MOZAMBIQUE —Offshore engineering contractor Saipem, in partnership with dredging and marine engineering firm Jan De Nul, has signed a Letter of Intent with ExxonMobil Moçambique Limitada to perform preliminary technical and procurement services for the Rovuma LNG Phase 1 development. Operative on behalf of Mozambique Rovuma Venture S.p.A.-a joint venture representing Area 4 concession partners including Eni, CNPC, KOGAS, XRG, and ENH-the initial contract scope carries a value of approximately EUR 11 million. Full execution of the primary engineering, procurement, construction, and installation agreement remains contingent upon a positive final investment decision by project partners and government approvals anticipated in 2026.
Saipem S.p.A. is an Italian energy engineering and construction firm specializing in subsea field infrastructure and complex offshore developments. Jan De Nul Group is a Luxembourg-headquartered marine construction and dredging contractor providing offshore installation and seabed engineering services. Mozambique Rovuma Venture S.p.A. operates the offshore Area 4 block, located in the Rovuma Basin off the northern coast of Mozambique, holding substantial deepwater natural gas reserves.
The preliminary agreement advances technical readiness for the upstream subsea gathering system designed to feed the onshore Rovuma LNG liquefaction facility. The planned scope encompasses subsea engineering, pipeline routing, and procurement planning to connect 18 deepwater wells through a complex network of flowlines, umbilicals, and manifolds. Preparing these detailed technical parameters reduces execution risk and secures long-lead procurement schedules prior to main capital expenditure deployment.
This development marks a significant step toward restarting major liquefied natural gas export projects in East Africa, which faced extended delays due to regional security challenges and macroeconomic realignments. For subsea engineering contractors, equipment manufacturers, and energy investors, the project's progress signals renewed commercial momentum in deepwater African gas developments aimed at supplying international LNG markets.
