Dominion Energy’s Cove Point LNG Terminal achieves export milestone

Dominion Energy said that its Cove Point LNG Terminal achieved a milestone by loading its 100th commercial liquefied natural gas (LNG) ship, 19 months after entering into commercial operations for natural gas liquefaction and export.

The Cove Point LNG Terminal, which has been built on the Chesapeake Bay in Lusby, Maryland, went on to become the second-largest LNG export facility in the continental US, and the first on the East Coast, having started commercial operation in April 2018.

The LNG terminal produces LNG under 20-year contracts for ST Cove Point, which is a joint venture between Sumitomo Corporation and Tokyo Gas, and also for Gail Global (USA) LNG – the US affiliate of GAIL (India).

Paul Ruppert – Dominion Energy President of Gas Transmission and Storage said: “This is a major milestone for Dominion Energy and our country as a whole.

“It reflects not only the world-class design and operational excellence of our facility, but also the environmental progress we are making by reducing global reliance on coal, oil and other carbon-intensive energy sources.”

Dominion Energy’s Cove Point LNG Terminal loaded its 100th commercial LNG ship. Photo courtesy of Matthew Rakola/Dominion Energy

According to Dominion Energy, the Cove Point terminal is unique among the LNG terminals in the US for its operational flexibility and has shown ability to execute all the functions of an LNG facility such as import, export, vaporization and send out, and also liquefaction.

The LNG terminal is said to have reliably operated in all weather conditions, even in ambient temperatures ranging from 9°F to 105°F. Till date, the Cove Point LNG Terminal has produced over four billion gallons of LNG, with export ships dispatched to 20 plus countries.

Paul Ruppert said: “The Cove Point facility showcases our company’s commitment to environmental stewardship. The facility’s waste heat recovery and zero liquid discharge system are truly best in class and show how we can responsibly develop infrastructure while at the same time protecting our air and water.”