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Trump’s Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy Unleashes American Energy, Awards Texas GulfLink First U.S. Deepwater Port License

Tuesday, February 3, 2026

 Texas GulfLink Deepwater Port will generate high paying jobs, support domestic energy production, and bolster U.S. national security

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy today announced Texas GulfLink, LLC received a license to own, construct, and operate a deepwater port for the export of crude oil from the United States. The license, which is the first to be authorized under President Trump’s Unleashing American Energy Executive Order, is a critical step towards cementing America’s position as a global energy superpower. The deepwater port will:

  • Support creation of up to 720 jobs for construction and operation
  • Export up to 1 million barrels of crude oil per day to fortify the energy security of America’s allies
  • Enhance the United States’ ability to accommodate Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs)
  • Streamline export capabilities and reduce vessel congestion in nearshore waters 

"The war on American oil and gas is over. Thanks to President Trump, we are entering a new golden age of American energy and maritime strength," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. "The Texas GulfLink project is proof that when we slash unnecessary red tape and unleash our fossil fuel sector, we create jobs at home and stability abroad. This critical deepwater port will allow the U.S. to export our abundant resources faster than ever before.”

"To restore our maritime dominance, we must have the modern infrastructure capable of handling the demands of global trade," said Maritime Administrator Captain Stephen M. Carmel. "Texas GulfLink provides a critical offshore logistical asset that keeps our nearshore waterways safer and allows American energy to reach the global market with unprecedented speed and efficiency. We are signaling to the global market that America is open for business. By approving projects like Texas GulfLink, we ensure that American oil producers aren't halted by domestic bottlenecks.”

The Texas GulfLink deepwater will be located approximately 26.6 nautical miles off the coast of Brazoria County, Texas.    

Additional Information:

USDOT's Maritime Administration (MARAD) coordinated with the U.S. Coast Guard, numerous Federal agencies, and the State of Texas during the comprehensive review of the Texas GulfLink application. The review ensured that the project meets strict safety and security standards while advancing the nation's economic interests. 

This license allows for the construction and operation of a facility that will play a pivotal role in the future of American energy exports, ensuring that U.S. oil can reach international partners without reliance on foreign supply chains. 

Secretary Duffy announced in January that MARAD will take over and streamline the deepwater port licensing process. 

The project is a key component of the Administration's broader strategy to restore U.S. maritime dominance. The deepwater port is designed to accommodate Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs), significantly reducing vessel congestion in nearshore waters, improving navigational safety, and enhancing the logistical efficiency of U.S. crude oil exports. Loading these massive vessels offshore is faster, cheaper, and more efficient than transferring cargo in nearshore waters.