Why is Eni opting for a second FLNG vessel instead of an onshore LNG terminal in Mozambique?

Onshore LNG developments in Mozambique have faced severe delays and force majeure declarations due to regional security threats and insurgencies. Floating LNG (FLNG) bypasses these onshore risks entirely by keeping production, liquefaction, and offloading infrastructure miles offshore in deep water, offering a faster and safer path to commercialization.

What is the significance of the SOFEC internal turret mooring system for this project?

The SOFEC internal turret mooring system is a critical component that allows the massive FLNG vessel to remain securely stationed over the deepwater gas field. It enables the vessel to weathervane, or rotate freely in response to harsh wind, wave, and current conditions, ensuring uninterrupted gas flow from the subsea wells to the liquefaction topsides.

How does the Coral Norte project impact the global LNG supply-demand balance?

Once operational, Coral Norte will add approximately 3.4 million tons per annum (mtpa) of LNG to the global market. This additional volume helps meet the structural demand growth in Asia and supports Europe's long-term energy diversification strategy by providing a highly flexible, sea-borne source of natural gas.

Splash247 · June 25, 2026 (Jun 25) · 1 min read

Modec bags work on Mozambique’s next FLNG development

ENI S.p.A. KOGAS

Analysis

AI-assisted analysis · reviewed by Yuri Kan

Italian major Eni is accelerating its East African gas monetization strategy by securing critical long-lead mooring infrastructure from Modec for the Coral Norte FLNG project. This development underscores the industry's growing reliance on fast-track floating LNG solutions to unlock deepwater gas reserves without the geopolitical and security risks associated with onshore liquefaction plants. By replicating the design of the operational Coral Sul FLNG, Eni and its partners are leveraging standardized technology to optimize project economics and delivery timelines in Mozambique's Rovuma Basin.

Key Facts

Floater specialist Modec has been awarded a contract to supply a SOFEC internal turret mooring system for the Coral Norte floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) facility.
The Coral Norte project is located in the deepwater Rovuma Basin offshore Mozambique, within the Area 4 block.
The project is being developed by operator Eni alongside its joint venture partners CNPC, ENH, Galp (XRG), and Kogas.
A Final Investment Decision (FID) for the Coral Norte FLNG project was achieved in October 2025.
The hull launch for the newbuild FLNG vessel was successfully completed in January 2026 at Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) in South Korea.
The Coral Norte FLNG facility is designed to mirror the capacity of its sister vessel, Coral Sul FLNG, which produces approximately 3.4 million tons per annum (mtpa) of LNG.

Background & Context

Mozambique's Rovuma Basin holds massive natural gas reserves, estimated at over 85 trillion cubic feet, but development has been severely hampered by onshore security threats and Islamist insurgencies in the Cabo Delgado province. Consequently, Eni pioneered the region's offshore-only approach with the Coral Sul FLNG, which achieved first cargo in late 2022. The success of this floating concept has prompted the consortium to bypass complex onshore infrastructure in favor of a second, replicated FLNG vessel to rapidly monetize the remaining gas in the Coral field.

Market Impact

This contract award signals robust momentum for the global FLNG market, which is experiencing a renaissance as operators seek flexible, secure, and faster routes to market for stranded gas. For Modec and SOFEC, securing this high-spec turret contract solidifies their leadership in deepwater mooring technology, particularly in challenging offshore environments. The project's progress is highly positive for European buyers seeking long-term, non-Russian pipeline gas alternatives, while also positioning Mozambique as an increasingly vital player in the global LNG supply chain despite its onshore domestic instability.

What to Watch

Following the successful hull launch in early 2026, the next critical milestones will involve the integration of the topside liquefaction modules at the shipyard in South Korea. Industry analysts will be watching for the integration of the SOFEC turret system and the subsequent sail-away schedule of the vessel toward Mozambican waters. First gas and commercial production from Coral Norte are anticipated to commence by the late 2020s, effectively doubling Eni's floating liquefaction capacity in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Eni opting for a second FLNG vessel instead of an onshore LNG terminal in Mozambique?: Onshore LNG developments in Mozambique have faced severe delays and force majeure declarations due to regional security threats and insurgencies. Floating LNG (FLNG) bypasses these onshore risks entirely by keeping production, liquefaction, and offloading infrastructure miles offshore in deep water, offering a faster and safer path to commercialization.
What is the significance of the SOFEC internal turret mooring system for this project?: The SOFEC internal turret mooring system is a critical component that allows the massive FLNG vessel to remain securely stationed over the deepwater gas field. It enables the vessel to weathervane, or rotate freely in response to harsh wind, wave, and current conditions, ensuring uninterrupted gas flow from the subsea wells to the liquefaction topsides.
How does the Coral Norte project impact the global LNG supply-demand balance?: Once operational, Coral Norte will add approximately 3.4 million tons per annum (mtpa) of LNG to the global market. This additional volume helps meet the structural demand growth in Asia and supports Europe's long-term energy diversification strategy by providing a highly flexible, sea-borne source of natural gas.

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