Cheniere LNG 24-Inch Direct Pipe Water Supply Line

The Cheniere Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) facility in Cameron, Louisiana did not have an adequate clean water source to provide the water service required
for the LNG processes despite its proximity to waterways. In response, AWC created a sophisticated and award winning solution despite the overall project
complexity. This project required a lengthy two-year permitting process due to the installation passing under several key obstacles, including a USACE hurricane protection levee, a 26-rail KCS switchyard, and the Sabine Neches Canal. The project’s groundbreaking moment came with the initiation of a 6,500 linear foot horizontal directional drill under Sabine Lake. Notably, this marked the very first direct pipe installation beneath a USACE hurricane protection levee. AWC utilized unprecedented Direct Pipe Technology for installation under the levee, thrusting a 3,502-foot section of 48-inch pipe casing along the project route with pin-point accuracy.

AWC’s involvement also extended to the development of innovative design principles and the establishment of comprehensive criteria for fracture analysis—a valuable blueprint for future pipelines crossing beneath USACE hurricane protection levees. In total, this project involved the installation of over 10 miles of 24” PVC and HDPE waterline, a 6,500-linear-foot horizontal directional drill beneath Sabine Lake, and a 3,800-linear-foot direct pipe installation—an achievement that stood as the largest of its kind at the time. Notably, upon completion, AWC received multiple awards recognizing the project for orchestrating the largest direct pipe installation ever conducted in the United States.