Wood secures a decade-long maintenance contract for Rio Grande LNG, strengthening U.S. LNG exports while creating local jobs and skills.
John Wood Group PLC has been awarded a major long-term Contract by NextDecade to deliver maintenance services at the Rio Grande LNG project, a large-scale Natural Gas liquefaction and export facility currently being developed near Brownsville, Texas. The agreement spans a period of ten years, underscoring NextDecade’s confidence in Wood’s technical expertise and long-standing track record in supporting complex energy infrastructure across the United States.
Under the terms of the contract, Wood will be responsible for providing a broad range of maintenance solutions designed to ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the Rio Grande LNG facility once it becomes operational. The site covers nearly 1,000 acres and represents one of the most significant LNG developments in the region, aimed at strengthening U.S. liquefied natural gas export capacity and supplying secure, affordable energy to global markets.
NextDecade has emphasized that the Rio Grande LNG project is being developed with a strong focus on operational excellence, safety, and efficiency. Wood’s scope of work aligns closely with these priorities, as the company will deliver comprehensive maintenance programs to support the long-term integrity and performance of the facility’s assets. These services are expected to play a critical role in enabling consistent LNG production while meeting stringent safety and regulatory requirements.
In advance of full operations, Wood is already engaged at the site, implementing mechanical integrity programs and providing advisory services related to operational readiness. These early-phase activities are designed to ensure that equipment, systems, and processes are prepared for safe start-up and sustained operations. By being involved at this stage, Wood is helping to reduce operational risk and establish a strong foundation for long-term reliability.
Commenting on the contract award, Steve Nicol, Executive President of Operations at Wood, highlighted the strategic importance of the agreement for the company. He noted that the contract further strengthens Wood’s presence in the U.S. LNG market and demonstrates its commitment to supporting the continued growth of U.S. liquefied natural gas exports. With more than five decades of experience maintaining facilities along the U.S. Gulf Coast, Wood brings deep regional knowledge and proven capabilities that are well suited to the Rio Grande LNG project.
Nicol also emphasized the shared values between Wood and NextDecade, particularly with respect to community engagement and workforce development in the Rio Grande Valley. As part of its commitment to the region, Wood plans to establish a new local office and work closely with nearby colleges and educational institutions. This collaboration will help attract and train new talent through apprenticeship and skills development programs, creating long-term career opportunities in the Energy Sector.
The ten-year maintenance contract is expected to support the creation of more than 100 new jobs. A significant portion of these roles will be filled by local hires, reinforcing Wood’s focus on community investment and U.S. workforce development. Through this project, Wood aims not only to deliver high-quality maintenance services but also to contribute positively to the local economy while supporting the safe and reliable operation of a strategically important LNG facility.
