Floating technology underpins future of African LNG

摘要

Underpinned by floating LNG (FLNG) technology, Mozambique, Mauritania and Senegal will become the newest African countries to export LNG starting in 2022, elevating the continents presence on the global LNG export stage. Sub-Sahara African countries Nigeria, Angola, Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon had LNG exports of about 29M tonnes in 2018, about 9.1% of the total global LNG trade. With nearly US$60Bn in investment, Mozambique alone will add 31.5 mta of new nameplate capacity to the Sub-Saharan region by 2025. Overall, investments in FLNG and onshore capacity expansion in Sub-Saharan Africa will more than double the regions nameplate capacity, from about 34 mta to 84 mta of LNG by 2025, according to energy research analysts Akap Energy Ltd. Part of that new capacity will come from Africa's first purpose-built and the third FLNG vessel, Coral Sul FLNG, launched in January at Geoje Island shipyard of South Koreas Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI). Coral Sul FLNG will also push the floating technology envelope, monetising 'stranded gas' in ultra-deep water.