QatarEnergy has marked a major milestone with the first LNG export from the Golden Pass LNG project located in Sabine Pass, Texas, in the United States. The development, a joint venture between QatarEnergy and ExxonMobil, represents a significant step toward full-scale commercial and export operations. The first LNG export cargo was successfully loaded onto QatarEnergy’s Al-Qaiyyah LNG carrier, a vessel recently constructed in the Republic of Korea with a storage capacity of 174,000 cubic meters. This first LNG export signals the operational progress of the project as it moves closer to steady-state production and delivery, reinforcing its role in the evolving global LNG supply landscape.
Highlighting the importance of the occasion, Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi stated: “This is a significant industry milestone that marks a new chapter in QatarEnergy’s global efforts to meet rising LNG demand and ensure reliable supplies to international markets.”
The first LNG export underscores the strategic importance of the Golden Pass LNG project within QatarEnergy’s broader expansion plans. Al-Kaabi further emphasized the scale of the initiative, noting: “The Golden Pass LNG project is one of the single largest investment decisions in the history of the U.S. LNG sector, affirming QatarEnergy’s position and reputation as a reliable provider and a trusted partner of choice that drives growth and development around the world.” These remarks reflect the broader industry implications of the first LNG export and its contribution to strengthening supply reliability.
The Golden Pass LNG project is structured as a partnership, with QatarEnergy holding a 70% stake and ExxonMobil owning the remaining 30%. The partners had taken a final investment decision exceeding USD 10 billion in February 2019 to advance the development. From the project’s total production capacity of 18 million tons per annum, 70% will be allocated to QatarEnergy Trading, the company’s wholly owned LNG trading arm. The first LNG export and the subsequent offtake volumes are expected to enhance QatarEnergy Trading’s global LNG portfolio while supporting its ongoing business expansion. This first LNG export also aligns with the company’s strategy to secure long-term market presence through integrated supply chains.
Operationally, the project has already reached key technical milestones, including sustained liquefaction operations and the commencement of LNG production from the first of its three LNG trains on 30 March 2026. The achievement of the first LNG export follows closely on the heels of this production start, demonstrating the project’s rapid transition from commissioning to export readiness. As additional trains come online, the Golden Pass LNG project is expected to further scale its output, with the first LNG export representing a foundational step in its long-term operational trajectory.
