MAIRE Enters US LNG Market with Argent's Modular Louisiana Plant

MILAN, Italy & PORT FOURCHON, LA – January 21, 2026 – Italian engineering and technology group MAIRE has announced its strategic entry into the lucrative U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) export market. The company’s subsidiary, TECNIMONT, has signed a pivotal term sheet with U.S.-based developer Argent LNG, LLC to participate as the integrated engineering service provider for a new 25 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) LNG export facility in Port Fourchon, Louisiana.

This landmark agreement lays the foundation for TECNIMONT to play a central role in a project designed to set a new global standard for LNG infrastructure. The move represents MAIRE's first major operational step into the LNG export sector, a business area the Milan-listed firm has identified as a critical driver for future growth within its Integrated Engineering & Construction Solutions (IE&CS) business unit.

A Strategic Gambit in a Booming Market

MAIRE's expansion into the U.S. LNG sector comes as global demand for natural gas continues to surge, driven by energy security concerns and the worldwide transition away from coal. The United States has cemented its position as the world’s largest LNG exporter, and projects along its Gulf Coast are central to meeting the growing needs of markets in Europe and Asia. For MAIRE, a group with approximately 10,500 employees and a strong focus on the energy transition, this venture is a calculated move to diversify its portfolio and strengthen its presence in the critical North American market.

Alessandro Bernini, Chief Executive Officer of MAIRE, highlighted the project's innovative nature and strategic importance. "We are extremely proud and excited to start this innovative project," Bernini commented. "This collaboration with Argent LNG not only strengthens our presence in the US but also opens to a new market for the Group, thanks to TECNIMONT's recognized capabilities in the modularized approach and its flexibility to adapt to new challenging opportunities."

The partnership aims to create a long-term alignment across engineering and project development as the facility advances through key regulatory and design milestones, including the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) permitting process and the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) phase. Contracts for these crucial stages are expected to be finalized soon, paving the way for a final investment decision.

The Modular Revolution in LNG Infrastructure

At the heart of the Argent LNG project is a commitment to a modular, scalable, and replicable design philosophy—a core competency of TECNIMONT. This approach diverges from traditional, large-scale, stick-built construction methods by fabricating standardized modules off-site in controlled environments. These modules are then transported and assembled at the project location, a process intended to significantly enhance execution certainty, reduce construction timelines, and minimize interface risks between different project components.

The Argent LNG platform has been engineered around proven technologies from globally recognized Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). The facility will be the first to deploy Baker Hughes' advanced LM9000 gas turbines for its electric compression motors on every train, a technology designed for lower emissions and superior performance. The project will also integrate pre-treatment modules from Honeywell UOP, automation technology from ABB, and GTT's full-membrane LNG tanks, which are designed to maximize storage capacity while reducing capital expenditure.

This integrated, modular platform is designed to be fully financeable and repeatable, enabling a rapid and predictable response to shifts in global LNG demand. The collaboration aims to deliver a bankable solution that can be deployed across multiple projects and geographies, potentially establishing a new global standard for how LNG infrastructure is built.

Solidifying Louisiana's Role as a Global Energy Hub

The selection of Port Fourchon, Louisiana, is a strategic masterstroke. Described as one of the most hurricane-resilient energy hubs in the United States, the port is a critical nerve center for America's offshore energy production, servicing over 90% of the Gulf of Mexico's deepwater activity. The 900-acre project site, secured under a 90-year lease, boasts direct, uncongested access to the Gulf and proximity to three major low-nitrogen feed gas pipelines.

The port's deepwater channel, dredged to 50 feet, provides unimpeded access for large LNG carriers, while its location offers shorter shipping routes to key Atlantic and European markets compared to many other Gulf Coast facilities. This geographical advantage can reduce both shipping costs and transit-related emissions.

The project is poised to deliver a massive economic windfall for the region. It is projected to be one of the largest private-sector energy investments in Louisiana's history, generating billions in economic activity and creating an estimated 30,000 permanent jobs across the U.S. supply chain. Argent LNG has emphasized a "Louisiana First" procurement policy, prioritizing local contractors, suppliers, and a skilled regional workforce. This commitment has helped garner strong, bipartisan support from the Louisiana State Senate, which passed a resolution affirming the state’s readiness to support the world-class facility.

Navigating the Path to Final Investment

While the term sheet marks a significant alignment, the project is now entering a critical phase of regulatory and engineering development. Argent LNG has formally submitted its request to enter the FERC pre-filing process, an essential step that initiates early and transparent coordination with federal, state, and local regulators. This process will include comprehensive environmental reviews and public engagement to ensure the project meets the highest standards of safety and environmental stewardship.

Jonathan Bass, Founder and Executive Chairman of Argent LNG, underscored the disciplined approach behind the venture. "This term sheet represents a meaningful alignment between capital, engineering, and execution," Bass stated. "Engaging a Tier-1 global engineering organization at this stage underscores the seriousness, discipline, and long-term vision behind the Argent LNG platform. Our objective is to build a project that meets the highest standards of technical excellence, regulatory credibility, and capital efficiency." By bringing in a heavyweight engineering partner like TECNIMONT early, Argent LNG signals its intent to de-risk the project and build a robust, bankable platform poised to reliably deliver U.S. LNG to the world for decades to come.