Italian energy major Eni has officially commenced Phase 2 of the Congo LNG project earlier than anticipated, marking a significant milestone for the Republic of the Congo’s ambitions to expand its gas production and exports.
The company announced that the early start-up follows the arrival of the Nguya floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) unit and the successful introduction of gas into new offshore processing infrastructure.
“With the arrival of the Nguya FLNG floating liquefaction unit and the introduction of gas into the new offshore infrastructure system, Eni announces the start-up ahead of the planned schedule of Phase 2 of the Congo LNG project, with the goal of exporting the first LNG cargo in early 2026.”
Eni
The development positions the Marine XII offshore license as one of Africa’s most strategically important gas zones, with the project’s accelerated progress setting new industry benchmarks.
Project Capacity Boosted to 3 Million Tonnes Annually
Phase 2 dramatically expands the project’s scale and output. According to Eni, the new phase features three production platforms, the Scarabeo 5 unit which has been repurposed from a drilling rig into a gas treatment and compression facility, and the newly installed Nguya FLNG.
“Congo LNG Phase 2 features three production platforms as well as the Scarabeo 5 unit dedicated to gas treatment and compression and the Nguya FLNG for liquefaction and export, bringing the overall project’s capacity to 3 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), equivalent to 4.5 billion cubic meters per year.”
Eni
This boost positions Congo as an emerging LNG player, with capacity geared to support regional energy demand and contribute significantly to global LNG markets as the energy transition drives new supply dynamics.
The project’s integrated design ensures that gas from the offshore Nené and Litchendjili fields flows steadily to both the Nguya FLNG and the Tango FLNG unit, which has been operational since late 2023.
“This integrated configuration enables the full development of gas resources… and ensures flexible, phased management of volumes, guaranteeing a steady flow to both the Tango FLNG unit… and the Nguya FLNG.”
Eni
Record Execution Speed Sets New Industry Standard
The rapid delivery of Phase 2 highlights Eni’s technical capacity and the strength of its partnerships within the Republic of the Congo.
“Phase 2 has come on stream ahead of the project schedule, just 35 months after construction of the Nguya FLNG began, setting a new benchmark within the industry for execution speed and efficiency.”
Eni
Eni attributed the accelerated timeline to technological innovation, disciplined planning, and strong collaboration with Congolese partners and institutions.
“This milestone was achieved thanks to a combination of technological innovation, rigorous industrial planning, and strong engagement with local stakeholders.”
Eni
The company also revealed that “a significant part of the project was carried out entirely in Congo,” enhancing local workforce skills and strengthening the country’s industrial capacity.
Technological and Decarbonisation Milestone
The newly arrived Nguya FLNG is among the most advanced liquefaction units of its class. At 376 meters long and 60 meters wide, the vessel is engineered to handle gas of varying compositions and incorporates several technologies aimed at reducing emissions.
“The Nguya FLNG… employs advanced technologies to reduce its carbon footprint and is designed to process gas with different compositions, supporting the potential development of additional fields in the area.”
Eni
The Scarabeo 5 unit also reflects the company’s sustainability commitments. Its conversion from a drilling rig into a treatment and compression platform serves as an example of industrial reuse aligned with circular economy principles.
The launch of Phase 2 reinforces Eni’s 55-year presence in the Republic of the Congo and its multifaceted role in strengthening the country’s energy system.
The company supplies gas to the Centrale Électrique du Congo, which provides 70% of national electricity generation, and is helping upgrade the Pointe-Noire–Brazzaville transmission line to improve grid reliability.
Beyond hydrocarbons, Eni is expanding its participation in the country’s energy transition efforts through initiatives such as its agri-feedstock programme, designed to integrate Congolese farmers into the growing global biofuel supply chain.
The Congo LNG project is one of several African LNG developments gaining momentum as global demand for flexible, lower-carbon gas continues to rise.
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