The Golden Pass liquefied natural gas terminal in Sabine Pass, Texas in 2025. (Callaghan O’Hare/Bloomberg)
March 30, 2026 12:59 PM, EDT
The joint venture between QatarEnergy and Exxon Mobil Corp. has started liquefied natural gas production from the first of its three trains at a facility in Texas, marking a major milestone for U.S. exports of the fuel as global supplies dwindle.
The move sets the stage for Golden Pass LNG to deliver its first cargo from its facilities located in Sabine Pass, Texas, QatarEnergy said in a statement March 30.
Global exports from the 18 million tons per annum project are now expected to start in the second quarter of this year.
Golden Pass, a terminal near the Texas-Louisiana border, is poised to be a critical source of supply after Iran strikes damaged Qatar’s giant Ras Laffan facility on the Persian Gulf.
Traders had been closely following the project as it is one of a few gas export facilities on the Gulf Coast that are close to being completed.
About 20% of the world’s supply of LNG is sidelined as Iran all but blocks the Strait of Hormuz, paralyzing the flow of commodities from the region. Most of that LNG went to Asia, where prices for the fuel have surged about 90% since the start of the war.
Golden Pass LNG, QatarEnergy’s largest investment in the United States, marks historic milestone with first LNG production
Golden Pass LNG, a joint venture between QatarEnergy and ExxonMobil, has marked a major milestone towards full operations of its LNG production and export… pic.twitter.com/aQuMfyi243
— QatarEnergy (@qatarenergy) March 30, 2026
Exxon said in a statement March 30 that exports from Golden Pass are likely to begin in the second quarter of this year. Final investment decision for the project — a 70%-30% partnership between QatarEnergy and Exxon — was announced in 2019.
“Golden Pass LNG will strengthen U.S. energy production and reinforce the nation’s role as a reliable supplier to global markets, enhancing energy security and helping meet worldwide demand,” Exxon said in the statement.
The U.S. is already the world’s largest LNG exporter, producing more than 116 million metric tons a year in 2025, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.
