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ST LNG has received approval from the US Department of Energy to export LNG to FTA nations from its proposed floating liquefaction project with a capacity of up to 8.4 mtpa offshore Matagorda, Texas.
In December 2025, ST LNG submitted its application to DOE, seeking both FTA and non-FTA approvals.
ST LNG requested long-term, multi-contract authorization to export domestically produced LNG in a volume equivalent to 460 billion cubic feet per year (Bcf/yr) of natural gas (1.26 Bcf per day (Bcf/d)), or approximately 8.4 million metric tons per annum (mtpa) of LNG.
The company sought authorization on a non-additive basis for a term to commence on the date of first export following the start of commercial operation of the project, and extending through December 31, 2050, plus a three-year make-up period.
DOE said in its order dated April 22 that ST LNG’s application, which seeks authorization to export domestically produced LNG to FTA countries, has been approved.
Moreover, the portion of the application that seeks authorization to export domestically produced LNG to non-FTA countries will be addressed in a separate order, it said.
The countries with which the US has an FTA requiring national treatment for trade in natural gas currently are: Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Jordan, Mexico, Morocco, Nicaragua, Oman, Panama, Peru, South Korea, and Singapore.
2029
ST LNG said in the application that it could start loading LNG from the first phase of the project in 2029.
It also said in the application that it expects the launch of the second phase in March 2031, the third in September 2032, and the fourth in March 2034.
Each phase would include three large platforms (a gas treatment platform, an LNG liquefaction platform, and an accommodations and utility platform), one LNG transfer platform, and a dolphin mooring system.
The project would also include floating storage units (FSUs) for each of the phases.
ST LNG intends to acquire four existing LNG carriers and convert them to serve as FSUs.
The company recently selected Baker Hughes to supply gas compression, power generation equipment, and project development support for its proposed floating liquefaction project.