Sentinel Midstream LLC announced that construction has officially commenced on the Texas GulfLink deepwater crude oil export terminal, a major energy infrastructure project backed through funding tied to the U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement
The project, located roughly 30 miles off the coast near Freeport, Texas, is expected to expand America's crude oil export capacity while strengthening energy partnerships between the United States and Japan. Sentinel Midstream will oversee the construction, operations, and long-term management of the terminal.
Funding for the project was authorized under Executive Order 14345, signed in September 2025, as part of broader trade and energy cooperation between the U.S. and Japan. The agreement is aimed at boosting global energy security and supporting American export infrastructure.
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick called the project another example of a U.S.-Japan trade deal delivering investment into American energy production.
"The milestone will bring jobs and acceleration to the Gulf of America for years to come," said Lutnick.
Texas lawmakers also praised the project's economic impact and energy implications.
Sen. John Cornyn (R) said the terminal would create well-paying jobs in Brazoria County and help generate billions in crude oil exports, while Sen. Ted Cruz described Texas Gulf Link as a critical expansion of Texas energy infrastructure that would support thousands of jobs and billions in investment.
"Dallas-based Sentinel Midstream is playing a critical role in expanding Texas's energy infrastructure and exporting American energy to our allies," said Sen. Cruz.
Rep. Randy Weber highlighted Southeast Texas's role in global energy production, saying the project demonstrates the region's value through its ports, workforce, and existing infrastructure.
According to Sentinel CEO Jeff Ballard, the terminal is designed to connect American crude directly to global markets in Asia and Europe while reinforcing the United States as a stable long-term energy supplier.
Once completed, Texas GulfLink will be capable of fully loading Very Large Crude Carriers offshore, reducing reliance on lightening operations and improving export efficiency.
