HOUSTON, Jan 28 (Reuters) -

A floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant operated by

U.S. energy firm New Fortress Energy ( NFE ) off Mexico's coast

is producing at 20% above its capacity, and the company has

shipped nine cargoes from the facility since August, it said on

Tuesday.

NFE has been struggling to secure LNG for its

power-generation operations on long-term agreements. The company

is trying to raise cash and improve its finances by taking on

partners for its primary businesses and selling some assets

following its deferral of a shareholder dividend last year.

Its Fast LNG floating project in Altamira, on Mexico's

Atlantic coast, had a rocky start to commercial operations in

mid-2024, following delays to receive and plug the

infrastructure. The plant turns U.S. natural gas into LNG, which

is being sent mainly to Puerto Rico for power generation.

NFE was the only company to receive a non-Free Trade

Agreement permit by the administration of former President Joe

Biden during a pause to review the economic and climate impact

of U.S. LNG exports.

The Altamira facility has been producing at 1.67 million

metric tonnes per annum (MTPA), above its 1.4 MTPA nameplate

capacity, the company said in an updated presentation to

investors.

The company's refinancing plans are expected to help

fund the second phase of the Altamira project, which would start

up in 2027, it also said in the presentation. NFE is evaluating

proposals to sell its power assets in Jamaica.