Argent LNG has signed a memorandum of understanding with Ukraine's state-owned Naftogaz Group covering up to 25 million metric tons per year of liquefied natural gas from its proposed $20-billion Port Fourchon export terminal in Lafourche Parish, Louisiana. The framework, disclosed July 23, ties the planned Phase 1 output to Central and Eastern European demand.

What does the Naftogaz MOU cover?

Under the agreement, Naftogaz will serve as a regional intermediary, routing Louisiana LNG delivered to European import terminals into Ukraine's underground storage network for onward distribution to neighboring democratic allies. The 25 mtpa headline volume matches the planned production capacity of Argent's proposed facility at Port Fourchon.

"The signing of this memorandum is an important part of Naftogaz's strategy to diversify natural gas supplies and strengthen the country's energy security," said Serhiy Koretsky, Chairman of the Board of NJSC Naftogaz of Ukraine.

How does the deal fit Argent's offtake roster?

Two earlier 5 mtpa frames anchor the export plan:

• A 5 mtpa supply deal signed in October with Turkey's national energy bourse, EPİAŞ, routing volumes into Southern Europe.
• A separate 5 mtpa agreement with the government of Bangladesh for Asian markets.

The Naftogaz MOU would absorb the full 25 mtpa Phase 1 capacity for Central and Eastern European delivery.

What is the engineering approach at Port Fourchon?

Argent plans 12 modular Baker Hughes liquefaction trains fabricated offsite and shipped to Port Fourchon on heavy-lift vessels, an approach the company estimates cuts construction time by 30% versus stick-built plants. Port authorities and Argent are designing two dedicated export jetties set off the main ship channel, sized to accommodate 1,000-foot LNG supertankers without disrupting oil and gas service traffic or local fisheries.

Venture Global, Commonwealth LNG, and Louisiana LNG have likewise shifted toward modular methods at their Louisiana sites. Argent, headquartered in Metairie, wants to be the only homegrown Louisiana LNG exporter, with binding commitments to in-state manufacturers and shipbuilders under its "Louisiana First" procurement policy.

What is the regulatory and construction timeline?

The Louisiana Legislature unanimously passed a concurrent resolution in May supporting export of state gas to democratic allies and endorsing the Louisiana First strategy. Construction of Phase 1 could begin as early as 2026, with first production targeted for early 2030.

Pre-existing infrastructure at Port Fourchon, an already industrialized maritime and energy hub, has carried the project through federal review faster than greenfield sites in less-developed coastal parishes.

Chett Chiasson, Executive Director of the Greater Lafourche Port Commission, underscored the local labor footprint even with factory-built modules. "The Argent LNG project at Port Fourchon is more than just a terminal — it's a testament to the dedication and expertise of Louisiana's world-class contractors," Chiasson posted on Facebook. "State-of-the-art companies are making this project a reality, strengthening Louisiana's position in the global energy landscape while delivering long-term benefits for local communities."

What to watch

Argent CEO Jonathan Bass framed the deal as infrastructure rather than spot trade. "Port Fourchon exists to put reliable American supply behind allies who need it — not as a one-off cargo, but as the kind of long-term infrastructure relationship that actually changes a country's strategic position," Bass told Reuters.

The next milestones to track:

• A Phase 1 final investment decision.
• The start of liquefaction train fabrication at Baker Hughes facilities.
• Confirmation of the 2026 ground-breaking target.
• EU storage policy moves or changes in Ukrainian transit arrangements that would reshape the offtake arithmetic.