GLNG: US LNG exports reach record high in March, elevated by Freeport’s return to full power

US LNG producers recorded a record month in March, shipping 7.73mn tonnes of the super-chilled fuel, according to data from Refinitiv Eikon. The figure surpasses the country’s previous record high of 7.67mn tonnes, exported in March 2022.

In total 108 cargoes set sail from US ports, with Europe the most popular destination, receiving over 70%. A total of 1.43mn tonnes was delivered to Asia, representing 17% of exports. An uptick in exports to Latin America and the Caribbean was also reported, with the region receiving 4.5% of US exports, its highest intake since September 2022.

The record figure was boosted by Freeport LNG’s output recovery. After being offline for eight months following a fire and explosion, the Texas facility on Quintana Island was back on track by April 3 to pull in 2.2bn cubic feet (62.2mn cubic metres) per day, which is above its nameplate capacity of 2.1 bcf (59.4 mcm) per day.