Eni launches Congo LNG Phase 2 first cargo, boosting capacity, energy security, execution speed, and delivering economic and environmental benefits.
Eni has marked a major milestone in its global liquefied natural gas (LNG) strategy with the successful shipment of the first LNG cargo from Phase 2 of the Congo LNG project. The landmark event was commemorated at a formal ceremony attended by the President of the Republic of Congo, Denis Sassou N’Guesso, and Eni’s Chief Executive Officer, Claudio Descalzi. The first cargo was produced by the Nguya FLNG floating liquefaction facility, officially signalling the start of LNG exports under the project’s second development phase.
The start-up of Phase 2 represents a significant step forward in Eni’s long-term objective to expand its LNG portfolio to approximately 20 million tonnes per year by 2030. This ambition is being pursued through a diversified and flexible project portfolio that enhances competitiveness while strengthening Eni’s presence across key geographic regions. The Congo LNG project is a central element of this strategy and reinforces the company’s aspiration to secure a leading role in the global LNG market.
With the commissioning of Phase 2, the Congo LNG project has now reached a total liquefaction capacity of 3 million tonnes per year, corresponding to around 4.5 billion cubic metres of natural gas annually. The project is supplied by gas resources from the Nené and Litchendjili fields, located offshore within the Marine XII license area. These resources are being developed in a way that balances export ambitions with domestic energy needs, ensuring long-term value creation for the Republic of Congo.
Speaking at the event, Claudio Descalzi highlighted the importance of long-standing cooperation between Eni, national institutions, and local communities. He emphasized that Eni has historically been the only operator in the country to invest significantly in gas development aimed at supporting the domestic market and reducing routine gas flaring. Decisions made more than two decades ago laid the foundation for discovering sufficient gas volumes not only to meet local demand but also to enable LNG exports. Descalzi also underlined that Phase 2 was delivered in record time compared with typical industry timelines, contributing to increased gas supply on international markets while supporting Italian and broader European energy security. At the same time, the project is generating tangible economic benefits locally, including job creation, skills development, and infrastructure growth.
The Congo LNG project demonstrates Eni’s capability to convert natural gas resources into strategic value for both host countries and global energy markets. The project stands out for its cost efficiency, high execution standards, and strong environmental performance. Phase 1 of Congo LNG, which utilized the Tango FLNG liquefaction unit, reached start-up in December 2023, barely one year after final project definition—an exceptionally fast timeline by industry standards.
Building on this momentum, Phase 2 achieved start-up just 35 months after construction began on the Nguya FLNG facility. This achievement establishes a new international benchmark for speed, efficiency, and project delivery in the LNG sector. Together, both phases underscore Eni’s integrated approach to gas development, combining rapid execution, environmental responsibility, and strategic alignment with national and international energy priorities.
