Williams Expands Louisiana LNG, Haynesville Operations
Tulsa-based Williams Companies is expanding its wellhead-to-water strategy with two major Louisiana transactions that showcase Oklahoma’s growing impact on the global energy industry.
Williams and Woodside Partner on $1.9 Billion LNG Project
Williams announced a strategic partnership with Woodside Energy, Australia’s largest independent oil and gas company, to invest in the Louisiana LNG project. The fully permitted export facility is located along the Calcasieu Ship Channel and represents a key step in the expansion of U.S. liquefied natural gas exports.
Under the deal, Williams will acquire 80% ownership and become operator of Driftwood Pipeline LLC, which includes construction of Line 200, a greenfield pipeline connecting the Louisiana LNG plant to Transco and the Louisiana Energy Gateway (LEG) systems.
Woodside, as majority owner and operator of the LNG facility, announced a final investment decision in April 2025, signaling the project’s move into full-scale development. As part of the agreement, Williams will also acquire a 10% interest in Louisiana LNG LLC and enter into a 1.5 million-ton-per-year LNG offtake obligation.
Woodside will retain 20% ownership of Driftwood Pipeline LLC and a majority stake in Louisiana LNG. Both companies will use Williams’ Sequent Energy Management platform to supply feed gas for the project. In total, Williams expects its capital investment to reach approximately $1.9 billion for pipeline and LNG facility development.
Haynesville Sale Adds Focus to Core Operations
In a separate deal, Williams signed definitive agreements to sell its minority interest in South Mansfield upstream to JERA Co., a Japanese power generation company. The $398 million sale includes deferred monthly payments through 2029 based on a predefined development plan.
GEP Haynesville II, LLC, which owns the majority share, is also selling its interest but will continue to operate and develop the asset under a Contract Operating Agreement on a fixed-fee basis. GEP will retain ownership of other Haynesville assets outside this transaction.
Williams will continue to gather and deliver natural gas from South Mansfield through its Louisiana Energy Gateway (LEG) system, supporting downstream LNG markets. The company plans to expand its gathering infrastructure for production growth and increase volume commitments to LEG.
The sale remains subject to customary closing conditions, including approval from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). Williams expects the transaction to close by year-end 2025.
CEO Highlights Strategic Momentum
“These transactions mark an important step forward in Williams’ wellhead-to-water strategy—integrating upstream, midstream, marketing and LNG capabilities to deliver the cleanest, most reliable energy to global markets,” said Chad Zamarin, president and CEO of Williams. “We are thrilled to partner with Woodside and create a strategic relationship with JERA, and together, reinforce and strengthen our collective roles as trusted providers of low-carbon energy solutions that meet growing global demand.”
Oklahoma’s Expanding Energy Role
Williams’ latest moves underscore how Oklahoma’s leadership in energy infrastructure extends beyond state borders. With projects that connect Haynesville production to global LNG buyers, the Tulsa-based company is helping shape the next era of U.S. natural gas exports while reinforcing Oklahoma’s position in worldwide energy logistics.
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