Gulf Companies (GIE) Announces Acquisition of WSP USA’s Underground Storage Business
Gulf Companies has acquired WSP USA’s Underground Storage Business, expanding its subsurface and cavern storage capabilities as demand grows along the U.S. Gulf Coast for LNG, natural gas, and energy storage infrastructure.
(P&GJ) — Gulf Companies (Gulf Interstate Engineering), a Houston-based leader in engineering, procurement, construction, and management (EPCM) services for the energy industry, announced the acquisition of WSP USA’s Underground Storage Business (UGS).
UGS is a leading provider of underground energy storage facilities and related surface infrastructure. Backed by a team of approximately 120 experts, UGS brings more than 50 years of experience delivering subsurface energy storage solutions and has supported the engineering, design, and execution of over 300 underground cavern projects across the United States. These projects span solution-mined salt caverns and hard-rock formations for the storage of natural gas, natural gas liquids, petroleum products, and emerging energy applications, underscoring deep technical expertise and long-standing client relationships.
The team’s work encompasses complex cavern design, drilling engineering, facility operations, and long-term maintenance for subsurface storage solutions, including both salt dome and hard-rock caverns for hydrocarbons and other energy products.
The acquisition significantly enhances Gulf Companies underground storage and subsurface capabilities and aligns with the company’s long-term growth strategy focused on core energy markets. By bringing UGS into the Gulf organization, the combined business will be better positioned to pursue larger, more complex projects and deliver integrated, fit-for-purpose solutions across the energy value chain.
“Gulf Companies is proud to welcome the UGS team, the premier underground storage group in the industry, into the Gulf organization. We firmly believe additional cavern development along the U.S. Gulf Coast will be essential to support LNG growth and the expanding energy demands of AI data centers. By combining Gulf’s strength in above ground facilities with UGS’s unmatched expertise in cavern development, we are positioning Gulf as a clear industry leader,” said Kent Wilfur, President & CEO of Gulf Companies.
The alignment with Gulf Companies provides UGS with a focused oil and gas partner offering greater operational flexibility and access to larger growth opportunities within energy storage and related infrastructure. With Gulf Companies, the UGS team will be well positioned to support expanded project delivery and pursue new markets.
“The UGS team and I are excited to bring our underground storage expertise to a partner deeply rooted in the oil and gas industry and aligned with our commitment to delivering fit‑for‑purpose solutions. As part of Gulf, we look forward to continuing our leadership in this market by scaling our strengths and contributing to a unified growth strategy across the energy value chain,” said Nils Skaug, UGS’ Underground Storage Lead.
About Gulf Companies
Gulf Companies (Gulf Interstate Engineering) is a leading provider of engineering, procurement, construction, and management services for the energy industry. With more than 70 years of experience, Gulf delivers fit-for-purpose solutions across all segments of the energy business on a worldwide basis. The company is recognized for its technical expertise, safety, and commitment to long-term client partnerships.