ExxonMobil and Area 4 Co-Ventures Select EPC Contractors for Rovuma LNG

ExxonMobil Moçambique has signed a letter of intent with Saipem and Jan De Nul for the Rovuma LNG project's upstream engineering, procurement and technical services. The agreement, signed on behalf of the Area 4 partners, will support detailed planning for the upstream development, including 18 wells and a network of subsea pipelines and manifolds. The move comes as the partners progress toward a final investment decision later in 2026 for what would be the largest private investment in Africa's history.

 

Details of the Agreement

 

ExxonMobil has signed a key agreement. It is a letter of intent. The partners are Saipem and Jan De Nul. It covers upstream engineering and procurement. Technical services are also included.

The agreement was signed for the partners. It represents the Mozambique Rovuma Venture. This includes several Area 4 partners. These span multiple energy companies. The venture leads the project.

 

The Scope of Work

 

The work covers upstream development. This includes 18 wells. A network of subsea pipelines is also involved. Manifolds complete the scope. This supports the wider project.

The aim is to develop upstream facilities. These include subsea pipelines and manifolds. They will deliver gas to the plant. The plant is located at Palma. This connects the wells to the liquefaction facility.

 

The Path to Investment Decision

 

The agreement supports project planning. It includes preliminary engineering. Procurement and technical services feature too. These advance the project definition. They support detailed planning.

The work precedes a key decision. The partners progress toward a final investment decision. This is expected later in 2026. Final award depends on this decision. Government and regulatory approvals are also required.

 

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The Resource and Scale

 

The block holds substantial resources. The deepwater Area 4 block is significant. It contains around 80 trillion cubic feet of gas. This could support multiple LNG projects. It underpins the development.

The project is exceptionally large. At the investment decision, it would be historic. Phase 1 would be the largest private investment in Africa. ExxonMobil Moçambique would operate it. This reflects the project's scale.

 

The Technical Requirements

 

The project has demanding requirements. It needs 18 initial subsea wells. These reach depths up to 1,700 metres. Around 50 kilometres of flowlines are needed. These transport feed gas onshore.

Contractor readiness is a priority. Company leadership cited the selections. They ensure readiness to begin construction. This follows the investment decision. The aim is to deliver first LNG on schedule.

 

The Local Content Dimension

 

The project emphasises local involvement. The partners awarded shorebase contracts. These went to two Mozambican companies. They will provide logistics support. This is based in Pemba.

Local content is a stated commitment. Company leadership highlighted this. The contracts build local capability. They create lasting value for Mozambique. They also support long-term port infrastructure.