The ST LNG deepwater port project, led by Indian-American entrepreneur Sharad Tak, has received US approval for an USD 8.2 billion facility off the Texas coast. The project is expected to add 8.4 million tonnes of annual liquefied natural gas (LNG) export capacity.
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the Maritime Administration (MARAD) fast-tracked the licensing process. It completed the Final Environmental Impact Statement in 410 days, compared with the five years previously required.
The port will be located approximately 10.4 miles offshore from Matagorda, Texas. Construction is expected to begin in 2027, with operations targeted for 2029, according to the US Department of Transportation.
ST LNG port to include 20 platforms and four floating storage units
At full capacity, the deepwater port will comprise 20 platforms, four LNG floating storage units and four mooring systems. It will also include 7.7 miles of pipeline.
The offshore location is expected to move LNG vessel traffic away from congested onshore areas. The Department of Transportation said this could reduce vessel collisions and associated safety risks.
Feed gas will be sourced from the Tres Palacios Natural Gas Storage and Trading Hub and the Williams Markham Gas Processing Plant. Supplies will reach the port through an existing Transco pipeline located approximately 5.6 miles northeast of the facility.
Project expected to support 2,000 construction jobs
ST LNG founder and CEO Sharad Tak said the project involves approximately USD 8.2 billion in planned investment. It will have an annual LNG export capacity of 8.4 million tonnes.
He added that the project would support thousands of American jobs during construction and operations, while contributing to the country’s energy security.
According to the US Department of Transportation, the project could increase the country’s LNG export capacity by 7-9 per cent. It is expected to support approximately 2,000 construction jobs and up to 855 permanent positions.
India-US LNG trade opportunities
US-India Strategic Partnership Forum President Mukesh Aghi welcomed the approval. He said the project could create opportunities for long-term LNG trade between India and the US.
“As India seeks to diversify its energy supplies and strengthen energy security, projects such as this led by ST LNG can create new opportunities for long-term LNG trade between our two countries,” Aghi said.
Tak is a first-generation Indian-American entrepreneur who has built and led businesses across technology, manufacturing, energy, broadcasting and hospitality.
US streamlines deepwater port licensing process
The approval follows a move by the Trump administration to streamline deepwater port licensing. Around 10 months ago, Duffy announced that MARAD would take over licensing oversight from the US Coast Guard.
The change was aimed at simplifying environmental reviews and accelerating licence approvals.
Duffy said the administration’s efforts to reduce regulatory delays and modernise licensing processes would support economic activity in Texas.
