Cheniere Energy Charts Course for Major LNG Capacity Expansion

Cheniere Energy is solidifying its strategy to significantly grow its liquefied natural gas (LNG) export capabilities. The U.S. energy firm has taken concrete steps by filing for a new regulatory permit and securing long-term shipping agreements, moves designed to reinforce its leading position in the global market.

Investors are awaiting the company's upcoming financial disclosures. Cheniere is scheduled to release its fourth quarter and full-year 2025 results before the U.S. market opens on Thursday, February 26, 2026.

A quarterly cash dividend of $0.555 per share is also on the near-term agenda. The payment will be distributed on February 27, 2026, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on February 6.

Ambitious Terminal Expansion in Texas

A key component of the growth plan involves a substantial capacity increase at its Corpus Christi, Texas facility. The company has submitted an application to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for a "Stage 4" expansion project. This proposal outlines the addition of four new liquefaction trains, each with an annual capacity of six million tonnes.

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The progression of capacity at the site is set to occur in phases:
* The terminal's current production stands at 18 million tonnes per annum (mtpa).
* An ongoing "Stage 3" development is expected to elevate capacity to more than 25 mtpa by the end of 2026.
* Should regulatory approval for Stage 4 be secured by May 2027, the site's total output would reach approximately 49 mtpa, representing a near-doubling from current levels.

Securing Global Delivery Infrastructure

To support the increased production, Cheniere is also locking in maritime transport. Its subsidiary, Cheniere Marketing International, has entered into long-term charter agreements for new LNG carriers with Japan's NYK Line and Norway's Ocean Yield.

These vessels, each with a capacity of 200,000 cubic meters, will be constructed by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea. The fleet is slated for delivery starting in 2028. The pact with NYK Line marks the first long-term charter collaboration between the two companies.