The Port of Lake Charles is set to become the site of the largest single foreign direct investment in the history of Louisiana, following the final investment decision by Australia’s Woodside Energy to proceed with the Louisiana LNG project—a landmark $17.5 billion liquefied natural gas development.

Announced this week, Louisiana LNG will feature a three-train facility with an initial capacity of 16.5 million tonnes per annum, with full permitting secured for a total capacity of 27.6 Mtpa. LNG exports are expected to begin in 2029.

During construction, the project is expected to support approximately 15,000 jobs across the United States and will create an estimated 4,000 permanent jobs nationally once fully operational. The development also includes the potential for two additional LNG trains, further expanding its long-term strategic significance.

Port of Lake Charles executive director Richert Self welcomed the announcement, stating:

“We welcome this record-setting investment. Multiple enterprises on Port property already make us the No. 1 LNG export area in the world, and Louisiana LNG will position us even more powerfully in the 2030s and beyond.”

Port Board president Kevin Guidry added:

“Louisiana LNG represents just the latest way the Port of Lake Charles serves and supplies the world — with energy, major cargo, and other global services. We’re committed to world-class operations, and Louisiana LNG’s commitment shows our capability and capacity for growth.”

The Port of Lake Charles ranks as the 10th-busiest deepwater port in the United States by cargo tonnage, according to the US Department of Commerce.

Woodside Energy CEO Meg O’Neill described the final investment decision as a transformative moment for the company:

“Green-lighting Louisiana LNG on Port property is a game-changer. This project will position Woodside to even better serve global customers and meet growing energy demand.”

Headquartered in Perth, Australia, Woodside Energy noted that the Louisiana LNG project benefits from:

• Ready access to abundant, low-cost US natural gas resources

• A robust and mature interstate and intrastate gas supply network

• An expected operational lifespan of over 40 years

Construction activity is already progressing, with pilings completed for Train 1 and the LNG storage tanks. Foundation work is currently under way for the tanks.

Louisiana LNG marks a bold step forward for American energy infrastructure and international cooperation and further solidifies the Port of Lake Charles as a global hub for energy exports.

For more information visit www.portlc.com