Eni has marked a major milestone in its ambitious Congo LNG project with the official sail away of the Nguya floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) unit from Shanghai, China.
The unit, which will play a pivotal role in boosting liquefied natural gas production from the Marine XII concession offshore the Republic of Congo, was celebrated in a ceremony attended by the country’s Hydrocarbons Minister, Bruno Jean Richard Itoua, alongside an Eni delegation led by Stefano Maione, Director of Development, Operations & Energy Efficiency.
“This project is not just about energy production; it is about energy transition. “The Nguya FLNG represents innovation, efficiency, and our strong partnership with the Republic of Congo.”
Stefano Maione, Eni’ Director of Development, Operations & Energy Efficiency
Stefano Maione added, “It will ensure greater energy security while reducing the carbon footprint of LNG operations.”
The Nguya FLNG unit, an engineering marvel, measures 376 meters in length and 60 meters in width.
Once installed at a depth of 35 meters offshore Congo, it will serve as a production hub capable of handling gas from multiple fields.
With its advanced design and focus on lowering carbon emissions, the facility is being hailed as a benchmark in the LNG industry.
The speed of execution has stunned industry observers. Conceived, designed, and constructed in just 33 months from contract award to sail away, the Nguya FLNG sets a record for time-to-market in the global LNG sector.
The facility’s modular and flexible design allows it to adapt to future field developments, making it a long-term asset in Congo’s energy portfolio.
Adding to its innovation credentials, Eni also refurbished the Scarabeo 5 drilling rig into a floating production and compression unit.
This revamped facility will soon depart to support Nguya by processing gas before sending it offshore.
According to Eni, the decision to transform existing infrastructure underscores its commitment to cost efficiency and environmental sustainability.
“This transformation is a concrete example of circular economy in practice.
“By repurposing the Scarabeo 5 rig, we have not only reduced costs but also minimized environmental impact, demonstrating how industrial reuse can align with our decarbonization strategy.”
Stefano Maione, Eni’ Director of Development, Operations & Energy Efficiency
Phase 2 of Congo LNG on Track
The Congo LNG project, a flagship initiative for the Republic of Congo, is advancing according to schedule. Subsea infrastructure work required for Phase 2 is already underway, enabling mooring and startup of the Nguya FLNG by the end of 2025.
Eni currently operates the Tango FLNG unit, which began production in December 2023 with a capacity of 0.6 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).
Since its commissioning, Tango has exported 12 LNG cargoes. With Nguya’s addition, boasting 2.4 MTPA capacity, the combined output of the Congo LNG project will reach 3 MTPA, significantly elevating Congo’s position as a global LNG supplier.
Minister Itoua hailed the development as a breakthrough moment for the nation.
“The Congo LNG project is a testament to our determination to harness natural gas for economic growth, energy security, and sustainable development.
“The Nguya FLNG unit brings us closer to achieving that vision.”
Hydrocarbons Minister, Bruno Jean Richard Itoua
Beyond export revenues, Eni’s gas projects are directly tied to domestic energy stability. The company already supplies natural gas to the Congo Power Plant, which provides about 70% of the country’s electricity generation capacity.
This contribution has been pivotal in improving energy access, reducing blackouts, and supporting industrial development.
Eni’s activities also extend into community development initiatives, covering access to clean water, healthcare, education, and local economic diversification programs.
The company emphasized that the expansion of LNG production will be carried out in a way that fosters local participation and benefits surrounding communities.
With global demand for LNG expected to rise sharply in the coming years, the Congo LNG project is set to position the Republic of Congo as a reliable supplier on the international stage.
The project will not only diversify global gas supply sources but also strengthen Africa’s role in the energy transition.
As the Nguya unit sails from Shanghai toward West Africa, the Republic of Congo is on the cusp of a new energy chapter one where LNG exports, domestic energy security, and sustainable development converge.
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