The U.S. Maritime Administration greenlights an $8.2 billion LNG project off Texas, set to enhance export capacity and create thousands of jobs.
The U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) has approved the license application for the $8.2 billion ST LNG deepwater port project planned to be built off the Texas coast. The facility, which will have an annual production and export capacity of 8.4 million tons of liquefied natural gas (LNG), is expected to begin construction in 2027 and become operational in 2029.
Announced by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on October 28, 2026, the project aims to increase the country's LNG export capacity and enhance energy transportation via maritime routes.
Twenty platforms will be established off the coast of Texas.
The ST LNG project will be implemented approximately 16.7 kilometers offshore from the Matagorda coast of Texas.
As part of the project, four liquefaction units will be constructed, each with an annual LNG production capacity of 2.1 million tons.
When the facility reaches full capacity, it will consist of 20 offshore platforms, four floating LNG storage units, four ship mooring systems, and approximately 12.4 kilometers of pipeline.
The produced LNG will be transferred to LNG carriers through loading systems located offshore.
It is reported that the project could increase the existing LNG export capacity of the U.S. by 7 to 9 percent.
LNG carriers will load offshore.
Unlike traditional land terminals, the liquefaction of natural gas and loading onto ships at the ST LNG facility will be conducted offshore.
This practice aims to enable LNG tankers to load without entering congested coastal ports.
The U.S. Department of Transportation stated that the facility will reduce ship traffic at coastal ports and lower the risks of collisions and accidents.
The natural gas used at the facility will be supplied through existing pipeline infrastructure from the Tres Palacios Natural Gas Storage and Trading Center and the Williams Markham Gas Processing Facility.
2,000 jobs will be provided during construction.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the $8.2 billion investment is expected to create approximately 2,000 jobs during the construction phase.
After the facility becomes operational, it is anticipated to generate permanent employment for up to 855 individuals.
ST LNG CEO Sharad Tak stated that the project will contribute to U.S. energy security and support economic activities along the Texas Gulf coast.
License review completed in 410 days.
One of the notable aspects of the project was the duration of the license evaluation process.
The U.S. Maritime Administration completed the final environmental impact assessment for the ST LNG project in 410 days.
The U.S. Department of Transportation announced that this duration is approximately 3.7 years shorter than the historical average and represents the fastest deepwater port license evaluation conducted in over the past 20 years.
Under new regulations, MARAD's authority in the licensing processes for deepwater ports has been expanded, while the U.S. Coast Guard will continue to maintain its responsibilities regarding maritime safety, security, and vessel traffic.
The U.S. is expanding its LNG export capacity.
As the world's largest LNG exporter, the U.S. currently has an annual production capacity of over 100 million tons. It is reported that new capacity of approximately the same size is also under construction.
The ST LNG project stands out as one of the investments aimed at expanding the country's offshore LNG infrastructure.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
