The Kinder Morgan Trident pipeline broke ground in May 2026 — a 219-mile, $1.8 billion intrastate project connecting the Katy hub to the Port Arthur LNG corridor in Southeast Texas, with pipe stringing already underway in Waller County.
The pipeline will run 42-inch to 48-inch diameter pipe and carry up to 2 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) of natural gas at full build-out. Phase 1 is targeted for service in Q1 2027, with Phase 2 to follow in Q4 2028.
Why the Kinder Morgan Trident Pipeline Is Being Built Intrastate
The project is structured as a Texas intrastate asset — a deliberate decision to sidestep the federal regulatory process overseen by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). By keeping the pipeline wholly within Texas, Kinder Morgan can move from approval to construction on a compressed timeline compared to interstate projects.
The route loops north of Houston’s urban core, passing through rural county land between Katy and Port Arthur. This alignment avoids congested right-of-way but has triggered eminent domain proceedings for landowners along the corridor who have been unable to agree easement terms with Kinder Morgan.
Kinder Morgan Trident Pipeline Anchor Shippers and Demand Drivers
Golden Pass LNG — the joint venture between QatarEnergy and ExxonMobil — is the primary anchor shipper, with long-term contracts underpinning the project’s economics. Entergy Texas has also secured gas supply agreements, using Trident volumes to fuel regional power generation.
Beyond LNG exports, demand from AI data centre development in West Texas is cited as a structural driver for Gulf Coast natural gas infrastructure. The Trident project was commercially supported ahead of its final investment decision (FID) by contracted volumes from both the LNG and power sectors.
Scale and Route of the Trident Intrastate Pipeline
At 219 miles, Trident is one of the largest intrastate pipeline projects under construction in the US. Initial capacity is 1.5 Bcf/d, scaling to 2 Bcf/d at full build-out. The project cost of approximately $1.8 billion reflects the large-diameter specification and the rural routing required to avoid Houston’s suburban sprawl.
Construction activity in Waller County — west of Houston — represents the early stringing phase, where individual pipe joints are laid out along the right-of-way ahead of welding and lowering operations. This phase generates significant activity for pipeline construction contractors, inspection services, and non-destructive testing (NDT) providers working across the corridor.
Trident as Part of Kinder Morgan’s Gulf Coast Expansion
Trident connects into Kinder Morgan’s broader Gulf Coast infrastructure strategy. The company has proposed a follow-on project — the Texas Access Project (TAP) — designed to carry gas receipts from Trident onward into South Louisiana markets, extending the corridor’s reach to additional LNG and industrial demand centres.
Kinder Morgan is already active in the Western Gateway Pipeline, another major Texas gas project developed in partnership with Phillips 66. The Trident project adds a second major construction-stage asset to its 2026 portfolio, reinforcing the company’s position as the dominant midstream operator in US natural gas transmission.
For the broader Gulf Coast LNG build-out — including projects at Port Arthur, Sabine Pass, and Corpus Christi — Trident provides a critical feed of supply. Terminals in the Port Arthur corridor are among the highest-capacity LNG export facilities globally, and consistent natural gas supply at scale is a prerequisite for their continued operation and expansion.
For more detail on Kinder Morgan’s infrastructure portfolio, see the Kinder Morgan Inc company profile, the Western Gateway Pipeline overview, and the Top 10 Pipeline Companies in North America.
Full project details are available on the Kinder Morgan Trident Intrastate Project page.
What is the Kinder Morgan Trident pipeline?
The Trident Intrastate Pipeline is a 219-mile, $1.8 billion natural gas transmission project developed by Kinder Morgan, running from the Katy hub in Texas to the Port Arthur LNG export corridor on the Gulf Coast.
When will the Kinder Morgan Trident pipeline be operational?
Phase 1 is targeted for service in Q1 2027. Phase 2 is expected to come online in Q4 2028.
How big is the Trident pipeline?
The pipeline runs 42-inch to 48-inch diameter pipe with an initial capacity of 1.5 Bcf/d, scaling to a full design capacity of 2 Bcf/d.
Who are the anchor shippers on the Trident pipeline?
Golden Pass LNG — a joint venture between QatarEnergy and ExxonMobil — is the primary anchor shipper. Entergy Texas has also signed agreements to use Trident volumes for regional power generation.
Why is the Trident pipeline intrastate?
Kinder Morgan structured Trident as a Texas intrastate project to bypass federal FERC regulatory requirements, allowing a faster route from approval to construction.
What counties does the Trident pipeline pass through?
The route runs from Waller County westward through rural Texas counties between Katy and Port Arthur, looping north of Houston to avoid urban congestion.