Energy giant Eni has announced the early start-up of Phase 2 of the Congo LNG project, signalling a major milestone in the nation’s energy sector.

 

The move comes with the arrival of the Nguya FLNG floating liquefaction unit and the introduction of gas into the new offshore infrastructure system, aiming to export the first LNG cargo in early 2026.

 

Congo LNG Phase 2 features three production platforms, the Scarabeo 5 gas treatment and compression unit, and the Nguya FLNG for liquefaction and export. 

 

“This integrated configuration enables the full development of gas resources from the offshore Nené and Litchendjili fields, in the Marine XII license, and ensures flexible, phased management of volumes, guaranteeing a steady flow to both the Tango FLNG unit, operational since late 2023, and the Nguya FLNG,” Eni stated.

 

The project boosts overall capacity to 3 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), or 4.5 billion cubic meters per year. Remarkably, Phase 2 has come online just 35 months after construction of the Nguya FLNG began, setting a new industry benchmark for speed and efficiency.

 

“This milestone was achieved thanks to a combination of technological innovation, rigorous industrial planning, and strong engagement with local stakeholders,” Eni said, noting that much of the work was carried out entirely in Congo. The effort has enhanced local workforce skills and strengthened the national industrial sector.

 

The Nguya FLNG, 376 meters long and 60 meters wide, employs advanced technologies to reduce its carbon footprint and is designed to process gas with varying compositions, supporting potential development of additional fields. 

 

The Scarabeo 5, converted from a drilling rig, incorporates decarbonization-oriented solutions, serving as “a concrete example of circular economy and industrial reuse.”