US engineering giant McDermott has landed a major services deal tied to the multibillion-dollar Monkey Island LNG development in Louisiana, marking a critical step toward what could become one of North America’s largest private energy infrastructure investments.
The company confirmed it has signed a master services agreement (MSA) to provide early-stage engineering, cost planning, and project execution support for the first phase of the $25 billion liquefied natural gas project. The contract is expected to transition into a full engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) award once financing arrangements are finalized.
Phase one of the facility, located in Cameron Parish, is designed to house three LNG trains, each capable of producing 5.2 million tonnes annually, giving the plant an initial output of 15.6 million tonnes per year. Expansion plans call for two more trains that would lift total production capacity to 26 million tonnes.
Monkey Island LNG will use ConocoPhillips’ Optimized Cascade technology, with McDermott deploying its modular “mega-module” approach to reduce the project’s land footprint and construction risks. Company executives said the design could allow the plant to generate up to 60% more LNG per acre than traditional developments.
“This project represents a significant investment not just for Louisiana but for the wider North American energy sector,” said Greg Michaels, chief executive of Monkey Island LNG, noting the two-phase build will maximize output while cutting costs.
Work on engineering and permitting is slated to begin in 2026, with first LNG deliveries targeted in the early 2030s. McDermott’s Houston-based team will lead the project, supported by its global engineering hub in India.
Rob Shaul, senior vice president of low-carbon solutions at McDermott, said the award reflects the company’s track record in LNG delivery. “Our integrated model, combined with McDermott-owned fabrication yards, puts us in a strong position to deliver this landmark project efficiently and with minimized risk,” he added.
If completed as planned, Monkey Island LNG would rank among the most ambitious US Gulf Coast LNG ventures, reinforcing the region’s status as a global hub for gas exports.
