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TotalEnergies Ships 1st Cargo From ECA LNG Phase 1 to Asia

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Oil supermajor TotalEnergies (TTE) said Thursday it has shipped the first liquefied natural gas cargo from California's Energia Costa Azul LNG Phase 1 to Asia, as it serves as the facility's sole off-taker during the ramp-up phase.

The facility, consisting of a 3.25-mmt single liquefaction train, is under commissioning. It is strategically located on Mexico's west coast, providing the shortest maritime route to export US natural gas to Asian markets, according to the company.

TotalEnergies owns a 16.6% stake in the project and has a 20-year agreement with Sempra's (SRE) subsidiary, Sempra Infrastructure, for the annual supply of 1.7 million metric tons of LNG from the start of commercial operations.

Project operator Sempra Infrastructure said that the facility will also supply LNG to Japanese firm Mitsui under a long-term sale and purchase agreement.

ECA LNG Phase 1 is expected to reach "substantial" completion in the summer of this year, the statement said, while Phase 2 is under development at the same site.

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