Seven years in, the U.S. LNG export industry is set to retake the crown this year of world’s largest player, with all expectations we’ll surpass 2022’s record 81.2 million tons shipped. But a lot has changed since 2016 when Cheniere launched the nation’s first shipment from Sabine Pass to Brazil. With nine projects now under development, the quest to even reach the FID stage is tantamount to an episode of Survivor.

Reese Energy Consulting today is following a wave of new momentum by LNG operators taking big strides to connect U.S. gas supplies with global markets. FERC last week greenlit two proposed export terminals, Glenfarne’s 4-mtpa, two-train Texas LNG and NextDecade’s 27-mtpa, five-train Rio Grande LNG. Both operators expect to make a FID this year.

On the floating side of things, Houston-based Delfin LNG has announced SPAs for 3.1 mtpa of LNG—enough to make a FID by year end to build its proposed deepwater port 40 miles off the coast of La., and purchase its first FLNG vessel. Delfin last September teamed with Devon for gas supplies to produce up to 2 mtpa. The Woodlands-based Excelerate, which operates one of the largest FSRU fleets in the industry, has added an 11^th regasification vessel with the purchase of the $265 million Sequoia. The company in February announced a 20-year SPA with Venture Global for 0.7 mtpa of LNG.