Golden Pass LNG Starts Exports in Texas

April 23, 2026 at 15:22 UTC

3 min read

Texas Gulf Coast LNG export terminal starting shipments and expanding U.S. global gas links

Key Points

Golden Pass LNG in Sabine Pass ships its first export cargo from Train 1
QatarEnergy and ExxonMobil’s joint venture is a more than $10bn project
The terminal is designed for about 18 mtpa of LNG capacity once fully online
First cargo gives QatarEnergy direct US Gulf Coast export access

Golden Pass LNG marks first export cargo

Golden Pass LNG has begun exports from its liquefied natural gas terminal in Sabine Pass, Texas, with the departure of its first LNG cargo. The shipment marks the start of export operations for the more than $10bn project, which is owned by QatarEnergy and ExxonMobil.

The inaugural cargo was safely loaded and departed the facility, according to Golden Pass LNG. Shipping data indicated that the vessel Al Qa’iyyahal had left the terminal, although the destination of the first shipment was not specified by the company.

Golden Pass president and CEO Alex Savva described the first LNG export cargo as a defining moment for the company, its workforce, the local community and the United States. He said the venture is advancing toward full commercial operations while beginning to supply US LNG to the global market.

Project scale, ownership and capacity

Golden Pass LNG is a joint venture between QatarEnergy and ExxonMobil located at Sabine Pass on the US Gulf Coast. QatarEnergy, referred to as Qatar Petroleum in one of the sources, holds a 70% stake in the project, while ExxonMobil owns the remaining 30%.

The export facility is valued at more than $10bn and is designed to have a liquefaction capacity of about 18–18.1 million tonnes per annum once fully operational. The project sources natural gas feedstock from several US domestic basins, including Haynesville, Eagle, Permian, Marcellus and Barnett.

In March 2026, the Golden Pass export facility reached a major milestone by producing first LNG from Train 1, the first of three independent processing units. This production step paved the way for the first export cargo announced on April 23, 2026.

Phased rollout of Trains 2 and 3

Construction and commissioning of Trains 2 and 3 at Golden Pass LNG are ongoing. Golden Pass has said each additional train is scheduled to commence production once Train 1 achieves stable operation, forming the basis of a phased ramp-up toward full capacity.

Golden Pass chief commercial officer Jeff Hammad said the start of exports from the Sabine Pass terminal represents the fulfilment of the vision set by shareholders QatarEnergy and ExxonMobil when they committed to the project. He added that the company is now delivering on that promise and contributing to the future of global energy.

QatarEnergy’s broader LNG strategy

QatarEnergy has characterized exports from the Golden Pass project as a key milestone in its largest US investment and part of a wider effort to expand its global LNG portfolio. The company has highlighted Golden Pass as one of the largest LNG export developments in the United States.

By securing US Gulf Coast export capacity through Golden Pass, QatarEnergy gains direct access to LNG shipments capable of serving both European and Asian markets at a time of sustained global LNG demand. QatarEnergy Trading is expected to take about 70% of the project’s output as production ramps up.

Key Takeaways

Golden Pass LNG has moved from commissioning to active export status with its first cargo from Train 1 in Sabine Pass, Texas.
The project strengthens QatarEnergy’s position in global LNG by adding a major US Gulf Coast export platform alongside its domestic expansions.
With an expected capacity of around 18 mtpa across three trains, Golden Pass is set to become a significant new source of US LNG supplied to multiple regions.