Saudi Aramco, the world’s biggest oil producer, and giant Japanese LNG buyers have emerged among the most likely partners for Woodside Energy in its new $15.6 billion export project in the United States.

The Australian oil and gas producer is expected to immediately step up talks with prospective partners that may buy as much as 50 per cent of the newly renamed Louisiana LNG after completing the deal last week to take control of the developer of the export terminal. A transaction could be provisionally agreed within a few months.