Sentinel Midstream, LLC to Build Deepwater Port for Crude Oil Exports

Sentinel Midstream, LLC has been granted the go-ahead to construct a deepwater port for exporting crude oil, as announced by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration. The approval marks a significant milestone in the company’s plans to establish a deepwater port to export domestically produced crude oil. This project is part of President Donald Trump’s Unleashing American Energy Executive Order, signed on January 20, 2025.

Project Overview

The proposed port will be located approximately 27 nautical miles off the coast of Brazoria County, Texas, and will include a shoreside support facility within Freeport Harbor. Additionally, the project will utilize dock space at the Port Freeport Public Docks in Freeport, Texas. This strategic location aims to leverage Texas’s abundant oil resources and facilitate global crude oil exports.

Significance of the Project

“Today, we are unleashing the full power of American energy,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “With this approval, we are increasing our energy revenue and unlocking our vast oil resources—not just for domestic security, but to dominate the global market.” This project is expected to open the floodgates for American oil exports, putting U.S. producers in the driver’s seat and ensuring that the world looks to the United States for energy supply rather than foreign adversaries. By expanding production and giving American companies the ability to compete on the world stage, the project aims to advance American energy security, bring more money into the country, and drive down costs for consumers.

Background and Milestones

To kick things off, in May 2019, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) received an application from Texas GulfLink LLC (TGL) for a license to construct and operate the deepwater port. The USCG and MARAD prepared the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS), which was published on July 5, 2024. MARAD reviewed and addressed the substantive public comments received on the FEIS. The Deepwater Port Record of Decision (ROD) was guided by statutory requirements contained in the Deepwater Port Act of 1974.

Impact on the Oil Industry

Building on that, this project is poised to be a game-changer for the U.S. crude oil export industry. By increasing the country’s capacity to supply global markets, it highlights the U.S. commitment to leveraging its energy resources on the global stage. The Texas GulfLink terminal is expected to significantly contribute to this effort, making the U.S. a major player in the global crude oil market.

Piecing it all together

When we zoom out, the approval of the Texas GulfLink deepwater port is a testament to the U.S. government’s efforts to unlock domestic energy resources and position the country as a global energy leader. This project not only promises to boost energy revenue but also to enhance energy security and drive economic growth. As the construction and operation of the port progress, it will be exciting to see how this initiative shapes the future of the U.S. oil industry and its global influence.

Sources

• Business Wire – Sentinel Midstream’s “Texas Gulflink” Deepwater Port Receives Approval From U.S. Maritime Administration
• Hellenic Shipping News – Sentinel Midstream’s “Texas Gulflink” Deepwater Port Receives Approval From U.S. Maritime Administration
• Oil & Gas Journal – Sentinel Midstream receives MARAD record of decision for Texas Gulflink port
• Midstream Calendar – Sentinel Midstream’s “Texas Gulflink” Deepwater Port Receives Approval From U.S. Maritime Administration
• Sentinel Midstream – Current Projects