Energy major TotalEnergies has shipped the very first cargo of LNG from the newly constructed ECA LNG Phase 1 terminal on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, bound for markets in Asia.
The milestone marks a step forward for the project, located in Baja California, which is currently undergoing final commissioning.
TotalEnergies holds a 16.6 per cent stake in the venture alongside facility operator Sempra Infrastructure, and is slated to act as the sole offtaker of LNG throughout the plant’s commercial ramp-up phase.
Once commercial operations fully commence, TotalEnergies will purchase 1.7 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of LNG from the site under a strict 20-year supply contract.
The ECA LNG Phase 1 facility consists of a single-train liquefaction plant with a total nameplate capacity of 3.25 Mtpa. The facility is supplied by cheap, abundant US feed gas piped directly from the prolific Permian Basin spanning Texas and New Mexico.
By utilising Mexico’s west coast, the facility allows North American natural gas to bypass the heavily congested Panama Canal.
This strategic geographical positioning enables exporters to reach major Asian and Pacific Basin markets via the shortest possible maritime route, drastically slashing shipping times and freight costs.
“The start-up of ECA LNG, whose strategic location provides privileged access to Asian markets, strengthens the quality of our integrated LNG portfolio in North America.
“TotalEnergies is pleased to contribute to the project’s ramp-up by exporting its first LNG cargoes,” said Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of TotalEnergies.
Sempra Infrastructure CEO Justin Bird echoed the sentiment, noting the shipment arrived at a critical time of global supply uncertainty.
“We are excited to begin shipping a new and reliable source of natural gas from North America’s Pacific Coast to customers around the globe,” Bird said.
“This achievement underscores the exceptional talent of the entire ECA LNG Phase 1 team and our company’s steadfast commitment to safe and strong project execution.”
The project is on track to reach substantial completion by the end of the 2026 southern winter, with a larger second phase already under development at the same coastal site.
