Congo: Tango FLNG breaks production records on Eni's gas field

Natural gas liquefaction on board the Tango floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) unit, part of Eni's Congo LNG project, has exceeded guaranteed levels, marking a significant milestone for the facility.

According to Exmar, which initially developed and sold Tango FLNG to Eni in 2022, adjusted annual LNG production exceeded 0.6 million tonnes. This outstanding performance triggers a price adjustment clause in the Tango FLNG sales contract, which could result in a negative correction of $78 million and a bonus of up to $44 million for Exmar.

However, the exact amount of the bonus remains open to debate. Exmar claims a right to a positive price adjustment due to the unit's performance, while Eni disputes this claim. In a statement issued on 5 February 2025, an Eni spokesperson said: "With reference to the Congo FLNG project and Exmar's press release, Eni does not agree with Exmar's statement regarding its alleged accrued right to a positive price adjustment under the relevant contract, as the terms of such adjustment have yet to be assessed in accordance with that contract."

The Congo LNG project, which saw the introduction of gas into the Tango FLNG unit at the end of 2023, is an important milestone in the development of energy infrastructure in Africa. The unit has a liquefaction capacity of around 1 billion cubic metres per year (BCMA) and is moored close to the Excalibur floating storage unit (FSU). This novel configuration, known as "split mooring", is a first for a floating LNG terminal.

In addition, a second FLNG unit, with an estimated capacity of 3.5 BCMA, is currently under construction and is due to come on stream by 2025. The entire volume of LNG produced by the project will be marketed by Eni, confirming its commitment to the development and marketing of gas resources in Africa.

This progress marks a major technological and logistical advance in the exploitation of liquefied natural gas, strengthening Eni's position in the global energy sector.