Freeport LNG expects partial operation to resume in early September at its $13.5-billion liquefied natural gas plant and export terminal in Freeport, Texas, following a June 8 gas leak-triggered fire and explosion in its piping system. But the firm said it could take until the end of 2022 for all repairs and regulatory clearances to enable full operation of the facility—which accounts for about 20% of total U.S. export capacity and about 4% of global capacity. The shutdown has already generated unease in key LNG supply markets, particularly in Europe.

The gas release at the plant, located on Quintana Island south of Galveston, created a natural gas vapor cloud that exploded and set fire to nearby piping insulation and cabling in the pipe racks that support gas transfer from storage tanks to the dock on the intercoastal waterway.