$10 Billion Texas Terminal Ships LNG Abroad After 16-Year Wait
A massive $10 billion steel terminal on the Sabine-Neches Waterway in southeast Texas has finally started shipping liquefied natural gas (LNG) abroad, reversing its original purpose as an import facility. The Golden Pass LNG export terminal, a joint venture between QatarEnergy and ExxonMobil, began operations on April 22, 2026, sending its first cargo to an undisclosed destination.
The terminal's transformation from an idle import facility to a major LNG exporter is a testament to the shifting global energy landscape. The shale revolution in the US led to an oversupply of natural gas, rendering the import terminal redundant. However, with disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz affecting global supply in 2025 and 2026, the need for alternative suppliers became apparent.
The terminal's development generated billions of dollars in economic growth and supported thousands of jobs during its construction phase. When fully operational, Golden Pass LNG is expected to export approximately 18 million tons of LNG per year, ranking it as one of the top US exporters.