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Italy’s oil and gas giant Eni has kicked off the second phase of its liquefied natural gas (LNG) project ahead of schedule off the coast of Congo, Africa.
The launch of Congo LNG Phase 2 enables the FLNG Nguya to join the FLNG Tango , which has been deployed at the project since late 2023 . The Eni-operated Congo LNG project is envisioned to exploit the gas resources of the Marine XII project with the installation of two FLNG units at the Nenè and Litchendjili fields.
Following the arrival of the second floating liquefaction unit and the introduction of gas into the new offshore infrastructure system, the Italian giant revealed the goal of exporting the first LNG cargo in early 2026.
The 376-meter-long and 60-meter-wide FLNG unit employs advanced technologies to curb its carbon footprint and is designed to process gas with different compositions, supporting the potential development of additional fields in the area.
Congo LNG Phase 2 features three production platforms and the Scarabeo 5 unit dedicated to gas treatment and compression, and the FLNG Nguya 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.
The Scarabeo 5, converted from a drilling rig into a gas treatment, separation, and compression unit, also incorporates decarbonization-oriented solutions, serving as a concrete example of circular economy and industrial reuse.
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The operator claims that the integrated configuration enables the full development of gas resources from the offshore Nené and Litchendjili fields and ensures flexible, phased management of volumes, guaranteeing a steady flow to both FLNG units.
The firm has confirmed that Phase 2 came on stream ahead of the project schedule, just 35 months after construction of the FLNG began, interpreted by the Italian giant to set a new benchmark within the industry for execution speed and efficiency.
“This milestone was achieved thanks to a combination of technological innovation, rigorous industrial planning, and strong engagement with local stakeholders. A significant part of the project was carried out entirely in Congo, enhancing the skills of the local workforce and further strengthening the national industrial sector,” elaborated the operator.