Cheniere 12", 16", and 24" HDD

AWC provided engineering design services for a high-capacity water transmission system supporting Cheniere LNG’s conversion from an import terminal to a major export facility. The facility’s water demand increased to approximately 6,500 gallons per minute—an amount that could not be supplied by any Louisiana utility provider—prompting an agreement with the City of Port Arthur, Texas, to serve as the water supplier for the Louisiana-based site. To deliver this water supply, AWC designed a system capable of crossing the Sabine-Neches Ship Channel in Sabine Lake, a federally regulated navigable waterway. The final design included three horizontal directional drills (HDDs): a 16-inch line from Sabine Pass, and 12-inch and 24-inch lines routed from Pleasure Island. The 24-inch and 12-inch lines serve as the primary and redundant transmission mains, ensuring uninterrupted service even in the event of a main line failure.

The project required extensive permitting and coordination to secure approval for the directional drills beneath the ship channel. AWC’s experience with complex trenchless crossings and Corps-regulated infrastructure enabled the project to proceed efficiently while maintaining environmental compliance and long-term system reliability. This project highlights AWC’s ability to deliver innovative, large-scale HDD design solutions across state lines and environmentally sensitive waterways to meet critical industrial needs.