Insurgent attacks and an unstable security situation near the Mozambique LNG project have led French LNG producer Total to declare force majeure on the US$20Bn east African project
Total, operator of the Mozambique LNG project, said the move was the result of the evolution of the security situation in the north of the Cabo Delgado province in Mozambique, and confirmed it would withdraw all its personnel from the site.
In a presentation to investors in February, Total called Mozambique LNG a ‘world-class resource’, reporting a 21% progress on the east African LNG production facility – one of four ‘flagship’ projects it highlighted. At the time, Total said it was monitoring the security issues in the area.
Mozambique LNG was to be the country’s first onshore LNG development. The project covers the development of the Golfinho and Atum fields located within Offshore Area 1 and the construction of two trains with a capacity of 13.1 mta. Area 1 contains more than 60 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of gas resources, of which 18 Tcf was to be developed with the first two trains. Production originally was set to start in 2024.
In a statement, Total expressed its solidarity with the government and people of Mozambique and wished that the actions carried out by the government of Mozambique and its regional and international partners will enable the restoration of security and stability in Cabo Delgado province in a sustained manner.
Total E&P Mozambique Area 1 Limitada, a wholly owned subsidiary of Total SE, operates Mozambique LNG with a 26.5% participating interest alongside ENH Rovuma Área Um, SA (15%), Mitsui E&P Mozambique Area 1 Limited (20%), ONGC Videsh Rovuma Limited (10%), Beas Rovuma Energy Mozambique Limited (10%), BPRL Ventures Mozambique BV (10%), and PTTEP Mozambique Area 1 Limited (8.5%).
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