The United States has approved an application by ST LNG, led by Indian-American entrepreneur Sharad Tak, to develop an $8.2 billion deepwater liquefied natural gas (LNG) export port off the Texas coast, marking a major investment in the country’s energy export infrastructure.
Located approximately 10.4 miles offshore Matagorda, Texas, the proposed facility is expected to begin construction in 2027 and become operational in 2029, according to the US Department of Transportation.
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that the Maritime Administration (MARAD) had completed the project’s Final Environmental Impact Statement in just 410 days, compared with the five years previously required for similar licensing processes.
At full capacity, the deepwater facility will have an annual LNG export capacity of 8.4 million tonnes. Its infrastructure will comprise 20 platforms, four floating storage units, four mooring systems and approximately 7.7 miles of pipeline.
The offshore location is expected to divert vessel traffic from congested onshore areas, helping reduce vessel collisions and improve maritime safety.
The project will receive feed gas from the Tres Palacios Natural Gas Storage and Trading Hub and the Williams Markham Gas Processing Plant through an existing Transco pipeline located approximately 5.6 miles northeast of the proposed port.
ST LNG Founder and CEO Sharad Tak said the project represents approximately $8.2 billion in planned investment and will support thousands of American jobs during construction and operations, strengthening the country’s energy security and LNG export capabilities.
According to the US Department of Transportation, the development could increase US LNG export capacity by 79 per cent. It is expected to generate approximately 2,000 construction jobs and up to 855 permanent jobs.
Welcoming the approval, US-India Strategic Partnership Forum President Mukesh Aghi said the project could create new opportunities for long-term LNG trade between India and the United States.
He noted that as India seeks to diversify its energy supplies and strengthen energy security, initiatives such as ST LNG could contribute to deeper bilateral energy cooperation.
Tak, a first-generation Indian-American entrepreneur, has built and led businesses across technology, manufacturing, energy, broadcasting and hospitality.
The approval follows a policy shift announced approximately 10 months ago, when the Trump Administration transferred oversight of deepwater port licensing from the US Coast Guard to MARAD, to streamline environmental reviews and accelerate project approvals.
The ST LNG development represents a significant addition to US offshore energy infrastructure, with the potential to expand LNG exports, create employment and strengthen the country’s position in the global natural gas trade.