Eni’s Nguya FLNG advances Congo LNG Phase 2, boosting output to 3 MTPA with record efficiency, sustainability, and circular economy focus.
Eni has announced a major milestone in its Congo LNG project with the successful sail away of the Nguya floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) unit from Shanghai. This development marks a significant step forward in Phase 2 of the project within the Marine XII concession, located offshore the Republic of Congo.
The sail away ceremony was attended by high-profile dignitaries, including Bruno Jean Richard Itoua, Minister of Hydrocarbons of the Republic of Congo, alongside an Eni delegation headed by Stefano Maione, Director of Development, Operations & Energy Efficiency. Their presence underscores the importance of the project for both the host country and Eni’s global energy strategy.
The Nguya FLNG unit, measuring 376 meters in length and 60 meters in width, will be moored at a depth of 35 meters and is designed to produce liquefied natural gas on-site. Built with advanced technology to minimize its carbon footprint, the unit represents an industry benchmark for sustainable LNG infrastructure. Remarkably, the project progressed from contract signing to sail away in just 33 months—setting a new record in the LNG sector for speed to market.
Beyond its size and efficiency, the Nguya FLNG is technically advanced, capable of processing gas from multiple offshore fields, making it flexible for future expansions. Complementing this, the floating production and compression unit (FPU)—a transformed version of the Scarabeo 5 drilling rig—will soon depart for Congo. Refurbished with modern capabilities, the FPU will transport processed gas to the Nguya FLNG. This repurposing highlights Eni’s commitment to a circular economy, reducing costs and environmental impact while meeting strict project timelines.
Meanwhile, subsea infrastructure development for Phase 2 of the Congo LNG project is progressing according to schedule. The completion of these works will enable the mooring and operational startup of the Nguya unit by the end of 2025.
Currently, the Tango FLNG, with a production capacity of 0.6 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), has been operating since December 2023 and has already exported 12 cargoes. Once the Nguya FLNG—with a larger capacity of 2.4 MTPA—becomes operational, the Congo LNG project’s total output will rise to 3 MTPA, establishing the Republic of Congo as a more prominent player in the global LNG market.
Eni’s presence in the Republic of Congo spans over 55 years, during which it has played a crucial role in harnessing the nation’s substantial gas reserves. Beyond energy exports, Eni also powers the Congo Power Plant, which provides 70% of the country’s electricity supply, while contributing to social initiatives that enhance access to clean energy, water, healthcare, and economic development for local communities.
This new milestone with the Nguya FLNG reinforces Eni’s position as a leader in LNG innovation and as a long-term partner in Congo’s energy and economic growth.
