ECA LNG Ships First Export Cargo From Mexico's Pacific Coast
Sempra Infrastructure's ECA LNG Phase 1 has shipped its first LNG cargo from Mexico's Pacific Coast, marking a key milestone for the 3.25-MMtpy export terminal ahead of commercial operations.
(P&GJ) — Sempra Infrastructure's ECA LNG Phase 1 project has loaded and shipped its first liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargo from Ensenada, Baja California, marking a major milestone as the facility advances toward commercial operations.
Once fully operational, ECA LNG will become the first LNG liquefaction export facility on Mexico's Pacific Coast, providing a direct route for U.S. natural gas from the Permian Basin to Asian and other Pacific Basin markets.
The project consists of a single liquefaction train with a nameplate capacity of 3.25 MMtpy and is a joint venture between Sempra Infrastructure and TotalEnergies. TotalEnergies has long-term agreements to offtake LNG from the facility, while Mitsui & Co. also holds long-term purchase agreements.
Sempra Infrastructure President and Chief Executive Officer Justin Bird said the first cargo establishes a new LNG supply route from North America's Pacific Coast.
"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," Bird said.
The terminal is strategically positioned to export U.S. feed gas to Asia using a shorter shipping route than U.S. Gulf Coast terminals, reducing voyage times and transportation costs while improving market access.
TotalEnergies Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Patrick Pouyanné said the project's location strengthens the company's North American LNG portfolio.
"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," Pouyanné said.
Sempra Infrastructure expects the project to reach substantial completion during the summer of 2026, with commercial operations and deliveries under long-term LNG sale and purchase agreements beginning shortly afterward. A larger second phase remains under development at the Ensenada site.