Emerson to digitally automate Mexico's first LNG import terminal

Altimira's LNG Terminal, near Tampico, Mexico.

AUSTIN, TEXAS – Emerson Process Management has been chosen as Main Automation Contractor (MAC) for the Altamira LNG Regasification Terminal, currently under construction near the city of Tampico on the Gulf of Mexico. Emerson will provide automation systems and services for the first import terminal which will receive liquid natural gas (LNG) shipments in Mexico, and convert them back to natural gas to be distributed by CFE (Comisión Federal de Electricidad) and PEMEX, Mexico’s state-owned, nationalized petroleum company. An additional four terminals are planned for the near future in Mexico; a MAC provider will be selected for these projects.

Overall engineering and construction is provided by ICA Fluor and IHI, who are building the Altamira Terminal for a consortium of Terminal de LNG de Altamila (TLA), which is jointly owned by Shell Gas B.V. (Shell) and Total Group of France, and Mitsui & Co. Ltd. The regasification terminal will process up to 3.75 million tons of LNG per year (MTPA) base load when in full commercial operation in October, 2006.
 
As the MAC, Emerson will developet, install, configure, test, and commission all elements of the system to control the process from the point of receipt through regasification, and into transmission pipelines. 

PlantWeb digital automation technologies at the Altamira Regas Terminal include the DeltaV automation system, AMS Suite: Intelligent Device Manager, and Rosemount smart temperature and pressure transmitters. In addition, Emerson will integrate metering skids, vibration equipment monitoring, fire and gas, safety, and emergency shutdown systems. 

Emerson will provide on-site support and service for the Altamira LNG terminal. The project is being managed and implemented by Emerson Mexico.