QatarEnergy has celebrated the first liquefied natural gas (LNG) export cargo from the Golden Pass LNG project in Sabine Pass, Texas, marking a key milestone toward full commercial and export operations.
The inaugural cargo was safely loaded onto the Al-Qaiyyah LNG carrier, a 174,000 cubic meter vessel recently built in South Korea.
The shipment represents a significant step in advancing the project’s operations, as Golden Pass LNG moves closer to full-scale production and exports. The project forms part of QatarEnergy’s broader strategy to expand its global LNG footprint and meet growing international demand for reliable energy supplies.
Golden Pass LNG is a joint venture (JV) between QatarEnergy, which holds a 70% stake, and ExxonMobil with 30%. The partners reached a final investment decision (FID) exceeding $10 billion in February 2019, making it one of the largest investments in the history of the US LNG sector.
The project has a total production capacity of 18 million tons (mmt) per annum, with 70% of output allocated to QatarEnergy Trading, the company’s wholly owned LNG marketing arm. The start of LNG offtake is expected to strengthen QatarEnergy Trading’s global portfolio and support its business expansion.
Golden Pass LNG achieved sustained liquefaction operations and produced its first LNG from the initial three trains on March 30, 2026.
QatarEnergy is the national energy corporation of the State of Qatar that has been granted the rights to conduct or authorise petroleum operations on Natural Resources (and its amendments). Driven by a strategy of aggressive international expansion, the corporation has secured a significant global footprint, currently maintaining operations and exploration interests in approximately 20 countries across five continents. This diverse portfolio includes major assets and partnerships in nations such as the United States, Brazil, Mexico, Namibia, and Cyprus, cementing its status as a pivotal leader in the global energy transition and security.
