Early marketing plans for the first liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments from the Golden Pass LNG export plant in Texas have been pulled back by ExxonMobil, according to people familiar with the matter, even as the facility continues ramping up production during its commissioning phase.
The withdrawn offer had covered two initial cargoes that were previously expected to be part of early export activity as the project transitions from startup testing to commercial operations. No official reason was provided for the decision, though the move comes amid fluctuating output levels typical of LNG facilities in commissioning, when systems are still being calibrated and performance is not yet stabilized.
Operational data from LSEG indicates the Golden Pass facility has been running at roughly one-third of capacity since production began late last month. On Thursday, the plant reportedly received about 287 million cubic feet per day of natural gas for liquefaction, below the 800 million cubic feet per day nameplate capacity of its first production unit, or Train 1.
The Golden Pass LNG export plant in Texas—developed as a joint venture between ExxonMobil and QatarEnergy—has been closely watched by global LNG traders due to its scale and timing as new export capacity comes online. The facility’s cargoes are currently owned directly by the two partners, as long-term sales agreements for the volumes have not yet been fully established.
Industry participants note that LNG producers often offer early cargoes during commissioning to test logistics, shipping schedules, and buyer demand. The plant had been expected to load its first export shipment later this month, although the revised marketing approach now raises questions about timing.
Ship-tracking data from LSEG also showed the LNG carrier HL Sea Eagle operating in the Gulf of Mexico on Thursday, signaling a potential approach toward the facility.
Despite the progress, Golden Pass has faced a prolonged and costly development path, including delays and cost overruns dating back to the start of construction in 2019 and the bankruptcy of its original lead contractor. The project’s first LNG production was announced on March 30, but no export cargoes have yet been shipped.
Train 1 is expected to contribute about 6 million tonnes per annum of LNG capacity, with output split according to ownership stakes—roughly just over 4 mtpa for QatarEnergy and just under 2 mtpa for ExxonMobil, based on prior disclosures.
Both companies have so far maintained limited public comment on the latest operational developments, with ExxonMobil declining to comment and Golden Pass not immediately responding to requests for clarification.