TotalEnergies has shipped the first liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargo produced by the ECA LNG Phase 1 export terminal in Baja California, Mexico, marking a key milestone as the project advances through commissioning.
According to the company, the cargo is the first to be exported from the first LNG export terminal on Mexico’s Pacific coast. It is destined for Asia, where TotalEnergies expects the project’s location to provide customers with shorter shipping routes, lower transportation costs and improved access to competitively priced U.S. natural gas.
ECA LNG Phase 1 is a single-train liquefaction facility with a nameplate capacity of 3.25 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa). The terminal is supplied with natural gas from the Permian Basin in Texas and New Mexico and was developed to leverage synergies with the site’s existing regasification terminal, helping to optimize construction costs. A larger second phase is also under development.
TotalEnergies holds a 16.6 per cent interest in the project alongside operator Sempra Infrastructure. Under a long-term agreement, the company will purchase 1.7 Mtpa of LNG for 20 years from the start of commercial operations. During the commissioning and ramp-up period, TotalEnergies will serve as the sole LNG offtaker.
“The launch of ECA LNG marks another step in the execution of our integrated LNG strategy, providing direct access to the Asian markets from the U.S. natural gas supply,” said Stéphane Michel, President of Gas, Renewables and Power at TotalEnergies. He added that the project strengthens the company’s position as the world’s third largest LNG player and supports its goal of supplying customers with competitive LNG while contributing to energy security.
The project remains under commissioning, with substantial completion expected during the summer of 2026. Long-term LNG sales agreements are expected to take effect shortly afterwards as the facility enters commercial operations.