TotalEnergies has shipped the first LNG cargo from ECA LNG Phase 1, a liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminal currently under commissioning on Mexico’s Pacific Coast in Baja California, to Asia.

TotalEnergies holds a 16.6 per cent stake in the project alongside operator Sempra Infrastructure and will offtake 1.7 million tonnes per year (Mtpa) of LNG for 20 years once commercial operations begin. The company will be the sole LNG offtaker during the project’s ramp-up phase.

ECA LNG Phase 1 features a single-train liquefaction facility with a capacity of 3.25 Mtpa, supplied by US natural gas from the Permian Basin in Texas and New Mexico.

The project benefits from existing regasification infrastructure to improve construction efficiency.

Located on Mexico’s west coast, the facility provides a shorter shipping route for US natural gas exports to Asia and Pacific Basin markets, helping reduce transportation times and costs.

The project is expected to reach substantial completion in summer 2026, with commercial operations and long-term LNG agreements to follow.

“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.

"At a time of increased uncertainty in the global LNG trade, 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,” said Justin Bird, chief executive officer of Sempra Infrastructure. "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.” -OGN/TradeArabia News Service