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U.S. Approves First Offshore LNG Export Terminal in the Gulf of Mexico

The Maritime Administration granted the first-ever license for an offshore liquefied natural gas export facility in U.S. waters, marking a significant shift in domestic energy policy. The $5 billion floating production platform, developed by Houston-based Delfin Midstream with international partners, will operate 40 miles off Cameron Parish, Louisiana. The Department of Energy approved exports for three planned vessels. Samsung Heavy Industries will construct the platforms. Initial production is expected in 2030 at 4 billion cubic feet per day, with subsequent vessel launches bringing total capacity to 13.8 billion cubic feet daily. Delfin secured purchase agreements with foreign customers, including involvement from Japan's MOL. The Trump administration approved the project in March 2025 under the Unleashing American Energy executive order. Opponents argue the approval lacked adequate environmental review and public hearings. The project faced rejection under the Biden administration in April 2024. Regulatory restructuring in January shifted deepwater licensing authority from the Coast Guard to the Maritime Administration.