Stabilis Solutions is aiming to bring a proposed LNG facility in Galveston, Texas, into production by the third quarter of 2028, according to Ship & Bunker. The project would also introduce the first newly built, dedicated Jones Act-compliant LNG bunker barge to operate in the Galveston/Houston area, the company said in a LinkedIn post cited by Ship & Bunker.
Coast Guard Issues Letter of Recommendation
According to Ship & Bunker, Stabilis has received a Letter of Recommendation (LOR) from the US Coast Guard following a formal review of the proposed Stabilis Galveston LNG Facility, along with its planned waterfront LNG loading, marine transportation and bunkering operations. The recommendation was issued by the US Coast Guard Captain of the Port to both the Port of Galveston and the Galveston Fire Marshal, Stabilis said, following a comprehensive safety and security assessment.
The review reportedly covered a range of factors, including navigation hazards, vessel traffic density, emergency response capabilities, maritime security threats, and proposed mitigation measures, as reported by Ship & Bunker. Stabilis described the LOR as a significant regulatory milestone for the project.
Bunker Barge to Serve Gulf Coast Ports
Once operational, the Galveston facility is expected to support LNG fuel deliveries to vessels calling at both the Galveston and Houston ports, according to the report. The addition of a purpose-built, Jones Act-compliant bunker barge would expand the marine LNG supply infrastructure serving the region.
Ship & Bunker notes that the project would add to LNG bunkering capacity along the US Gulf Coast, an area where demand for LNG as a marine fuel continues to grow.
Does this matter to you?
For those monitoring the availability of alternative marine fuels along the US Gulf Coast, this development signals continued expansion of LNG bunkering infrastructure serving Galveston and Houston. Vessel operators using or considering LNG as a fuel option may find the addition of new supply and delivery capacity relevant to future bunkering planning in the region, particularly given the multi-year timeline before the facility becomes operational. The source material does not provide details on pricing, capacity volumes, or specific commercial arrangements, so the broader market impact remains unclear at this stage.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker
