The Golden Pass Products (GPP) project involves the addition of export capabilities, liquefaction facilities, pipeline systems and upgrades to the existing Golden Pass terminal at Sabine Pass, Texas, US.
The expansion project is being developed by Golden Pass Products, a joint venture (JV) between Qatar Energy and ExxonMobil. It is being built adjacent to the existing Golden Pass terminal and will utilise the existing tanks, berths and pipeline infrastructure.
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The project is expected to enable Golden Pass to meet the growing domestic demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG) and support LNG exports. It involves the installation of three new liquefaction trains.
First gas from Train 1 was achieved in March 2026, followed by the loading and departure of the first cargo a month later.
The second and third trains are expected to be commissioned in the second half of 2026 (H2 2026) and H1 2027, respectively.
Once fully completed, the project is set to become the third-largest US LNG export facility by nominal capacity among those currently shipping LNG, ranking behind Sabine Pass at 3.6 billion cubic feet per day (bcf/d) and Plaquemines LNG at 2.6bcf/d.
Development background
The GPP project was granted authorisation by the US Department of Energy to export LNG to the nations with free trade agreements with the US in October 2012.
A formal application was filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to construct and operate the project in July 2014.
In July 2016, the FERC issued the project’s Final Environmental Impact Statement.
The project reached a final investment decision in February 2019, with an estimated investment amount of more than $10bn.
Construction was delayed due to one of the lead construction contractors filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2024.
In December 2025, a cool-down cargo of LNG from Ras Laffan in Qatar berthed at the Golden Pass LNG terminal, marking a further step in the run-up to first LNG production. The cargo was used to pre-cool the terminal’s LNG storage tanks and related equipment ahead of the start of LNG production.
Golden Pass Products project location
The project is being integrated into the existing Golden Pass LNG import terminal located approximately 10 miles (16km) away in the Sabine Pass on the Sabine-Neches Waterway in south-east Texas.
Golden Pass Products project details
The Golden Pass Products project comprises three liquefaction trains, each designed for a nominal throughput of 700 million cubic feet per day (mcf/d) or 5.2 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) and a peak capacity of 800mcf/d. Overall, the facility is expected to deliver two billion cubic feet per day (bcf/d) on a nominal basis, rising to 2.4bcf/d at peak rates.
Each LNG train features Air Products’ AP-C3MR™ natural gas liquefaction technology for propane pre-cooling, followed by mixed refrigerant liquefaction through MCR® Main cryogenic heat exchangers. It is powered by two gas turbine drivers per train, supported by associated utilities and air coolers. The configuration also includes waste heat recovery units for steam generation and a 100MW steam turbine generator per train.
Additional compressor stations are also being installed to receive and redeliver up to 2.6bcf/d of natural gas to the export facility.
The current terminal facilities comprise five 155,000m³ LNG storage tanks, two marine berths and loading facilities for LNG carriers, and processing facilities with a LNG regasifying capacity of approximately two billion standard cubic feet of natural gas per day.
Gas transportation details
The existing terminal has a 69-mile (111km)-long pipeline system to transport natural gas from the terminal to interstate pipelines and interstates through different interconnections to access markets in the eastern half of the US.
The Golden Pass Products project will upgrade the existing pipeline system through the installation of approximately three mile (4.82km)-long, 24in diameter pipeline to enhance the system hydraulics and facilitate bidirectional flow.
Golden Pass Products signed a 20-year firm transportation agreement with Enable Midstream Partners and also secured pipeline capacity on the Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America.
Contractors involved
Golden Pass Products awarded the front-end engineering and design services contract for the project to Chiyoda Corporation and CB&I in July 2014.
The engineering, procurement and construction work for the project was awarded to a JV comprising Chiyoda, McDermott and Zachry Group.
In February 2019, Air Products was awarded a contract for supplying proprietary LNG technology, equipment and a process licence for the project.
In the same month, Baker Hughes was awarded a contract to supply turbomachinery equipment including six gas turbines and 12 centrifugal compressors. The company was awarded another contract in March 2020 to supply turbine bypass valves and condenser back-pressure dump tubes.
Baker Hughes contracted Flenco as the preferred partner for supplying auxiliary systems.
Siemens Gas and Power was awarded a contract in May 2020 for the supply of three cryogenic boil-off gas compressor trains, including steam turbine generator sets.
C2O Group was engaged for construction completions and commissioning services for the project.
Benefits of Golden Pass Products project
The project is expected to contribute to the economic growth of the local, state and federal governments by generating approximately $34bn in US economic gains over the life of the project.
It is estimated to generate approximately 19,000 construction jobs and 45,000 direct and indirect full-time jobs during the construction phase, and more than 200 new direct jobs at Golden Pass and 5,200 direct and indirect jobs for the life of the facility.
