$17.5 billion LNG project anchored by $1B investment in Louisiana businesses

Australia’s energy company Woodside has announced a major $17.5 billion LNG project in Louisiana, USA, with over $1 billion already committed to local Louisiana suppliers to support early development. A key part of the project is a $300+ million contract awarded to Green Tug Towing (a joint venture between Harbor Docking & Towing and Saltchuk Marine) to design and build four tugboats at C&C Marine and Repair in Belle Chasse. These vessels will be delivered in 2028 and used to support LNG tanker operations. The project is expected to generate local economic impact, including around 70 direct jobs, 30 indirect jobs, and about 60 temporary construction roles. The tugboats will operate under a 20-year service agreement to support the LNG terminal once it becomes operational. Louisiana LNG, which received a final investment decision in April 2025, is planned to start production around 2029, beginning with a capacity of 16.5 million tonnes per annum, with potential expansion up to 27.6 mtpa through additional trains. Woodside executives and Louisiana officials highlighted the project as a major boost for the state’s shipbuilding, energy sector, and industrial workforce, emphasizing Louisiana’s role in global LNG supply chains and long-term energy infrastructure growth.