Golden Pass LNG Ships First Cargo, US Capacity Reaches 121.8 Mtpa

The 10th US LNG export terminal, Golden Pass LNG in Texas, shipped its first cargo on April 23, 2026, from liquefaction Train 1. Operated by Qatar Petroleum and ExxonMobil, the terminal will have a combined nominal capacity of 16.6 Mtpa when all three trains are operational, with Train 2 expected in late 2026 and Train 3 in early 2027. This brings total US operating capacity to 121.8 Mtpa nominal and 147.8 Mtpa peak. The US became the world's largest LNG exporter a few years ago, surpassing Qatar and Australia. The fracking boom created a massive natural gas glut that collapsed prices and bankrupted hundreds of drillers in 2016. LNG exports provided an outlet, limited only by terminal capacity. Golden Pass was delayed after lead contractor Zachry Holdings filed for bankruptcy in 2024; Chiyoda International Corp took over. When fully operational, Golden Pass will be the third-largest US facility, behind Cheniere's Sabine Pass (27.0 Mtpa) and Venture Global's Plaquemines LNG (19.8 Mtpa). Numerous facilities under construction will add 100.9 Mtpa nominal capacity by 2031.