Indian-American Firm Wins US Approval for $8.2 Billion LNG Port Off Texas Coast

The US has approved an $8.2 billion deepwater LNG port off Texas, led by Indian-American entrepreneur Sharad Tak, with construction expected to begin in 2027.

Indian-American Firm Gets US Approval for $8.2 Billion LNG Port Off Texas Coast

The United States has approved a proposal by ST LNG, an Indian-American-led company, to develop an $8.2 billion deepwater liquefied natural gas (LNG) export port off the Texas coast.

The project, led by India-born entrepreneur Sharad Tak, will be located approximately 10.4 miles offshore from Matagorda, Texas. Construction is expected to start in 2027, with operations targeted to begin in 2029, according to the US Department of Transportation.

The development is expected to strengthen America's LNG export infrastructure, create employment opportunities and support the country's energy security.

US Approves ST LNG's $8.2 Billion Deepwater Port Project

US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that the Maritime Administration (MARAD) had accelerated the project's licensing process.

According to the announcement, MARAD completed the Final Environmental Impact Statement in 410 days, significantly faster than the five years that such a process could otherwise take.

The approval follows changes introduced by the Trump administration to streamline the licensing of deepwater port projects. Around 10 months earlier, Duffy had announced that MARAD would assume responsibility for deepwater port licensing from the US Coast Guard, with the aim of speeding up environmental reviews and licence approvals.

Duffy said the administration's efforts to reduce regulatory delays and modernise licensing procedures would support economic growth in Texas.

Key Infrastructure and Capacity of the Texas LNG Port

At full capacity, the proposed ST LNG facility will include a large offshore infrastructure network designed to handle natural gas processing and export operations.

According to the Department of Transportation, the project will comprise:

• 20 offshore platforms.

• Four floating LNG storage units.

• Four mooring systems.

• Approximately 7.7 miles of pipeline.

• Annual LNG export capacity of 8.4 million tonnes.

The port will be situated away from congested onshore shipping areas. Its offshore location is expected to help reduce vessel traffic congestion, lowering the possibility of collisions and other maritime safety risks.

Where Will the Port Get Its Natural Gas Supply?

The facility's feed gas will be sourced from two existing natural gas infrastructure facilities in Texas. These include the Tres Palacios Natural Gas Storage and Trading Hub and the Williams Markham Gas Processing Plant.

Natural gas will be transported through an existing Transco pipeline located approximately 5.6 miles northeast of the proposed port.

Using this existing pipeline infrastructure will connect the project to established natural gas supply networks.

ST LNG Project Expected to Create Thousands of Jobs

ST LNG founder and Chief Executive Officer Sharad Tak said the project represents a planned investment of approximately $8.2 billion.

He highlighted its proposed annual export capacity of 8.4 million tonnes and said the development would support thousands of American jobs during construction and operations.

According to the US Department of Transportation, the project is expected to generate:

• Around 2,000 construction jobs.

• Up to 855 permanent jobs.

• An estimated 79% increase in US LNG export capacity.

The project is also expected to contribute to America's energy security by expanding its ability to supply natural gas to international markets.

Indian-American Entrepreneur Sharad Tak Leads the Project

Sharad Tak, founder and CEO of ST LNG, is a first-generation Indian-American entrepreneur born in India. He has established and led businesses across several industries, including technology, manufacturing, energy, broadcasting and hospitality.

The approval highlights the role of Indian-American entrepreneurs in major infrastructure and energy investments in the United States.

Project Could Strengthen India-US LNG Trade

The approval has also attracted attention for its potential implications for energy cooperation between India and the United States. Mukesh Aghi, President of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum, welcomed the licence approval.

He said the project could create opportunities for long-term LNG trade between the two countries as India looks to diversify its energy sources and strengthen energy security.

With an annual export capacity of 8.4 million tonnes, the proposed port could become an important part of the US energy export network and potentially support future LNG supplies to international buyers, including India.

Conclusion

The approval of ST LNG's $8.2 billion deepwater port marks a significant development in US LNG export infrastructure. Led by Indian-American entrepreneur Sharad Tak, the project is expected to expand export capacity, create thousands of jobs and strengthen energy security. Its potential to support long-term LNG trade also gives the development importance for India-US energy cooperation as India seeks diversified sources of energy.