Cheniere Energy has announced the substantial completion of the Corpus Christi Liquefaction Stage 3 project in Texas. The company thus reached a milestone in its production and export of LNG, with the delivery of its 5,000th LNG cargo. The project is a $10 billion investment to increase capacity by more than 20%. In the meantime, Cheniere has achieved the 5,000th cargo milestone earlier than any other LNG producer in the world, showcasing operational excellence.

As engineering, procurement and construction contractor, Bechtel Energy handed over care and custody of the seventh and final train to Cheniere. In particular, the company gave full notice to proceed to Bechtel for the Corpus Christi Liquefaction Stage 3 project in June 2022. In December 2024, the first LNG production from the first train commenced, marking Cheniere’s impressive delivery speed. So the Corpus Christi Liquefaction Stage 3 project will boost the total production capacity to around 56 million tonnes per annum. Another major LNG project advancing is the Rio Grande LNG Train 5 which forms part of the long term growth strategy for the export terminal in Texas. It speaking of both investor confidence in sustained global LNG demand and Brownsville site’s scalability.

Outlook on the Corpus Christi Liquefaction Stage 3 Project

The project allows Cheniere to deliver the much-needed secure, reliable and affordable energy that the world needs at a critical time. Furthermore, the company celebrated its 5,000th LNG cargo with loading of the Yari LNG carrier on 29 August. The ship sailed from Sabine Pass for Asian markets, continuing Cheniere’s proven global distribution network.

Additionally, since producing its first LNG cargo in 2016, Cheniere has supplied over 340 million tonnes of LNG to markets worldwide. The company’s LNG platform now accounts for more than 10% of the world’s LNG capacity. Furthermore, Cheniere has the largest liquefaction facilities in the world, which include Sabine Pass and Corpus Christi facilities on the US Gulf Coast.

Project Delivery Demonstrates Cheniere’s Operational Excellence Record

Cheniere’s Chairman, President and CEO, Jack Fusco, congratulated both teams on the safe and on-time delivery of the Corpus Christi Liquefaction Stage 3 project. In particular, the project was delivered on time, reinforcing the company’s reputation for delivering large-scale projects. Industry-leading operational excellence and safety standards were built on workforce dedication and commitment.

Project Overview

• Project Value: $10 Billion (estimated)
• Location: Corpus Christi, Texas (US Gulf Coast)
• Developer: Cheniere Energy, Inc.
• EPC Contractor: Bechtel Energy, Inc.
• Status: Substantial completion 28 August 2026

Scope

• Seven LNG production trains (Stage 3)
• Capacity expansion of over 20%
• Total combined capacity: 56 million tonnes per annum
• Additional 5 mtpa under construction

Project Highlights

• Fastest 5,000th cargo production among global LNG producers
• Achieved in record 10 years since first cargo (2016)
• Supplied over 340 million tonnes LNG globally to date
• Represents over 10% of total global LNG capacity

Key Developments

• Substantial completion achieved 28 August 2026
• Final train (seventh) handed over to Cheniere
• Yari LNG carrier departed 29 August with 5,000th cargo
• First train production began December 2024

Key Challenges

• Managing seven-train coordination during phased startup
• Maintaining operational excellence across expanded capacity
• Meeting aggressive production and delivery schedules
• Coordinating global LNG distribution and vessel chartering

Outlook

• Supplies secure, reliable, affordable energy to global markets
• Full operational capacity at 56 mtpa with Sabine Pass combined
• Additional 5 mtpa under construction for further expansion
• Continues pursuing liquefaction expansion opportunities along LNG value chain