Texas GulfLink gets its deepwater port license

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy: “The war on American oil and gas is over."

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy today announced that Texas GulfLink LLC has received a license to own, construct, and operate a deepwater port for the export of crude oil from the United States. The license, which is the first to be authorized under President Trump’s Unleashing American Energy Executive Order, was granted less than a month after Secretary Duffy’s announcement that MARAD would take on oversight of deepwater port licensing from the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) in a change aimed at streamlining environmental reviews, accelerating license approvals, and lowering domestic energy costs.

The project is a key component of the Administration’s broader strategy to restore U.S. maritime dominance. The deepwater port is designed to accommodate Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs), significantly reducing vessel congestion in nearshore waters, improving navigational safety, and enhancing the logistical efficiency of U.S. crude oil exports. Loading these massive vessels offshore is faster, cheaper, and more efficient than transferring cargo in nearshore waters.

The Texas GulfLink deepwater port will be located approximately 26.6 nautical miles off the coast of Brazoria County, Texas. It will:

• Support creation of up to 720 jobs for construction and operation
• Export up to 1 million barrels of crude oil per day to fortify the energy security of America’s allies
• Enhance the United States’ ability to accommodate Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs)
• Streamline export capabilities and reduce vessel congestion in nearshore waters

“The war on American oil and gas is over. Thanks to President Trump, we are entering a new golden age of American energy and maritime strength,” said Secretary Duffy. “The Texas GulfLink project is proof that when we slash unnecessary red tape and unleash our fossil fuel sector, we create jobs at home and stability abroad. This critical deepwater port will allow the U.S. to export our abundant resources faster than ever before.”

“To restore our maritime dominance, we must have the modern infrastructure capable of handling the demands of global trade,” said Maritime Administrator Captain Stephen M. Carmel. “Texas GulfLink provides a critical offshore logistical asset that keeps our nearshore waterways safer and allows American energy to reach the global market with unprecedented speed and efficiency. We are signaling to the global market that America is open for business. By approving projects like Texas GulfLink, we ensure that American oil producers aren’t halted by domestic bottlenecks.”

MARAD coordinated with the U.S. Coast Guard, numerous Federal agencies, and the State of Texas during the comprehensive review of the Texas GulfLink application. The review ensured that the project meets strict safety and security standards while advancing U.S. economic interests.

• More on Texas GulfLink HERE