BRAZZAVILLE, Congo (Republic of the), March 25, 2025/ -- Nguya Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) is set to sail away from China in September 2025, Federico Ricco, Development Director at Congo LNG, said at the Congo Energy & Investment Forum 2025 during the FLNG Developments in the Republic of Congo session.

The addition of the Nguya FLNG vessel is part of the second phase of the Congo LNG project – which began operating in December 2023 – and is expected to increase the project’s production capacity by 2.4 million tons per annum (mtpa).

"The vessel is currently under construction in China and will allow us to increase production to 3 million tons per year," Ricco stated.

As the operator of Congo LNG, Eni has been at the forefront of gas monetization in the Republic of Congo, first with the development of the Centrale Électrique du Congo gas-to-power plant in 2011 and later through the implementation of the Congo LNG project. Ricco explained that "the first phase was completed within 12 months to enable LNG exports, which is remarkably fast."

Echoing Ricco’s comments on the speed of FLNG deployment, Marien Ibiaho, Area Sales Manager for Europe & Africa at NOV, emphasized that, "Many LNG projects involve large-scale infrastructure and extensive construction. The advantage of FLNG is that it enables rapid gas monetization. The delivery timeline is fast - less than two years."

For the Republic of Congo, FLNG has played a key role in positioning the country as an LNG exporter. Looking ahead, Ricco emphasized the need for continued exploration, greater collaboration and leveraging LNG to further strengthen Congo’s industrial capacity.

“We must keep exploring, work alongside other operators to maximize value in Congo, and ensure that LNG enhances the country's industrial growth," Ricco said. Expanding on his comments, Ibiaho stated, "For FLNG projects to succeed, the approach must be built on partnerships, not just a client-service provider relationship.”

Dr. Tsoumou-Gavouka Communications and Public Relations Advisor to the Director General, SNPC underscored the importance of partnerships in Congo’s LNG development, suggesting that Eni collaborate with Chinese oil company Wing Wah, which is preparing to launch its own LNG project.

The inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum, set for March 24-26, 2025, in Brazzaville, under the highest patronage of President Denis Sassou Nguesso and supported by the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo, brings together international investors and local stakeholders to explore national and regional energy and infrastructure opportunities.