Mexico's ECA LNG Project Produces First LNG

A key LNG export project on Mexico's Pacific Coast has reached a major construction milestone, bringing commercial operations and global LNG shipments one step closer.

(P&GJ) — ECA LNG Phase 1 has produced its first liquefied natural gas during commissioning activities, marking a major milestone for the export project in Ensenada, Mexico, as it moves toward commercial operations later this year.

The facility, developed by Sempra Infrastructure and its partners, is designed to export LNG from Mexico's Pacific Coast using U.S. natural gas supplies. The project's location provides direct access to Asia and other Pacific Basin markets, offering a shorter shipping route than Gulf Coast export terminals.

According to Sempra Infrastructure, first LNG production represents a key step in the startup process ahead of substantial completion, which is expected during the summer of 2026.

"The production of first LNG marks an important milestone as the project progresses toward full operations in the coming months," CEO Justin Bird said in a statement.

ECA LNG Phase 1 consists of a single liquefaction train with a nameplate capacity of 3.25 MMtpy. The project is backed by long-term LNG sales and purchase agreements with TotalEnergies and Mitsui & Co.

The facility is part of Sempra Infrastructure's broader LNG portfolio spanning the U.S. Gulf Coast and Mexico. A second expansion phase remains under development at the Ensenada site.