The Port Arthur LNG terminal, developed by Sempra Infrastructure in Jefferson County, Texas, is a major LNG export facility with direct Gulf of Mexico access via the Sabine-Neches ship channel. Phase 1 (two liquefaction trains, ~13 Mtpa capacity) is under construction with Bechtel as EPC contractor, targeting commercial operations in 2027–2028. Phase 2 (adding two more trains) recently reached FID and is advancing, aiming for a total capacity of ~26 Mtpa by 2030–2031.

The project involves extensive foundation work due to the soft, marshy coastal soils and liquefaction risks. Foundations for critical infrastructure—such as process equipment, pipe racks, storage tanks, and marine facilities—rely heavily on driven piles, including prestressed precast concrete piles.

Owner

Sempra

PCI-Certified Precast Concrete Producers

Gulf Coast Pre-Stress Partners, LTD. and Dunham Price Group

General Contractor

Bechtel Corporation

Key Project Attributes

Prestressed concrete piles (PCPs) offer key advantages for LNG terminals like Port Arthur:

• High structural capacity — Pre-compression from strands enhances bending, shear, and tensile resistance under heavy dynamic and static loads.
• Durability in marine/coastal environments — High-strength concrete (typically 6,000+ psi) and proper cover resist corrosion, sulfates, and chloride exposure.
• Efficiency and sustainability — Factory-fabricated under PCI-certified quality control for consistent performance, faster installation than cast-in-place, and lower long-term maintenance.
• Proven performance — Used successfully on similar Gulf Coast projects; case studies highlight their reliability for LNG foundations.

Project/Precast Scope

• 3,400,000 LF of 18” square prestressed concrete piles