Congo FLNG Expansion Advances

Congo's LNG sector advances with the Pointe Noire floating facility's expansion project. Following initial shipments in early 2024, current capacity of 0.60mtpa will increase to 3.0mtpa by end-2025 through the addition of the Nguya FLNG vessel and critical platform infrastructure. Despite US sanctions affecting Chinese shipyard Wison, the project remains on schedule with key infrastructure installations now completed. The project has already made a sizeable contribution to West African LNG export growth, our data shows.

The Republic of Congo entered the global LNG market with the first shipment from its Pointe Noire floating LNG facility almost a year ago. The milestone represented a notable development in West African LNG exports, which have seen a declining trend until recently when 2024 marked annual export growth for the first time since 2019. West African LNG flows grew by 1.81mmt (8pct) to 23.32mmt year-on-year in 2024 from 21.51mmt in 2023, according to our data.

Export Growth

Whilst not responsible for that annual growth alone, the new Eni-led Congo FLNG project has made an impact, contributing almost a quarter to West African LNG export growth with 0.43mmt shipped in 2024, according to our data. Current installed Congo FLNG capacity stands at 0.60mmt per year (mtpa) and comprises the Tango FLNG barge in combination with the Excalibur FSU, positioned 3 kilometres off Pointe Noire.

Capacity Expansion

Last week, Eni highlighted in a statement to TradeWinds that the project has made significant progress on its path towards capacity expansion after the successful installation of the important Nene WHP 1 wellhead platform. The platform and associated infrastructure are key to producing the necessary increase in feedgas to supply the Nguya FLNG vessel currently under construction in China. The vessel, once deployed, will contribute an additional 2.40 mtpa in capacity. Combined with the existing Tango facility, total production capacity for the Congo FLNG project will reach 3.0mtpa by end-2025.

Project Timeline

The project's timing is therefore particularly significant for African LNG exports as Congo's entry into the market, coupled with the planned capacity increases, could help further stem output decline and strengthen Africa's position in global LNG trade. The development carries broader implications for Congo's domestic energy landscape, too. As the sole developer of the country's gas resources, Eni's project will help meet rising domestic energy demand while enabling the monetisation of surplus production through international LNG shipments. The company currently supplies gas accounting for 70pct of Congo's power production capacity.

Despite recent challenges, including US sanctions affecting China’s Wison Offshore & Marine shipyard responsible for the completion of the Nguya FLNG vessel (Wison was previously involved in Russia’s sanctioned Arctic LNG 2 project), Eni maintains its commitment to the project timeline. TradeWinds reported Nguya is soon going to relocate to Jiangsu Weihua Offshore Heavy Industry in Nantong for final integration and commissioning, with deployment scheduled for the third quarter of 2025. This fortunate aspect of Eni’s development plan ensures the project remains on track to achieve its targeted capacity expansion by year-end 2025. The Italian energy firm highlighted in November last year that Nguya FLNG was around 80pct complete.

Contractor Network

The Congo FLNG project expansion involves multiple contractors. China's Chiwan Sembawang Engineering constructed the platform, while Hilong Petroleum Offshore Engineering managed transportation and installation. Italian contractor Saipem oversees the floating production unit conversion with CIMC Raffles.