• Mozambique expects Rovuma LNG construction to start within 12-18 months
• Improved security enables restart of major northern gas projects
• ExxonMobil-led Rovuma LNG targets 18 million tonnes annual capacity

Mozambican President Daniel Chapo said on Thursday, Jan. 29, that he expects construction of the Rovuma liquefied natural gas (LNG) project, operated by ExxonMobil, to begin within 12 to 18 months, Reuters reported.

His comments came as TotalEnergies and its partners announced the same day the official restart of activities for the Mozambique LNG project, after a suspension of nearly five years due to insecurity in the north of the country.

Mozambican authorities also said that several agreements and concessions governing the gas projects had been renegotiated with the operators. Improved security conditions have allowed the companies involved to gradually resume construction work.

Located in Cabo Delgado province in northern Mozambique, the project is intended to produce LNG for export. It has been stalled since 2020 following a deterioration in the region’s security situation, which prompted partners to suspend steps toward a final investment decision (FID).

The Rovuma LNG project involves the development of gas resources discovered in the Rovuma basin, off the coast of northern Mozambique. It is part of Area 4, operated by a joint venture between ExxonMobil, Eni and China National Petroleum Corporation, which holds 70%. Galp Energia, Korea Gas Corporation and the national company Empresa Nacional de Hidrocarbonetos each hold 10%.

The project is designed for an initial capacity of around 18 million tonnes of LNG per year. The front-end engineering design (FEED) contract was awarded in 2024 to Technip Energies and JGC Corporation. The final investment decision is expected in 2026.

Abdel-Latif Boureima