Houston, Texas | January 27, 2026 – Galveston LNG Bunker Port, LLC (GLBP) has entered into a strategic partnership with TOTE Services, LLC to develop, construct, and operate a fleet of dedicated Jones Act–compliant LNG bunker vessels, marking a major milestone in the buildout of LNG bunkering infrastructure on the U.S. Gulf Coast.
The collaboration is formalized through a strategic Heads of Agreement (HOA) and is designed to support the delivery of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the first purpose-built, small-scale LNG bunkering facility on the U.S. Gulf Coast. The project will serve the greater Houston–Galveston port complex, one of the busiest maritime hubs in North America and a rapidly growing market for alternative marine fuels.
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Strengthening LNG Bunkering Capacity in the Gulf Coast
Under the agreement, GLBP and TOTE Services will establish a framework covering vessel design, construction oversight, and long-term operational management of LNG bunker vessels operating in U.S. coastwise trade. The partnership positions GLBP to move efficiently toward full project execution as demand for LNG as a marine fuel continues to accelerate.
A core objective of the partnership is the deployment of U.S.-flagged, U.S.-built, and U.S.-crewed LNG bunker vessels, fully compliant with the Jones Act. These vessels will enable the safe, reliable, and scalable delivery of LNG to vessels operating across the Gulf Coast, supporting shipowners’ compliance with tightening emissions regulations and decarbonization targets.
In addition to conventional LNG, the GLBP bunkering solution is designed with future flexibility in mind. Customers will be able to integrate bio-LNG and e-LNG as drop-in fuels, providing a pathway toward lower lifecycle emissions without requiring changes to vessel fuel systems.
First LNG Bunker Vessel Targeted by Mid-2026
The HOA outlines a clear path toward executing a charter agreement for the first LNG bunker vessel supporting the GLBP project, with delivery targeted by mid-2026. The agreement with TOTE Services, a leading U.S. maritime ship management and vessel construction management company, underscores a shared commitment to advancing LNG bunkering capability and strengthening domestic maritime infrastructure.
Jonathan Cook of Galveston LNG Bunker Port said the partnership represents a defining step for the project and the broader U.S. LNG bunkering market.
“We are very pleased to enter into this strategic partnership with TOTE Services,” Cook said. “TOTE Services’ extensive maritime expertise and pioneering leadership in LNG bunkering make this collaboration a critical step for GLBP and our customers. The safe and reliable delivery of LNG to our customers is paramount. Securing TOTE Services as our Jones Act partner is a defining milestone for the project and the U.S. LNG bunkering industry.”
Leveraging Proven LNG Expertise
TOTE Services brings substantial LNG operational experience to the partnership. The company currently operates four large LNG-powered cargo vessels and two LNG bunker vessels and has completed more than 850 LNG bunkering operations to date.
Jeff Dixon, President of TOTE Services, emphasized the strategic importance of the agreement for the U.S. maritime sector.
“This agreement reflects TOTE Services’ continued commitment to advancing practical, scalable LNG solutions that strengthen the U.S. maritime industry,” Dixon said. “We look forward to partnering with GLBP on U.S.-flagged LNG bunkering vessels for the transportation of sustainable marine fuels.”
Permitting Progress and Path to Final Investment Decision
GLBP is advancing toward a Final Investment Decision (FID) in 2026, following the successful award of all required federal and state permits in 2025. Regulatory approvals have been secured from key agencies, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Texas Railroad Commission, and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
The project has also awarded engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) agreements and continues to progress customer offtake discussions. These milestones, combined with the strategic partnership with TOTE Services, reinforce GLBP’s position as a leading developer of LNG bunkering infrastructure in the United States.
Once operational, the Galveston LNG Bunker Port is expected to play a critical role in supporting LNG-fueled vessels transiting the Houston–Galveston port complex and surrounding offshore markets, including the Galveston Offshore Lightering Area.
About TOTE Services
TOTE Services is a U.S.-based maritime company providing ship management and vessel construction services for government and commercial customers. As the nation’s leading Vessel Construction Manager (VCM), TOTE Services delivers mission-ready vessels with schedule and budget certainty. The company manages a fleet of more than 30 ships and provides turnkey technical, safety, crewing, and operational solutions.
A pioneer in alternative marine fuels, TOTE Services oversaw the construction and management of the world’s first LNG-powered container ships and North America’s first LNG bunker barge. TOTE Services is part of the TOTE Group, alongside TOTE Maritime Alaska, TOTE Logistics, and TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico, and is a member of the Saltchuk family of companies.
About Navergy Infrastructure Partners
Navergy Infrastructure Partners is a privately held energy infrastructure company headquartered in Houston, Texas. Navergy develops and operates energy infrastructure projects that deliver clean and lower-carbon fuels to evolving markets in North America and globally, focusing on reliability, efficiency, and long-term value creation.
About Seapath
Seapath is focused on advancing America’s infrastructure and maritime competitiveness. The company provides maritime asset financing, project financing, and advisory services for commercial, industrial, and infrastructure projects. Seapath is a maritime subsidiary of Libra Group, a U.S.-headquartered, privately owned global business group operating in nearly 60 countries.
About Galveston LNG Bunker Port
Galveston LNG Bunker Port (GLBP) is a joint venture between Navergy Infrastructure Partners and Seapath Group. The LNG bunkering terminal is under development at Shoal Point in Texas City, Galveston County, Texas, and is designed to serve the greater Houston–Galveston port complex.
The terminal will be developed in two phases, with a total capacity of up to 720,000 gallons per day and two 3-million-gallon LNG storage tanks. Operations are projected to commence in 2029, providing critical infrastructure for the supply of clean-burning LNG to marine customers across the region.
Source: Galveston LNG Bunker Port