On March 21, Delfin LNG LLC, a subsidiary of Delfin Midstream, obtained a license from the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) authorizing the construction and operation of a floating port to export liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the Gulf of Mexico. This approval follows the extension of its export permit granted by the Department of Energy on March 10, consolidating institutional support for the project.
Green light for the country’s first floating LNG port
The license was issued pursuant to the Deepwater Ports Act of 1974 and aligns with the “Unleashing American Energy” Executive Order signed by President Trump on January 20, 2025, which seeks to promote domestic energy development by reducing regulatory barriers.
With this green light, the project becomes the first authorized offshore LNG export terminal in the country. The infrastructure, designed under a brownfield scheme, will leverage existing facilities and require minimal investment to accommodate up to three floating liquefaction units (FLNG) , with a total projected capacity of up to 13.2 million tons per year.
Support from federal and state authorities
Delfin has highlighted the support received from the federal government, especially the Department of Transportation and the Department of Energy, as well as from state authorities in Texas and Louisiana. Dudley Poston, the company’s CEO, noted that this support has been instrumental in paving the regulatory path for the project and positioning the United States as a long-term strategic energy supplier.
The terminal will be connected to the gas system via the UTOS pipeline, acquired by Delfin and considered the largest in the region. With this foundation, the company aims to begin commercial operations in the coming years and consolidate its flexible export model from the sea to international markets.
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Source and photo: Delfin Midstream
