The Golden Pass LNG terminal in Sabine Pass, Texas, has shipped its first export cargo, marking the entry of a major new supplier into the global liquefied natural gas market. The joint venture between QatarEnergy and ExxonMobil aims to eventually export about 18 million tonnes of LNG per year.
The first cargo departed on April 22, 2026, as announced by Golden Pass LNG. The milestone brings the project closer to full commercial operations after years of construction delays and cost overruns.
Alex Savva, president and CEO of Golden Pass, said the company is proud to have started delivering American LNG to the global market. Jeff Hammad, commercial director, added that the successful start of exports fulfills the vision of the shareholders – QatarEnergy and ExxonMobil – which was formed years ago when they committed to the project.
Geopolitical context boosts demand for new supply
The launch of additional U.S. export capacity comes at a favorable moment. Conflict in the Persian Gulf has disrupted global LNG supplies and pushed prices higher. Iran has recently issued warnings to vessels crossing the Strait of Hormuz, threatening attacks on ships using a de facto U.S.-designated southern corridor near Oman.
Analysts point out that gas deliveries from Persian Gulf producers – Qatar and the United Arab Emirates – are critical for the global market. Prolonged restrictions could hinder efforts to fill gas storage ahead of the coming winter.
Europe’s gas storage levels raise winter supply fears
The challenging situation is already visible in Europe. Gas storage facilities across the continent are filled to 50% of capacity, compared to a five-year average of 65.1% for this time of year, according to data from Gas Infrastructure Europe. In Germany, which has the largest gas storage in Europe, the fill rate stands at 42.6% against a five-year average of 64.2%.
The German gas industry lobby group INES said that while it is technically still possible to fill domestic gas reserves to 76% by November 1, achieving that target depends largely on the direction of global gas prices.
The Golden Pass terminal, built at a cost of nearly $10 billion, currently has one liquefaction line operating, with two more under construction. Once all three lines are running, the facility will have five LNG storage tanks of 155,000 cubic meters each and two berths for the world’s largest LNG carriers. QatarEnergy holds a 70% stake in the project, ExxonMobil the remaining 30%.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. Shutterstock/Wojciech Wrzesien
