The first LNG export cargo has departed Golden Pass LNG in Sabine Pass, Texas, Golden Pass LNG announced on Wednesday.
Shipping data consulted by Reuters indicated the QatarEnergy-owned Al Qaiyyah LNG tanker arrived on Monday at Sabine Pass to load the inaugural cargo and departed the facility on Wednesday. Golden Pass did not disclose the destination of the cargo, with earlier reporting indicating that it could be bound for Italy.
“The successful commencement of LNG exports from our Sabine Pass terminal marks the fulfilment of the vision our shareholders – QatarEnergy and ExxonMobil – set in motion when they committed to this project years ago,” said Jeff Hammad, Chief Commercial Officer of Golden Pass LNG.
The shipment is a step towards full commercial operations at the facility, which achieved first LNG from Train 1 in March, following protracted delays since construction began in 2019.
Once fully operational, the plant is expected to reach an export capacity of approximately 18 million tonnes per year. Golden Pass LNG said that construction and commissioning are in progress for the facility’s Train 2 and Train 3, which will be brought on stream when Train 1 reaches stable operations.
Golden Pass LNG is owned by QatarEnergy, which holds a 70% stake in the project, with ExxonMobil holding the remaining 30%.