Argent LNG LLC has let a front-end engineering and design (FEED) contract for its proposed LNG export plant in Port Fourchon, La., to Tecnimont USA Inc., a subsidiary of Maire SPA.

Under the contract, Tecnimont USA will carry out FEED engineering activities and provide technical support to the FERC permitting process. The scope covers project execution planning and documentation, schedule and cost estimation, safety and reliability studies, and integration of certain technology packages.

Upon finalization of the FERC permitting process, completion of the FEED, and following the Argent LNG LLC’s final investment decision, the project is expected to move into the engineering, procurement, and construction phase.

The award follows a cooperation agreement signed between Tecnimont and Argent LNG earlier this year, which defined Tecnimont’ role as engineering and technology integrated services provider for the project.

Argent LNG aims to build and operate a mid-sized onshore LNG export plant with up to 12 modular LNG trains with a combined capacity of 25 million tonnes/year and was granted US Department of Energy approval earlier this year to export to free-trade agreement countries.

The first cargo from the development is targeted for 2030.