Sempra Seeks Permits for 27 Mtpa Port Arthur LNG Expansion That Could Double Texas Export Capacity
Sempra Infrastructure has started the federal permitting process for Port Arthur LNG North, a proposed four-train expansion of its LNG complex on the Sabine-Neches Waterway in Southeast Texas. The new project is designed for approximately 26 Mtpa of nameplate exports, with the regulatory filing indicating maximum production approaching 27 Mtpa, plus three LNG storage tanks and two additional marine berths. If approved, financed and built, exports could begin in the second half of 2034. The North project would sit alongside Port Arthur LNG Phases 1 and 2, which together are designed for approximately 26 Mtpa, meaning the complete complex could ultimately approach 52 to 53 Mtpa of LNG capacity. Importantly, Sempra has entered FERC's pre-filing process under Docket PF26-14-000. That begins environmental, engineering and stakeholder review but does not mean the North expansion has received construction approval.
Operator Impact Snapshot
North alone would rival Phases 1 and 2 combined
Four new liquefaction trains would add approximately 26 Mtpa of nameplate LNG capacity, with maximum output approaching 27 Mtpa under optimal operating conditions.
Two additional LNG carrier berths are planned
The North project includes two new marine berths and three LNG storage tanks, creating the infrastructure for hundreds of additional LNG carrier loadings each year if the trains operate near design capacity.
Federal review is beginning, not completed
FERC docket PF26-14-000 places the project in the mandatory LNG pre-filing process. Environmental, safety and stakeholder issues will be developed before a formal project application and authorization decision.
Sempra intends to roll the workforce directly into North
Construction is planned to begin as Phase 2 transitions into commercial operation, allowing Sempra to retain the experienced engineering and construction workforce already working at Port Arthur.
The North project has not yet reached FID
Sempra still lists commercial agreements, permits, financing commitments and a future final investment decision among the conditions required before the expansion proceeds.
From 13 Mtpa to a Potential 53 Mtpa Export Hub
Port Arthur is developing in distinct stages, with very different levels of construction, commercial and regulatory certainty.
| Development | Liquefaction | Storage / Marine | Commercial Timing | Capital / Commercial Position | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 |
2 trains ~13 Mtpa |
2 LNG tanks 1 marine berth |
Train 1: near end-2027 Train 2: 2028 |
Approximately $13B total project capex. About 10.5 Mtpa committed under long-term SPAs with ConocoPhillips, RWE, INEOS, ORLEN and ENGIE. | UNDER CONSTRUCTION |
| Phase 2 |
2 trains ~13 Mtpa |
1 additional LNG tank Associated/common marine facilities |
Train 3: 2030 Train 4: 2031 |
Approximately $14B estimated capex including common-facility true-up. Roughly 10 Mtpa committed through ConocoPhillips, EQT, JERA and Sempra agreements. | FID + CONSTRUCTION |
| Port Arthur LNG North |
4 trains ~26-27 Mtpa |
3 additional LNG tanks 2 new marine berths |
Potential exports beginning 2H 2034 | Multibillion-dollar development. Detailed project cost and long-term North offtake portfolio have not yet been announced. | FERC PRE-FILING |
| Maximum Port Arthur Buildout |
Up to 8 trains ~52-53 Mtpa |
At least 6 LNG storage tanks across the three stages, plus expanded marine-loading infrastructure | 2027 through 2034+ | Would turn one Port Arthur site into an LNG export system with annual nameplate capacity roughly four times Phase 1 alone. | MAXIMUM CASE |
LNG Export Capacity, Carrier Demand & Berth Load Calculator
Convert liquefaction capacity into estimated annual LNG cargoes, carrier-equivalent demand and berth utilization for Port Arthur LNG North or another export project.
Annual LNG Shipping Demand
Estimated cargo movements generated by North, the existing Phase 1 + 2 capacity, and the complete Port Arthur buildout.
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