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 handlesmaller 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:
Advanced control room with comprehensive CCTV monitoring and automated systems
Pneumatic valve systems for precise flow control and pressure regulation
Redundant safety systems with multiple backup pumps (three pumps with only one required for
operation)
800-meter pipeline connecting to APC’s 45MW power plant
LNG storage tanks with 10,000 m³ capacity
Capacity for both large-scale distribution and small-parcel exports via ISO tankers
Compliance with NFPA 59A and ASME B31.3 standards
Advanced safety features including flame and gas detection systems and fire hydrants
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.
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