Italian energy group Eni has launched plans for a third floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) facility in Mozambique’s Rovuma Basin, a project that could become the world’s largest floating LNG vessel if completed.
The tender was issued through Mozambique Rovuma Venture (MRV), the joint venture operated by Eni, for the engineering, procurement, construction, installation and commissioning of the proposed FLNG unit.
The planned facility is expected to produce 6 million metric tonnes of LNG annually and is targeted to begin operations in 2031.
If delivered, the vessel would surpass current global floating LNG capacity records. Shell’s Prelude FLNG, currently the largest operating floating LNG facility, has a production capacity of 3.6 million tonnes per year.
Companies interested in participating in the tender must submit letters of interest by the end of June 2026, confirming their intention to take part in the competitive process. Eni requires bidders to demonstrate experience delivering similar projects over the past decade.
More Read
The new development builds on Eni’s earlier floating LNG projects in Mozambique, including Coral Sul and Coral Norte.
Coral Sul, Africa’s first floating LNG facility, began production in 2022 and has an annual capacity of 3.5 million tonnes. The project has become a key part of Mozambique’s emerging gas industry.
Coral Norte reached a final investment decision in October 2025 with an estimated cost of US$7.2 billion and is currently under construction, with operations expected to begin in 2028.
More Read
Eni has said Coral Norte could generate about US$23 billion in tax revenues for Mozambique over 25 years of operation.
With a third FLNG vessel producing 6 million tonnes annually, Eni’s three offshore LNG facilities would give Mozambique combined floating liquefaction capacity of around 13 million tonnes per year.
This would be in addition to major onshore LNG projects being developed by other international energy companies in the country.
The Rovuma Basin, located offshore Cabo Delgado province in northern Mozambique, is considered one of Africa’s largest natural gas regions. The U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates the basin contains between 160 trillion and 200 trillion cubic feet of natural gas resources.
The expansion of LNG production is expected to strengthen Mozambique’s position as a major global gas exporter and increase government revenues from the sector.
The announcement comes as other large gas projects in Mozambique move forward.
More Read
TotalEnergies has restarted construction of its Mozambique LNG project, which was suspended in 2021 due to security concerns in Cabo Delgado, with first production now expected in 2029.
ExxonMobil is also advancing plans for its Rovuma LNG project, which is designed to produce 18 million tonnes of LNG annually and is awaiting a final investment decision.
The growing LNG developments highlight Mozambique’s ambitions to transform its vast gas reserves into a major source of economic growth and energy exports.
