Early Start-Up of Congo LNG Phase 2 Expands Production Capacity and Positions Eni for First LNG Export in 2026

Early Start-Up of Congo LNG Phase 2 Expands Production Capacity and Positions Eni for First LNG Export in 2026

(IN BRIEF) Eni has begun Phase 2 of the Congo LNG project ahead of schedule following the arrival of the Nguya FLNG unit and the introduction of gas into the new offshore system. The expanded configuration includes three production platforms, the Scarabeo 5 treatment and compression unit, and the new Nguya FLNG, raising total liquefaction capacity to 3 million tonnes per year. This phase enables full development of gas from the Nené and Litchendjili fields in the Marine XII block and ensures balanced flows to both the Nguya and the Tango FLNG units. Phase 2 reached start-up only 35 months after construction began, reflecting strong project execution and significant local participation. Equipped with technologies designed to reduce emissions and handle varying gas compositions, the Nguya FLNG will support Congo’s ambitions to expand LNG exports with the first shipment expected in early 2026. Eni’s broader contribution in the country includes supplying most of the gas for national power generation, reinforcing grid infrastructure, advancing energy transition projects such as agri-feedstock initiatives, and supporting local communities through programs in energy access, water, healthcare, and economic development.

(PRESS RELEASE) MILAN, 2-Dec-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Eni has initiated Phase 2 of the Congo LNG project ahead of schedule, marking a major milestone for the Marine XII development. The company confirmed the start-up following the arrival of the Nguya FLNG liquefaction vessel and the successful introduction of gas into the newly built offshore system. With commissioning now completed, the project is on track to ship its first liquefied natural gas cargo in early 2026.

Phase 2 significantly expands the overall capabilities of Congo LNG. The development includes three offshore production platforms, the Scarabeo 5 unit – which has been transformed from a drilling rig into an advanced gas treatment and compression facility – and the new Nguya FLNG vessel that carries out liquefaction and export operations. Together, these assets bring the project’s total capacity to roughly 3 million tonnes per year, equivalent to around 4.5 billion cubic meters of gas annually.

The new phase is designed to unlock the full potential of the Nené and Litchendjili fields within the Marine XII license area. Its integrated configuration allows Eni to manage gas flows flexibly between the Nguya FLNG and the Tango FLNG, the latter of which has been operating since late 2023. This staged approach ensures steady production and maximizes the value of Congo’s offshore resources.

The rapid execution of Phase 2 sets a notable benchmark: the Nguya FLNG reached start-up just 35 months after construction began. Eni attributes this achievement to strong industrial planning, technological innovation, and close cooperation with Congolese authorities and local partners. A considerable portion of the project’s work was carried out within the Republic of the Congo, contributing to workforce development and boosting the local industrial supply chain.

At 376 meters long and 60 meters wide, the Nguya FLNG incorporates advanced technologies to limit emissions while maintaining high operational flexibility. It is engineered to handle a wide range of gas compositions, allowing for future development opportunities across Marine XII. The Scarabeo 5 unit is another example of innovation and circularity, having been repurposed for processing and compression with features that reduce environmental impact.

Eni’s presence in the Republic of the Congo spans more than five decades, with natural gas playing a central role in its activities. The company supplies gas to the Centrale Électrique du Congo, powering approximately 70% of the country’s electricity generation. Beyond the Congo LNG project, Eni is contributing to the reinforcement of the national grid through the rehabilitation of the high-voltage line between Pointe-Noire and Brazzaville. The company is also progressing initiatives that support energy transition, including an agri-feedstock program integrating Congolese agriculture into the biofuel value chain. Additional community-focused efforts continue across areas such as clean energy access, water infrastructure, health services, and economic diversification.

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SOURCE: Eni S.p.A.