LNG Tanker Finally Departs Gulf Coast, but Export Operations Largely at Standstill

Gulf Coast liquefied natural gas (LNG) export operations were again near a standstill on Thursday as plants were working to comply with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s order banning out-of-state gas sales and handling issues related to an Arctic blast that’s still gripping the region.

Just one LNG vessel has been loaded on the Gulf Coast this week, according to ClipperData. The Seri Balhaf departed Freeport LNG on Quintana Island, TX, Wednesday headed for Mexico, which is dealing with an energy crisis of its own due to a lack of gas supplies from Texas. The last time LNG loadings were disrupted for days in the region was in October after Hurricane Delta touched down, said ClipperData’s Matt Smith, director of commodity research. 

Data intelligence firm Kpler said 12 LNG vessels...