The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has granted a Clean Air Act permit for the proposed Texas GulfLink (TGL) deepwater port. The facility, located about 30 miles southeast of Freeport, Texas, will be the first offshore deepwater port to integrate vapor capture and control technology mounted on a support vessel at sea.
EPA backs new offshore oil gateway
EPA officials described the permit as a step toward strengthening American energy production while ensuring environmental safeguards. They emphasized that the project combines proven emissions-control technology with increased energy output, balancing economic growth with cleaner operations.
The project developer, Sentinel Midstream, noted that its vapor control system is a breakthrough for offshore crude oil loading operations. The system, designed for Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs), will enable the port to load up to 85,000 barrels per hour, translating to about 365 million barrels annually. During these operations, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) will be captured by the emissions-control technology, which has been proven to achieve efficiencies above 96% in similar offshore settings.
The permit functions as a combined synthetic minor New Source Review for preconstruction and a Title V operating permit. It establishes detailed requirements for monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting, including semi-annual and annual compliance certifications. Valid for five years, the permit requires the operator to seek renewal at least six months before expiration to maintain operations.
The permitting process included a public comment period earlier this year, allowing stakeholders to review and provide feedback before finalization. With the issuance of this permit, the Texas GulfLink project moves closer to construction, positioning itself as a key player in both expanding U.S. crude oil exports and demonstrating offshore emissions-control technology at scale.
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Source: EPA
