Sentinel Midstream has received its Record of Decision from the US Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) approving its deepwater port license application for its Texas GulfLink deepwater crude oil export terminal. The ROD concludes a multiyear environmental and technical review of Texas GulfLink’s application during which multiple draft environmental impact statements were published and several public hearings held.
MARAD originally received the application from Texas GulfLink on 30 May 2019. A final Environmental Impact Statement related to the project was published on 5 July 2024.
Located about 30 miles off Brazoria County along the Texas Gulf Coast, Texas GulfLink’s proposed deepwater crude oil export terminal will cater to very large crude carriers. The facility will establish a shoreside support facility at an operational commercial site within Freeport Harbor. The project will also utilize dock space at the Port Freeport Public Docks located in Freeport, Texas.
The terminal is designed to improve vessel traffic in crowded US Gulf Coast ship channels and reduce air emissions associated with lightering operations—delivering tangible benefits to customers and coastal communities alike.
Additionally, Texas GulfLink will employ state-of-the-art vapor recovery technology, further improving its environmental profile.
“This permitting milestone is a testament to the hard work, perseverance, and expertise of the Sentinel team,” remarked Jeff Ballard, president and CEO of Sentinel and its subsidiary, Texas GulfLink LLC. “Because of the team’s efforts, Texas GulfLink is now well positioned to capitalize on strong market interest and advance as the premier offshore crude oil export facility in the United States.”
Texas GulfLink will immediately turn its attention to satisfying the license conditions and says its eager to work with the US Maritime Administration, the US Coast Guard, and the Trump Administration, to bring the project to fruition.
“Today, we are unleashing the full power of American energy,” said US 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. By expanding production and giving American companies the ability to compete on the world stage, we are advancing American energy security, bringing more money into our country, and driving down costs for consumers. This plan is a declaration that American energy will fuel not just our own economy, but the global market—on our terms.”
Sentinel added it is actively engaged with customers and key stakeholders with the strong desire to promote integrated market solutions.
