World’s largest FLNG crosses the FID finish line with $5 billion committed

June 4, 2026, by Melisa Cavcic

Delfin Midstream, a U.S.-based liquefied natural gas (LNG) export infrastructure development company, has signed off on a final investment decision (FID) for the first floating LNG (FLNG) vessel destined for an LNG project under development in Louisiana, United States.

Delfin Midstream has taken a final investment decision for the first FLNG of the Delfin LNG project under development in Louisiana and offshore in the Gulf of America (U.S. Gulf of Mexico). While explaining that Delfin FLNG 1 will be the first floating liquefaction facility in the United States, the developer emphasizes that this is also the largest FLNG project globally, with an expected export capacity of 4.4 million tonnes of LNG per year.

Dudley Poston, Delfin’s CEO, commented: “Securing FID for our first FLNG vessel is a groundbreaking milestone not only for Delfin, but also for global energy security. We are excited by our ability to support U.S. energy and maritime dominance by bringing safe, reliable, low-cost LNG exports to market.

“This monumental achievement is a testament to the strength of our partnerships, meaningful collaboration across all project stakeholders and the hard work of our dedicated team. We look forward to working closely with GIP, MOL and Vitol on delivering this first phase of the Delfin LNG project.”

The FLNG project, which is backed by long-term LNG sales agreements with energy companies including Vitol, Expand Energy, Centrica, and Gunvor, has secured all necessary permits and licenses to begin construction, with contracts for Delfin’s first FLNG vessel executed with Samsung Heavy Industries and Black & Veatch.

Ben Marshall, President & CEO of Vitol Americas, noted: “This is an important investment for Vitol in the United States. Delfin FLNG 1 will deliver reliable, cost-competitive American energy to global markets. We are proud to be a part of this first for American energy alongside Delfin, GIP and MOL.”

With the first vessel scheduled to begin LNG production in 2030, the U.S. company claims to be diligently advancing toward securing FIDs for FLNG vessels two and three over the coming year. Delfin sees the positive FID as a significant milestone, as it works to deliver reliable, low-cost LNG exports from the United States to customers around the world.

Jotaro Tamura, President and CEO of MOL, underlined: “MOL began its investment in Delfin in 2023 and since then has seen the Company’s FLNG project rapidly progress.

“We are delighted to further our strategic partnership with Delfin while continuing to leverage our significant expertise in offshore floating facilities to support the company’s essential work and expand our business in the U.S. and across the gas value chain globally.”

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The project already received a deepwater port license from the Maritime Administration (MARAD) and approval from the Department of Energy for long-term LNG exports to countries that do not have a free trade agreement (FTA) with the United States.

A group of investors led by Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), a part of BlackRock, including existing Delfin investors Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), Vitol, and Diameter Capital Partners, have agreed to invest in the first phase of this energy infrastructure project.

Mark Florian, Head of GIP Mid-Market Funds, highlighted: “We are excited to partner with Delfin, MOL and Vitol to support the construction of the first phase of Delfin FLNG, a landmark U.S. LNG infrastructure project designed to help meet growing global demand for reliable, secure energy.

“Backed by an experienced management team, proven construction partners and long-term agreements with leading energy companies, Delfin FLNG 1 is well positioned to deliver cost-competitive U.S. LNG to global markets.”

Delfin LNG is a brownfield deepwater port requiring minimal additional infrastructure investment to support up to three FLNG vessels producing up to 13.2 mtpa of LNG. The developer acquired the UTOS pipeline, the largest natural gas pipeline in the U.S. Gulf.

Scott Goodwin and Jon Lewinsohn, co-founders and Managing Partners of Diameter, said: “We are delighted to share in this milestone with Delfin after investing in the Company last year. We look forward to supporting Delfin as it develops additional U.S. energy infrastructure in the coming years.”