Large-scale LNG terminals are critical infrastructure in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply chain. These facilities handle processes like liquefaction, regasification, storage, and transportation of LNG. As of 2023, over 460 million metric tons (MMT) of LNG were processed globally, with large-scale terminals accounting for 80% of total capacity. With growing demand for cleaner energy, LNG consumption in 2023 increased by 3-4% annually, supported by a global network of over 140 LNG terminals.
Large-Scale LNG Terminals Market size was USD 2,172.04 million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 2,351.23 million in 2024 and USD 2,755.19 million by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.25% during the forecast period [2024-2032].
Regional Insights on Large-Scale LNG Terminals
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North America: A Global Export Leader
North America, driven by advancements in shale gas exploration, has become a dominant player in LNG exports.
- The United States exported 89 MMT of LNG in 2023, making up nearly 20% of global exports.
- Cheniere Energy Inc., based in Houston, Texas, operates two of the world’s largest LNG terminals:
- Sabine Pass LNG Terminal (Louisiana): Processed over 35 MMT annually in 2023.
- Corpus Christi LNG Terminal (Texas): Shipped 25 MMT to international markets.
- Exxon Mobil Corporation, in partnership with QatarEnergy, is expanding its Golden Pass LNG Terminal to add 16 MMT of capacity by 2025.
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Asia-Pacific: The Largest LNG Consumer
Asia-Pacific leads global LNG demand, accounting for 43% of global imports in 2023.
- Japan imported 71 MMT, representing 17% of global LNG imports.
- Tokyo Gas Co. Ltd., headquartered in Tokyo, handled 15 MMT annually across its terminals.
- China, the second-largest importer, consumed 66 MMT, fueled by industrial demand.
- CNOOC expanded its terminal capacity to 30 million cubic meters, handling over 25 MMT in 2023.
- South Korea followed with imports of 47 MMT, focusing on replacing coal-based energy.
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Europe: Boosting LNG Imports Amid Geopolitical Tensions
Europe significantly increased its LNG imports, growing its share to 25% of global imports by 2023.
- Germany and the Netherlands became key importers, collectively handling 28 MMT of LNG in 2023.
- The UK, led by Royal Dutch Shell PLC, processed 12 MMT at its Milford Haven LNG Terminal.
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Middle East and Africa: Export Giants
The Middle East and Africa supplied 12% of global LNG exports, primarily from Qatar and Nigeria.
- Qatar, with its 77 MMT annual export capacity, is constructing additional terminals to expand capacity by 35% by 2026.
- Nigeria exported 22 MMT, focusing on Europe and Asia as its primary markets.
USA: The Growing Large-Scale LNG Terminals Market
The United States is at the forefront of LNG infrastructure development.
- Between 2020 and 2023, over $50 billion was invested in LNG terminal construction and expansion.
- The Gulf Coast region hosts over 80% of U.S. LNG terminals, including facilities operated by:
- Chevron Corporation, exporting 23 MMT annually from its Freeport LNG Terminal.
- Venture Global LNG, which achieved full operational capacity of 10 MMT at its Calcasieu Pass terminal in Louisiana within two years of commissioning.
- U.S. LNG exports supported over 3 million jobs and added significant revenues to local economies.
Region |
Share of Global LNG Trade |
Key Players |
Asia-Pacific |
43% |
Tokyo Gas Co., CNOOC, Petronet LNG Ltd |
North America |
25% |
Cheniere Energy, Chevron, Exxon Mobil |
Europe |
25% |
Royal Dutch Shell, BP, Total SA |
Middle East & Africa |
12% |
QatarEnergy, Nigeria LNG, Total SA |
Global Growth Insights unveils the top List Global Large-Scale LNG Terminals Companies:
Exxon Mobil Corporation
- Headquarters: Irving, Texas, USA
- Revenue (2023): $413.7 billion
- Key Updates: Operating the Golden Pass LNG terminal, with a planned 16 MMT expansion by 2025.
Chevron Corporation
- Headquarters: San Ramon, California, USA
- Revenue (2023): $246 billion
- Key Updates: Expanded its Gorgon LNG project in Australia to handle 20 MMT annually.
China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC)
- Headquarters: Beijing, China
- Revenue (2023): $165.3 billion
- Key Updates: Increased LNG terminal capacity by 15%, adding 5 MMT in 2023.
Cheniere Energy Inc.
- Headquarters: Houston, Texas, USA
- Revenue (2023): $33.4 billion
- Key Updates: Exported 40 MMT in 2023, leading U.S. LNG shipments.
British Petroleum (BP) PLC
- Headquarters: London, UK
- Revenue (2023): $241.4 billion
- Key Updates: Operates LNG terminals in Trinidad, handling 10% of global LNG exports.
Total SA
- Headquarters: Paris, France
- Revenue (2023): $258 billion
- Key Updates: Expanded African LNG operations, increasing exports by 12% in 2023.
Tokyo Electric Power Company Holding Inc.
- Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
- Revenue (2023): $54.6 billion
- Key Updates: Imported 35 MMT to meet Japan’s growing energy needs.
Royal Dutch Shell PLC
- Headquarters: London, UK
- Revenue (2023): $395 billion
- Key Updates: Supplied 45 MMT, accounting for 10% of global LNG trade.
Petronet LNG Ltd
- Headquarters: New Delhi, India
- Revenue (2023): $8.4 billion
- Key Updates: Expanded Dahej Terminal to handle 20 MMT annually.
Tokyo Gas Co. Ltd
- Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
- Revenue (2023): $17 billion
- Key Updates: Handles 15 MMT annually across 9 terminals in Japan.
Conclusion
The growth of large-scale LNG terminals reflects the global transition to cleaner energy. Companies like Cheniere Energy and CNOOC are leading the charge with innovative projects, expanding capacity to meet surging demand. As nations invest heavily in LNG infrastructure, particularly in Asia-Pacific and North America, the industry is set to remain a cornerstone of the energy sector. With increasing demand and technological advancements, large-scale LNG terminals will continue to drive sustainable energy solutions worldwide.