Energy Transfer suspends development of Lake Charles LNG
Energy Transfer LP announced Dec. 18, 2025, it is suspending development of the Lake Charles LNG project in order to focus on allocating capital to its significant backlog of natural gas pipeline infrastructure projects that Energy Transfer believes provides superior risk/return profiles, according to a press release from the company.
According to the statement, Energy Transfer management has determined that its continued development of the project is not warranted by Energy Transfer but remains open to discussions with third parties who may have an interest in developing the project.
Energy Transfer owns and operates one of the largest and most diversified portfolios of energy assets in the United States, with approximately 140,000 miles of pipeline and associated energy infrastructure. Energy Transfer’s strategic network spans 44 states with assets in all of the major U.S. production basins. Energy Transfer is a publicly traded limited partnership with core operations that include complementary natural gas midstream, intrastate and interstate transportation and storage assets; crude oil, natural gas liquids (NGL) and refined product transportation and terminalling assets; and NGL fractionation.
Energy Transfer also owns the general partner interests, the incentive distribution rights and 28.5 million common units (representing approximately 15% of the aggregate outstanding common and Class D units) of Sunoco LP, and the general partner interests and 46.5 million common units (representing 38% of the outstanding common units) of USA Compression Partners, LP.
Bethel awarded NDT contract for LNG terminal
Mistras Group, Inc. a global leader in technology-enabled industrial asset integrity and testing solutions, announced last month that Bechtel was selected to deliver non-destructive testing (NDT) services for the Woodside Louisiana LNG terminal, a multibillion-dollar LNG production and export facility under construction in Sulphur, Louisiana.
The project, which is permitted up to 27.6 million tonnes per annum of LNG production, is one of the most significant energy infrastructure developments in the world and represents a major investment in U.S. Gulf Coast energy capacity.
Mistras will provide a comprehensive suite of NDT services, including radiography (RT), magnetic particle testing (MT), liquid penetrant testing (PT), positive material identification (PMI), ultrasonic thickness testing (UT) and leak testing. All work will be performed by certified Mistras technicians with documented adherence to industry and regulatory standards.
“This award underscores our long-standing expertise in supporting large-scale energy projects,” said Gennaro D’Alterio, Mistras Group executive vice president and chief commercial officer. “We are proud to support Bechtel in advancing a project that is vital to the region and global energy markets.”
When completed, the LNG terminal will be among the world’s largest LNG facilities, supporting thousands of jobs and strengthening U.S. energy security.
NEFCO expands across the Gulf Region with STS
NEFCO, a provider of value-added construction supply products and solutions for professional contractors, announced Dec. 17, 2025, the acquisition of Louisiana-based STS Industrial in Sulphur. The Gulf region represents a major growth opportunity — and the addition of STS uniquely positions NEFCO to deliver expanded solutions, accelerated service, and deep local expertise to this critical market.
STS Industrial supplies fasteners, pipe, valves and fittings (PVF), gaskets, pipe supports, and cutting tools to refinery and chemical facilities, oil and gas operators, industrial contractors, and manufacturing customers across the United States.
STS Industrial reportedly will continue operating as usual while gradually introducing NEFCO’s expanded product portfolio, SHARP fabrication capabilities, value-added services, and technology-enabled solutions to its customers.
Saudi Aramco signs deals with Woodside, Commonwealth
Saudi Aramco signed two major liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply agreements in the U.S. with Woodside Energy and Commonwealth LNG, according to sources cited by Reuters.These deals, expected to be finalized during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Washington, significantly advance Aramco’s ambition to become a dominant player in the global LNG market.
These transactions move Aramco closer to its target capacity of 20 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of LNG, adding to the 4.5 mtpa already in progress, which includes a 20-year purchase agreement with NextDecade for 1.2 mtpa from the Rio Grande LNG project.
Reportedly, the new agreements would add up to 4 mtpa of US LNG supply to Aramco’s portfolio. Specifically, Aramco would secure up to 2 mtpa of LNG from Commonwealth LNG’s planned 9.5 mtpa facility in Cameron, Louisiana.
A parallel deal with Woodside Energy includes acquiring a stake in the company’s $17.5 billion Louisiana LNG project, alongside an offtake agreement for up to another 2 mtpa.
The company is developing the U.S.’s first integrated LNG export facility. Woodside has already given final approval for its three-train, 16.5 mtpa project, scheduled to begin production in 2029.
Zachry Group selected for FEED scope on project
Nov. 12, 2025, Zachry Group announced it has been awarded the front-end engineering design (FEED) scope for the Lake Charles Methanol II Project, a groundbreaking initiative that will establish the world’s largest low-carbon “blue” methanol facility and rank as the fifth-largest methanol plant globally.
Located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, the plant is designed to capture one million metric tons of CO2 annually, setting a new standard in sustainable methanol production and contributing significantly to industrial decarbonization efforts.
The FEED phase, currently underway, will define the technical and economic foundations of the project and support its progression toward a Final Investment Decision (FID), which is anticipated in the second quarter of 2026.
BP announces leadership transition
BP officials reported the board has appointed Meg O’Neill as the next chief executive officer (CEO), effective April 1. Murray Auchincloss has decided to step down from his position as CEO and director of the board, effective Dec. 18. Carol Howle, current executive vice president, supply, trading & shipping of BP, will serve as interim CEO until O’Neill joins as CEO. Murray will serve in an advisory role until December 2026 to ensure a smooth transition.
O’Neill currently serves as CEO of Woodside Energy. Since her appointment as CEO in 2021, she has grown Woodside Energy into the largest energy company listed on the Australian Securities Exchange. Among her many accomplishments at Woodside Energy, she oversaw the transformative acquisition of BHP Petroleum International, creating a geographically diverse business with a portfolio of high-quality oil and gas assets.
Before joining Woodside Energy in 2018, she spent 23 years at ExxonMobil in technical, operational and leadership positions around the world.
