Mexico's Energia Costa Azul LNG terminal ships first cargo, tripling export capacity

On July 8, the Energia Costa Azul Phase 1 liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminal in Baja California shipped its first commercial cargo. The single liquefaction train adds 0.4 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) of nominal export capacity, tripling Mexico’s total LNG export capability.

The terminal receives gas from the United States, so shipments require authorisation from the U.S. Department of Energy: up to 0.5 Bcf/d for countries with a U.S. free‑trade agreement and 0.44 Bcf/d for non‑FTA destinations. Its Pacific‑coast location shortens routes to Asian markets compared with Gulf‑coast projects. A proposed second phase could add another 1.6 Bcf/d, further expanding Mexico's role in global LNG trade.