan.