Sempra Infrastructure Ships First LNG Cargo From Mexico Terminal

The Energia Costa Azul (ECA) LNG Phase 1 terminal in Ensenada, Mexico, shipped its inaugural cargo of liquefied natural gas this week via the tanker Pacific Success. Operated by Sempra Infrastructure and its joint venture partner TotalEnergies, the facility is the first LNG liquefaction plant on Mexico's Pacific coast. The terminal liquefies U.S. natural gas sourced from the Permian Basin, providing a strategic route to Asian and Pacific Basin markets by bypassing the Panama Canal to reduce costs and voyage times.

Commercial deliveries were previously delayed from a spring target to accommodate quality-related inspections. The facility currently features a single liquefaction train with a capacity of 3.25 million tonnes per annum and is expected to reach substantial completion in the summer of 2026. TotalEnergies holds a 16.6% equity stake and serves as the exclusive offtaker during the ramp-up period, with a long-term agreement to purchase 1.7 million tonnes per annum for 20 years. Mitsui & Co. also holds long-term offtake rights for 0.8 million tonnes per annum.

As the project moves toward full operational status, Sempra Infrastructure is shifting its broader investment strategy through a $10 billion deal to sell stakes in several projects to KKR and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board. A second, larger phase of the ECA project is also under development at the site.