US winter storm threatens to disrupt LNG exports

US is a major exporter and a key supplier to Europe

Pedestrians cross a bridge over the Chicago River as temperatures in the US Midwest hover in the negative single-digits, brought on by a winter storm that threatens to temporarily disrupt exports of lShow more

A winter storm battering large parts of the US threatens to temporarily disrupt exports of liquefied natural gas from the Gulf Coast, making the global fuel crunch worse.

The Arctic front, expected to continue for several days, is triggering weather warnings and advisories stretching from Maine in the north-east to the Gulf of Mexico. The US is a major LNG exporter and a key supplier to Europe, which means port disruptions could have a wide-reaching impact.

Sub-freezing temperatures and high winds through to December 26 may cause delays or suspension to pilot services for the Sabine-Neches Waterway in Texas, according to notices from Moran Shipping. The waterway services the Sabine Pass terminal, the largest US LNG export facility.

Pilots for the port of Corpus Christi, who are responsible for docking vessels in the southern Texas region, have suspended boarding vessels due to the cold, according to Moran. That may affect ship traffic to the Corpus Christi LNG export unit.

Cheniere Energy, operator of the Sabine Pass and Corpus Christi terminals, said that it always prepares for and responds to extreme weather to safely manage operations. The company did not comment on the current operations of the facilities.