Argent LNG files Coast Guard waterway review for Port Fourchon export terminal

Argent LNG has submitted a Waterway Suitability Assessment to the U.S. Coast Guard for its proposed 25 MTPA LNG export terminal at Port Fourchon, Louisiana. The filing adds a third major federal agency to the company’s regulatory push, alongside FERC and DOE, as Argent LNG works toward a final investment decision and a 2030 startup target.

Why it matters: - The Coast Guard filing is a key regulatory step for Argent LNG’s proposed Port Fourchon export terminal. - The assessment helps determine whether the waterways can safely handle LNG carrier traffic tied to a 25 MTPA project. - Argent LNG is now engaged across the three main federal agencies tied to LNG export terminal approval. - The company says the milestone supports its path toward a final investment decision and construction start in December 2027.

What happened: - Argent LNG submitted a Waterway Suitability Assessment to the U.S. Coast Guard on Aug. 3, 2026. - The filing was made under 33 CFR Part 127. - The request covers Belle Pass, Bayou Lafourche and the Gulf of America approach channels serving the planned Port Fourchon terminal. - The project is designed for LNG carrier vessels with cargo capacity ranging from 125,000 to 260,000 cubic meters. - Jonathan Bass, Argent LNG chairman and CEO, said the submission reflects the company’s commitment to engaging every federal agency in its regulatory matrix.

The details: - The Coast Guard will review navigation safety, vessel traffic management, waterway characteristics and other operational requirements for LNG carriers. - Argent LNG has also submitted 11 Resource Reports to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission as part of the pre-filing environmental review process. - FERC review under the National Environmental Policy Act is moving toward a Draft Environmental Impact Statement. - The U.S. Department of Energy issued DOE/HGEO Order No. 5447 on July 23, 2026. - The order grants long-term authorization to export 1,293.75 billion cubic feet per year, equal to 25 MTPA, for 20 years to Free Trade Agreement nations. - Argent LNG’s non-FTA export application remains under review in Docket No. 26-28-LNG. - Port Fourchon has a federally authorized deepwater channel with WRDA authorization for deepening to 50 feet and widening to 475 feet. - The terminal site sits next to Belle Pass and Bayou Lafourche, giving direct access to Gulf of America shipping lanes. - Port Fourchon serves about 95% of the Gulf’s deepwater production, giving the area established maritime safety and vessel traffic management infrastructure. - Argent LNG says it has also advanced commercial agreements and development work, including memorandums of understanding with Naftogaz of Ukraine, BOTAŞ and EPİAŞ, plus a heads of agreement with Bangladesh. - The company awarded a marine, environmental and site engineering contract to GIS Engineering, LLC of Galliano, Louisiana. - Argent LNG describes the project as a roughly $18 billion LNG export terminal using 12 modular Baker Hughes NMBL™ liquefaction trains and two marine loading berths. - The company says the project has unanimous 126-0 support from the Louisiana Legislature. - Argent LNG targets first LNG in the first quarter of 2030.

Between the lines: - The WSA submission matters because waterway approval can become a gating issue for large LNG export terminals. - Port Fourchon’s existing offshore energy infrastructure may help the company argue that the route can safely absorb LNG carrier traffic. - The company is pairing regulatory filings with commercial offtake work to strengthen its case for financing and a final investment decision. - Several of the company’s milestones are forward-looking targets, so timing could still change as federal reviews continue.

What's next: - FERC’s environmental review is expected to continue toward a Draft Environmental Impact Statement. - DOE still needs to finish review of the non-FTA export application. - The Coast Guard will now evaluate the suitability of the Port Fourchon waterways for LNG carrier operations. - Argent LNG says it remains on track for construction commencement in December 2027 and first LNG in early 2030.

The bottom line: - Argent LNG has moved deeper into the federal approval process, but the project still depends on sequential reviews across multiple agencies before construction can begin.