- Phase 2 start marks commercial gas exports from the Nguya floating LNG facility offshore Pointe Noire.
- Total Congo LNG capacity reaches 3 million tonnes per annum, strengthening regional and global gas supply.
- The project highlights rapid execution, local economic benefits and reduced gas flaring in the Republic of Congo.
Eni has shipped the first liquefied natural gas cargo from Phase 2 of the Congo LNG project, officially marking the start of commercial production from the Nguya floating LNG facility.The first cargo signals the launch of gas exports from Phase 2 and represents a significant step in Eni’s strategy to expand its global LNG portfolio to 20 million tonnes per annum by 2030.
The milestone was celebrated on 7 February 2026 in Pointe Noire, Republic of Congo, in the presence of President Denis Sassou N’Guesso and Eni Chief Executive Officer Claudio Descalzi. Image credit: Eni
With Phase 2 now online, the Congo LNG project reaches a total liquefaction capacity of 3 million tonnes per annum, equivalent to around 4.5 billion cubic metres of gas per year. Production is supported by gas resources from the Nené and Litchendjili fields within the offshore Marine XII licence.
Speaking at the ceremony, Claudio Descalzi said the achievement reflected long standing cooperation with national institutions and local communities. He noted that Eni had invested in gas development in Congo for more than two decades, supporting domestic supply and reducing routine flaring before moving into exports. According to Descalzi, Phase 2 was delivered in record time compared with industry averages, increasing gas availability for international markets while generating tangible benefits for the local economy.
The Congo LNG development demonstrates Eni’s ability to convert gas resources into strategic value through a project designed to be competitive and environmentally responsible. Phase 1, which uses the Tango floating LNG unit, reached start up in December 2023, just over one year after project definition. Phase 2 followed only 35 months after construction of the Nguya unit began, setting a new benchmark for execution speed and efficiency in the LNG sector.
Nguya floating LNG facility loading first LNG shipment. Image credit: Eni
Eni has operated in the Republic of Congo since 1968 and is currently the country’s leading producer of associated and non associated gas. Equity production averaged around 70 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2025 and is expected to rise to 110 thousand barrels per day in 2026.
Beyond LNG exports, Eni supplies gas to the Congo Power Plant, which provides approximately 70 percent of national electricity generation, and supports upgrades to the national transmission network. The company is also involved in energy transition initiatives, including an agri feedstock project linked to the biofuels value chain, alongside programmes focused on improving access to energy, water, healthcare and economic diversification for local communities.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
