Argent LNG Advances Major Louisiana Export Terminal with Key Safety Filing
Port Fourchon, Monday, 3 August 2026.
Argent LNG has submitted a vital waterway safety assessment to the U.S. Coast Guard, advancing its massive 25-million-tonne Louisiana export project following recent 20-year federal export authorization.
Regulatory Framework and Submission Details
Argent LNG, LLC has formally submitted its Waterway Suitability Assessment (WSA) to the United States Coast Guard, marking a critical step for the proposed liquefied natural gas export terminal at Port Fourchon, Louisiana [1]. This filing occurred on 2 August 2026, initiating an intensive multi-agency review matrix designed to evaluate navigation safety and vessel traffic management [1]. The submission follows closely after the U.S. Department of Energy issued Order No. 5447 on 23 July 2026, authorizing the export of 25 million tonnes per annum of domestically produced LNG for a 20-year term [1]. The WSA was filed under 33 CFR Part 127, assessing waterway characteristics specifically covering Belle Pass, Bayou Lafourche, and Gulf of America approach channels [1].
Infrastructure and Capacity Planning
The proposed facility is designed to accommodate LNG carriers ranging from 125,000 to 260,000 cubic meters capacity, ensuring compatibility with global shipping standards [1]. The variance in vessel size capacity spans 135000 cubic meters, reflecting the infrastructure’s flexibility for different carrier classes [1]. To achieve the targeted output, the project will feature 12 modular Baker Hughes NMBL™ liquefaction trains dedicated to natural gas processing [1]. Additionally, the site plan includes two marine loading berths with deepwater access to facilitate efficient operations [1].
Strategic Timeline and Executive Commentary
Final investment decision and construction commencement are currently scheduled for December 2027, pending regulatory approvals [1]. The project has secured a 126-0 unanimous vote of support from the Louisiana Legislature and utilizes a procurement strategy prioritizing local development [1]. Jonathan Bass, Chairman and CEO, described the WSA submission as a milestone confirming active engagement across every federal agency in the regulatory matrix [1]. Eleven Resource Reports have also been submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission as part of the project’s regulatory roadmap [1].