Golden Pass LNG, a joint venture between QatarEnergy and ExxonMobil, has launched its first commercial LNG export from the Sabine Pass terminal in Texas. The milestone shipment departed on April 22, 2026, marking the start of operations for what will become one of the largest LNG export facilities in North America.
The project, valued at nearly $10 billion, has faced years of delays and cost overruns since construction began in 2019, including the bankruptcy of its original main contractor. Now, with the first train operational, the partners are pushing to complete two additional liquefaction trains. Once fully online, the terminal is expected to export approximately 18 million tonnes of LNG annually.
QatarEnergy holds a 70 percent stake in the venture, while ExxonMobil controls the remaining 30 percent. According to Reuters, the first train alone has a production capacity of 6 million tonnes per year, with QatarEnergy entitled to just over 4 million tonnes and ExxonMobil just under 2 million tonnes based on their equity shares.
Start of commercial operations amid global tensions
– As we approach full commercial operations, we are proud to have begun delivering American LNG to the global market – said Alex Savva, president and CEO of Golden Pass. Jeff Hammad, the company’s commercial director, added: – The successful launch of LNG exports from our Sabine Pass terminal fulfills the vision of our shareholders, QatarEnergy and ExxonMobil, who committed to this project years ago.
The terminal is currently running its first liquefaction train, with trains 2 and 3 under construction and slated for startup once Train 1 stabilizes. The facility will ultimately include three liquefaction trains, five storage tanks with a capacity of 155,000 cubic meters each, and two berths capable of handling the world’s largest LNG carriers.
European gas storage levels raise winter concerns
The arrival of new American LNG export capacity comes at a critical time for global markets. Tensions in the Persian Gulf have disrupted supply flows and driven up prices. Iranian authorities have recently issued warnings to vessels using an alternative shipping lane near the Strait of Hormuz, threatening attacks on those not following the designated route. Analysts note that gas deliveries from Gulf producers – Qatar and the UAE – are essential to global supply, and prolonged disruptions could hinder the refilling of storage ahead of winter.
Europe is already feeling the strain. Data from Gas Infrastructure Europe shows that underground gas storage in the EU is only 50 percent full, compared to the five-year average of 65.1 percent for this time of year. In Germany, which operates the region’s largest storage facilities, the fill level stands at just 42.6 percent, against a five-year average of 64.2 percent.
The German gas industry lobby group INES stated that while it is technically possible to reach 76 percent storage by November 1, achieving that target largely depends on where global gas prices head in the coming months. The start of exports from Golden Pass adds a substantial new source of supply to the market, potentially helping to ease some of the pressure.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. Shutterstock/Wojciech Wrzesien
