Gabon: Dixstone wins contract for LNG liquefaction and storage barge

Dixstone, a Dutch company specialising in offshore engineering services, has been awarded a major contract for the construction, supply and integration of a new liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility at Cap Lopez, Gabon. This project, supported by Perenco Oil & Gas Gabon, marks a significant step in the exploitation of the country's gas resources and reinforces Dixstone's position as a key player in offshore projects.

The project comprises a nearshore LNG facility, designed to produce 0.7 million metric tonnes of LNG per year and 25,000 tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) per year in its first phase. The infrastructure includes 137,000 m³ of storage capacity, housed in a former LNG carrier converted into a floating storage and offloading (FSO) vessel. This approach, which combines innovation and the re-use of existing assets, illustrates Dixstone's expertise in offshore conversions.

The liquefaction barge, the centrepiece of the project, will be built in Dubai, where Dixstone has recently established a dedicated office. This choice is based on the company's experience, having successfully completed more than 15 offshore platform conversions and upgrades (MOPU, MODU, MOCU, MOLQU, MOPoDU) over the past 20 years, in regions as diverse as Africa, the UK, Brazil and the Caribbean.

Dixstone will make a significant contribution to local economic development through its "Les Chantiers du Gabon" yard, based in Port-Gentil. The site will play a key role in onshore work, including the gathering of gas from Perenco's fields in Gabon, and in support operations at the Cap Lopez terminal. This initiative reinforces Dixstone's commitment to integrating local skills and resources, thereby promoting job creation and the transfer of know-how.

This contract consolidates Dixstone's reputation for managing complex offshore projects. The company draws on proven expertise in FSO/FPSO conversions and an integrated approach that combines state-of-the-art engineering, project management and respect for local requirements. This project in Cape Lopez also illustrates Dixstone's ability to meet the growing needs of the African energy industry, while adopting sustainable and innovative solutions.

By partnering with Perenco on this strategic project, Dixstone is helping to position Gabon as an emerging player in LNG production, while supporting the country's ambitions to develop its gas resources.