TDI-Brooks Engaged for Geophysical Survey in Louisiana LNG Project

U.S.-headquartered geotechnical and offshore survey research and service company, TDI-Brooks, has been selected to perform a geophysical and geotechnical survey for the ambitious Delfin LNG project off the coast of Louisiana. This initiative is crucial as it marks one of the first U.S. offshore liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facilities to utilize innovative floating production technology.

Project Overview

Delfin LNG has awarded TDI-Brooks the offshore geophysical and geotechnical survey services for the Delfin deepwater port project. By serving as the prime contractor, TDI-Brooks is set to execute a comprehensive scope of work that includes extensive geophysical survey activities and will oversee a geotechnical investigation in collaboration with its subcontractor, Tolunay-Wong Engineers (TWE).

The complexity of this undertaking is enhanced by Louisiana’s unique underwater geography, which presents various challenges and opportunities for natural gas export. TDI-Brooks’s expertise in geotechnical assessments will ensure that the foundation for the LNG infrastructure is solid and reliable.

Survey Details

The initial phase of geophysical data acquisition is scheduled to kick off at the end of August 2026 aboard the R/V Brooks McCall, a vessel named after TDI-Brooks founder, Brooks McCall. This phase will be swiftly followed by the geotechnical investigation, expected to start in late September 2026. The integrated survey program aims to gather vital seabed and subsurface data, paving the way for the continued development of deepwater port infrastructure that is essential for the successful operation of the project.

Floating Production Technology

The Delfin LNG project is significant in that it will be the first in the U.S. to implement floating LNG (FLNG) production technology. Situated at a brownfield deepwater port in the Gulf of Mexico, the project will make use of pre-existing infrastructure, notably Delfin’s acquired UTOS pipeline system. This strategic approach is designed to reduce capital requirements, making the project more economically viable.

Development Plans

The full development of the Delfin LNG project envisions the deployment of up to three FLNG vessels, with a total combined capacity anticipated to reach approximately 13.2 million tonnes per annum (mtpa). The first unit is targeting an output of around 4.4 mtpa, showcasing the project’s potential impact on the U.S. energy landscape.

In July 2026, Delfin Midstream, the company behind this initiative, issued a limited notice to proceed (LNTP) to Siemens Energy for a second FLNG unit (FLNG2). This forthcoming unit, once completed, will operate offshore Louisiana, further enhancing the project’s capacity and operational efficiency.

Importance of the Project

As energy demands grow both domestically and internationally, the Delfin LNG project represents a significant milestone for the U.S. LNG market. With its pioneering offshore model, it not only aims to supply natural gas efficiently but also to set a precedent for future energy projects along the U.S. coastline. By utilizing innovative technology while tapping into existing infrastructure, it stands to contribute to the ongoing transformation of the natural gas industry.

The combination of TDI-Brooks’s geotechnical expertise and the groundbreaking nature of the Delfin LNG project places it at the forefront of the energy sector. With vital surveys set to commence soon, the coming months will be critical in ensuring that the groundwork is laid for a successful operation that could redefine how LNG is exported from the United States.