WASHINGTON, October 31, 2026 – In a massive boost to global energy infrastructure, the United States government has officially approved an application from ST LNG, an Indian-American-led firm, to construct an $8.2 billion deepwater liquefied natural gas (LNG) port off the coast of Texas.
The ambitious offshore facility will be built approximately 10.4 miles off the coast of Matagorda, Texas. According to a statement from the U.S. Department of Transportation, construction of the colossal project is slated to begin in 2027, with operations expected to come online by 2029.
The project is the brainchild of Sharad Tak, a first-generation India-born American entrepreneur who founded and serves as the CEO of ST LNG. Tak has a diverse portfolio of successful businesses spanning technology, manufacturing, energy, broadcasting, and hospitality.
“With approximately USD 8.2 billion in planned investment, 8.4 million tonnes of annual LNG export capacity, and thousands of American jobs supported during construction and operations, ST LNG will contribute to America’s energy security,” Tak stated following the approval.
The licensing process for the deepwater port was remarkably accelerated. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy noted that the Maritime Administration (MARAD) successfully fast-tracked the Final Environmental Impact Statement, completing it within just 410 days compared to the usual five-year timeline. “By slashing red tape and modernising our licensing processes, the Trump Administration is delivering a massive economic boom for the people of Texas,” Duffy remarked.
Once fully operational, the deepwater port will feature 20 platforms, four LNG floating storage units, four mooring systems, and 7.7 miles of subsea pipeline. The feed gas for the massive facility will be sourced from the Tres Palacios Natural Gas Storage and Trading Hub and the Williams Markham Gas Processing Plant via an existing Transco pipeline located roughly 5.6 miles northeast of the port.
Crucially, the offshore location of the port is strategically designed to move heavy vessel traffic away from congested onshore coastal areas, significantly reducing the risks of vessel collisions and enhancing overall maritime safety.
The U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that the ST LNG project could increase overall U.S. LNG export capacity by 7 to 9 percent. Furthermore, the initiative is expected to support around 2,000 jobs during its construction phase and create up to 855 permanent operational jobs.
The milestone approval has also been lauded by the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum. President Mukesh Aghi welcomed the development, stating, “As India seeks to diversify its energy supplies and strengthen energy security, projects such as this led by ST LNG can create new opportunities for long-term LNG trade between our two countries.”
Published by True Roots Media Network