TotalEnergies has announced the shipment of the first liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargo from ECA LNG Phase 1, a new LNG export facility currently being commissioned on Mexico’s Pacific Coast in Baja California. The milestone marks the beginning of operations at the first LNG export terminal located on Mexico’s Pacific coastline and strengthens global access to North American natural gas supplies.
TotalEnergies holds a 16.6% stake in ECA LNG alongside project operator Sempra Infrastructure and will be the sole LNG offtaker during the initial ramp-up phase. Under a long-term agreement, TotalEnergies will receive 1.7 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of LNG for 20 years following the start of commercial operations, with a significant portion of the volumes expected to serve Asian markets.
ECA LNG Phase 1 features a single-train liquefaction facility with a nameplate capacity of 3.25 Mtpa. The facility is supplied with natural gas from the United States, sourced primarily from the Permian Basin in Texas and New Mexico. The project has leveraged existing regasification infrastructure at the site to optimise development costs and improve operational efficiency.
Located strategically on Mexico’s western coast, ECA LNG provides direct access to Pacific Basin markets, enabling shorter shipping routes for U.S. natural gas exports to Asia and other international destinations. The location is expected to reduce transportation times and enhance supply flexibility compared with traditional LNG export routes from the U.S. Gulf Coast.
A second, larger expansion phase is also under development at the same location, with the potential to further strengthen the terminal’s role in global LNG supply chains. ECA LNG Phase 1 is expected to achieve substantial completion in summer 2026, after which long-term LNG sales agreements will take effect as the facility transitions into commercial operations.
Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of TotalEnergies, said, “The start-up of ECA LNG, with its strategic location providing direct access to Asian markets, strengthens our integrated LNG portfolio in North America. TotalEnergies is pleased to support the project’s ramp-up and contribute to delivering the first LNG cargoes from Mexico’s Pacific Coast.”
Justin Bird, Chief Executive Officer of Sempra Infrastructure, said, “We are excited to begin delivering a new and reliable source of natural gas from North America’s Pacific Coast to customers around the world. This achievement reflects the dedication of the entire ECA LNG Phase 1 team and our continued focus on safe, efficient and successful project execution.”
TotalEnergies is a global integrated energy company engaged in the production and supply of oil, natural gas, electricity and renewable energy. Headquartered in France, the company operates in more than 120 countries and has a diversified portfolio spanning exploration and production, liquefied natural gas (LNG), refining, petrochemicals, power generation and renewable energy projects.
TotalEnergies is investing significantly in solar, wind, battery storage and low-carbon fuels as part of its strategy to support the global energy transition while continuing to meet growing energy demand. The company also focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving energy efficiency and expanding its presence in clean energy and sustainable mobility solutions worldwide.
