Venture Global Commences Commercial LNG Exports from Calcasieu Pass
Venture Global LNG has officially launched commercial operations at its Calcasieu Pass LNG terminal in Cameron Parish, Louisiana. This facility marks the company’s first operational LNG export project and signals the start of long-term supply agreements with global partners.
The Calcasieu Pass project includes 18 modular liquefaction trains, three gas pre-treatment trains, and two LNG storage tanks each with a 200,000m³ capacity. The site also includes two ship-loading berths that support LNG carriers up to 185,000m³.
Located on a 432-acre site, the terminal offers deep-water access and is connected via the TransCameron Pipeline, a 38.6 km lateral that integrates with regional natural gas networks. As the energy transition gains momentum, SuperMetalPrice notes that such U.S.-based infrastructure boosts LNG availability while securing long-term price stability for global buyers.
A New Model for LNG Construction and Delivery
Venture Global’s Calcasieu Pass reached this milestone just 68 months after FID in August 2019. The company credits its success to a unique owner-led construction model and use of pre-fabricated modules, which allowed faster project delivery compared to traditional LNG plants.
The facility’s internal 720MW combined cycle gas turbine plant now operates at full capacity, following years of repair after force majeure disruptions. These included hurricanes, pandemic-related delays, and defects in power infrastructure. Additionally, the plant includes a 23MW aeroderivative gas turbine to support internal operations.
Despite these setbacks, the project maintained exceptional safety performance. The Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) remained significantly below U.S. construction industry norms. Venture Global’s leadership highlights this achievement as a model for efficient, safe, and scalable energy infrastructure.
The liquefaction cost, under $2 per MMBtu, further reinforces its competitiveness. According to SuperMetalPrice analysts, low liquefaction fees and long-term contracts could stabilize global LNG prices, particularly in energy-strained European markets.
Future Outlook: More LNG Projects on the Horizon
With Calcasieu Pass now in commercial operation, Venture Global plans to expand its footprint across the U.S. Gulf Coast. The company aims to meet growing demand for low-emission transitional fuels and sees modular LNG systems as a long-term solution for rapid deployment and cost efficiency.
By combining scale, speed, and safety, Venture Global positions itself as a key exporter in the global LNG market, aligning with the world’s move toward cleaner-burning natural gas.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.