US Ambassador Michael Kozak Tours Caribbean LNG Inc. Facility, Praises US-Antigua Partnership

State-of-the-Art Terminal Positions Antigua and Barbuda as Regional LNG Hub

ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA – Senior Bureau Official in the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs Ambassador Michael Kozak completed a comprehensive tour of the Caribbean LNG Inc. facility, praising the groundbreaking project as a testament to successful collaboration between American investors, local enterprise, and the government of Antigua and Barbuda.

“It’s a fantastic project,” Ambassador Kozak stated following his walkthrough of the facility. “This shows what can be done when you get sound American investors working with local private enterprise and with the Government of Antigua and Barbuda. It all came together very, very well.”

The Caribbean LNG Inc. terminal, developed through a partnership between Eagle LNG and Antigua Power Company Ltd. (APCL), represents a $50 million American investment in the region’s energy infrastructure.

The tour was guided by General Manager of Antigua Power Company Ltd – Calid Hassad, Nicholas Saoud, Project Engineer, and other members of the management team of APCL.

Chairman of Antigua Power Company Francis Hadeed highlighted the significant progress made, noting that “the relationship, the partnership with the American firm with LNG has been a success story.” Hadeed emphasized that the facility positions Antigua and Barbuda to “become an LNG hub to export this product throughout the whole region, and there’s none like it in the Caribbean.”

The facility delivers significant environmental benefits with 40% lower CO2 emissions, 90% lower particulate matter, 75% lower NOx emissions, and 99% lower SO2 emissions compared to traditional heavy fuel oil. Minister of Energy and Public Utilities Melford Nicholas noted these environmental benefits during the facility tour, stating that the facility supports Antigua and Barbuda’s transition toward renewable energy and compliance with the Paris Agreement 2050 goals.

Ambassador Kozak emphasized the continued commitment of the US government to the project and regional partnerships. “The American government has been very helpful. They call us on a monthly basis.

They send people here, they have a keen interest in it,” noted Chairman Hadeed regarding ongoing US support.

Regional Maritime Services Expansion

The facility is positioned to serve the growing marine bunkering market as the International Maritime Organization mandates cleaner marine fuels. Minister Nicholas noted that “this plant is positioned to become a major refueling stop for ships as they travel across the area,” including cruise ships and cargo vessels transitioning to LNG fuel.

The terminal positions Antigua and Barbuda as a unique LNG distribution hub for the Caribbean region.

Unlike larger facilities in Trinidad that focus on major shipments, the Caribbean LNG facility can handle smaller parcels through ISO tankers carrying 10,000 gallons, making it accessible to smaller island nations throughout the region.

“The potential is huge for Antigua and Barbuda because Antigua and Barbuda can become an LNG hub to export this product throughout the whole region, and there’s none like it in the Caribbean,” explained Chairman Francis Hadeed during the Ambassador’s visit. “Trinidad has a huge facility, but they cannot do small parcels, and they cannot do ISO tankers that carry 10,000 gallons.”

Advanced Technology and Infrastructure

The facility features state-of-the-art vaporization technology that converts liquid natural gas into gaseous form for immediate use in power generation. Project Engineer Nicholas Saoud guided the Ambassador through the technical systems, which include:

Final Phase Implementation

The facility is operationally complete, with final harbour dredging work expected to conclude by August – September 2025. Minister Nicholas confirmed that the government is “significantly pushing right now to push for the completion of the dredging that will allow us to be able to benefit from the reduced cost of the fuel.” Once completed, the deeper channel will accommodate LNG vessels, enabling full-scale operations and regional distribution capabilities.

About Ambassador Michael Kozak

With more than 50 years of diplomatic service, Ambassador Michael Kozak has twice served as Senior Bureau Official for Western Hemisphere Affairs: from 2019 to 2021, and since January 2025. His extensive career includes service as Ambassador to Belarus (2000-2003), Chief of Mission at the United States Interest Section in Havana (1996-1999), and Special Negotiator for Haiti (1993-1996). A charter member of the Senior Executive Service, Ambassador Kozak has received numerous awards including the Presidential Rank of Distinguished Executive and the Department of State’s Superior Honor Award.

About the Caribbean LNG Inc.

Caribbean LNG Inc. (CLNG) is a locally based energy company, jointly owned by Engle LNG of Houston, Texas and the Antigua Power Company Ltd. (APCL) of Antigua. CLNG is responsible for the development and operation of a 4,000 m3 LNG storage and regasification facility, located at Crabbs Peninsula.

This groundbreaking project was executed as part of a public tender initiated by the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) and the government of Antigua and Barbuda to support energy diversification and security in the region.

What is LNG?

LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) is natural gas cooled to -162°C, converting it to a liquid and reducing its volume by 600 times. It consists primarily of methane (about 99%) along with trace amounts of ethane, propane, butane and nitrogen. LNG is non-toxic, odorless, non-corrosive and clean burning, making it a cost-effective and reliable fuel source globally.