The U.S. has given the green light to an Indian-American-led company, ST LNG, to construct an $8.2 billion deepwater liquefied natural gas (LNG) port off the coast of Texas. The project, led by India-born entrepreneur Sharad Tak, will be built about 10.4 miles offshore Matagorda, Texas. Construction is set to begin in 2027, with operations expected to start in 2029.
The port will feature 20 platforms, four LNG floating storage units, four mooring systems, and 7.7 miles of pipeline. It aims to reduce vessel traffic congestion and enhance safety by moving activity away from onshore areas. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy highlighted the Trump Administration's role in streamlining the approval process, which was completed in 410 days instead of the usual five years.
Sharad Tak, founder and CEO of ST LNG, emphasized the project's economic impact, noting it will support thousands of American jobs during construction and operations. The port is expected to increase U.S. LNG export capacity by 79 percent, with feed gas supplied through existing pipelines from nearby natural gas facilities.
Mukesh Aghi, President of the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum, welcomed the project, stating it could strengthen long-term LNG trade between the U.S. and India. The approval follows a recent shift in oversight of deepwater port licensing from the U.S. Coast Guard to the Maritime Administration (MARAD), aimed at accelerating project approvals.