Venture Global LNG, a U.S.-based liquefied natural gas producer, has signed a 20-year Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) with Japan’s Mitsui & Co., Ltd. for the supply of 1 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of LNG starting in 2029. The agreement, announced on Nov. 12, marks Venture Global’s third long-term LNG contract with a Japanese buyer in 2025.
Under the deal, Venture Global will deliver LNG from its Louisiana facilities to Mitsui for two decades. The agreement strengthens Japan’s access to U.S. LNG as it seeks to diversify energy sources and reduce reliance on Russian gas amid global market volatility. With this contract, Venture Global’s total long-term commitments this year rise to 6.75 MTPA.
Long-term energy supply pact
The contract supports Japan’s efforts to secure stable LNG imports while advancing its broader energy transition goals. Japan remains one of the world’s largest LNG importers, relying on long-term contracts to safeguard supply stability. The deal comes as part of the nation’s ongoing strategy to ensure energy security during its shift toward cleaner fuels and carbon neutrality.
For Venture Global, the agreement adds to its expanding presence in Asia and strengthens its position as a major U.S. LNG exporter. The company operates the Calcasieu Pass LNG facility and is developing the Plaquemines project in Louisiana, both key components of its goal to exceed 100 MTPA in total LNG capacity across projects that are operational, under construction, or planned.
Boost to Japan’s LNG security
Japan’s energy policy has focused on balancing carbon reduction with energy reliability since the disruption of Russian gas flows. By partnering with U.S. producers such as Venture Global, Japanese companies are reinforcing their long-term supply chain resilience.
Mitsui, one of Japan’s largest trading firms, plays a central role in the LNG value chain, with investments spanning production, shipping, and regasification. The company has maintained extensive relationships with U.S. energy suppliers and continues to invest in overseas projects that align with Japan’s energy diversification goals.
Venture Global CEO Mike Sabel said the deal will “strengthen energy security, enhance the balance of trade, and deepen the long-standing ties between our nations.” He noted that the partnership supports both economic cooperation and shared efforts toward a reliable energy supply.
Venture Global expands Asia reach
The new contract reflects a growing alignment between the U.S. LNG exporters and Asian energy markets. Venture Global has secured multiple long-term agreements with buyers in Japan, South Korea, and other Asian economies seeking dependable and competitively priced gas supplies.
The company’s integrated model—covering natural gas sourcing, liquefaction, shipping, and regasification—has positioned it as one of the fastest-growing participants in the Gulf Coast LNG sector. Venture Global also continues to invest in carbon capture and sequestration technologies at its facilities, part of its strategy to lower emissions and meet environmental expectations from global partners.
Industry analysts view the deal as another step in Japan’s strategy to strengthen ties with U.S. energy producers amid shifting global dynamics in the LNG trade. With long-term contracts forming the backbone of Japan’s energy import policy, agreements like this are expected to remain central to its energy security framework in the years ahead.
The contract between Venture Global and Mitsui underscores the evolving role of LNG in bridging the global energy transition—offering reliability while supporting gradual decarbonization across major economies.
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