U.S. Ambassador Michael Kozak, Senior Bureau Official for Western Hemisphere Affairs, recently toured the Caribbean LNG Inc. facility at Crabbs Peninsula, describing the $50 million project as a model for successful collaboration between American investors, local enterprise and the Government of Antigua and Barbuda.
“It’s a fantastic project,” Ambassador Kozak stated during the tour. “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 facility, developed through a joint venture between Eagle LNG of Houston, Texas and the Antigua Power Company Ltd. (APCL), is one of the most advanced energy infrastructure projects in the Eastern Caribbean. With its strategic design and modern technology, the terminal positions Antigua and Barbuda as a regional hub for liquefied natural gas (LNG) distribution.
The tour was conducted by APCL General Manager Calid Hassad and Project Engineer Nicholas Saoud, along with members of the APCL leadership team. They guided Ambassador Kozak through the facility’s operations, which include cutting-edge vaporization systems, advanced safety controls and high-capacity LNG storage and distribution units.
Chairman of APCL, Francis Hadeed, underscored the significance of the partnership with Eagle LNG and praised the strides made in clean energy development.
“The relationship with the American firm has been a success story,” said Hadeed. “This facility gives Antigua and Barbuda the opportunity to become an LNG hub, exporting clean energy across the region. There’s nothing else like it in the Caribbean.”
Unlike large-scale LNG plants in Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean LNG facility is uniquely suited for small-parcel exports. It uses ISO tankers that carry 10,000 gallons, making it accessible to smaller island nations with more modest infrastructure and fuel demands.
Minister of Energy and Public Utilities, Hon. Melford Nicholas, accompanied the delegation and highlighted the environmental and economic advantages of the project. LNG’s significantly lower emissions 40% less carbon dioxide, 90% less particulate matter, 75% less nitrogen oxides and 99% less sulfur dioxide, that is aligned with Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and its 2050 climate goals.
“This facility supports our broader transition toward renewable energy,” Minister Nicholas noted. “It’s a step forward not just for Antigua and Barbuda but for the region.”
With the International Maritime Organization mandating a transition to cleaner marine fuels, Caribbean LNG Inc. is well-positioned to meet emerging demand. The facility is expected to serve as a critical refueling point for LNG-powered vessels, including cruise ships and cargo ships operating throughout the Caribbean.
“This plant is positioned to become a major refueling stop for ships as they travel across the area,” said Nicholas, reinforcing its regional maritime significance.
Ambassador Kozak also stressed the United States’ long-term commitment to energy cooperation in the region. Chairman Hadeed noted that U.S. government engagement has been consistent and supportive.
“They call us monthly. They send people here. They have a real and ongoing interest in this facility,” Hadeed said.
During the site visit, Project Engineer Nicholas Saoud detailed the facility’s core systems:
An advanced control room with 24/7 CCTV monitoring
Automated pneumatic valves for real-time flow and pressure control
Redundant pump systems (three pumps available, one required)
800-meter underground pipeline to APCL’s 45MW power plant
LNG storage tanks with 10,000 cubic meter capacity
Infrastructure to support both large-scale use and small-scale distribution
Full compliance with international safety codes (NFPA 59A and ASME B31.3)
Fire detection and suppression systems including gas sensors and hydrants
The terminal is functionally complete, with the final phase,harbour dredging, expected to be finished between August and September 2025. Once completed, the deeper port will accommodate LNG vessels, allowing the facility to operate at full capacity and expand distribution across the region.
“We’re significantly pushing to finish the dredging so we can access the full economic and logistical benefits,” said Nicholas.
Ambassador Kozak brings more than 50 years of experience in diplomacy. He has served in senior roles across the Americas, including as U.S. Ambassador to Belarus and Chief of Mission in Cuba. His appointment in January 2025 marks his second tenure as Senior Bureau Official for Western Hemisphere Affairs. Kozak is a decorated public servant, having received the Presidential Rank of Distinguished Executive and the Department of State’s Superior Honor Award.
Caribbean LNG Inc. is a joint venture between Eagle LNG and the Antigua Power Company Ltd. It was established through a public tender by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda and the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) to promote energy diversification and long-term security.
The Crabbs Peninsula facility includes a 4,000 m³ LNG storage and regasification plant designed to convert liquid natural gas into usable energy for the local grid and export across the region.
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is natural gas cooled to -162°C, reducing its volume by 600 times. This makes it easier and safer to store and transport. Composed mostly of methane, LNG is non-toxic, non-corrosive and clean-burning, making it a preferred fuel source for modern energy systems and maritime transportation.
With operations nearing full implementation, the Caribbean LNG facility stands as a milestone for Antigua and Barbuda’s energy future. It combines clean technology, international investment and regional integration which is an initiative now endorsed at the highest levels of U.S. diplomacy.
