Eni and Samsung Heavy Industries Launch New FLNG Unit in Mozambique
Italy’s energy giant Eni has marked a significant milestone by attending the inauguration ceremony for Samsung Heavy Industries’ (SHI) second floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) unit. The event took place at SHI’s Geoje Shipyard in South Korea and celebrated the launch of the Coral Norte FLNG, which will be deployed in the Rovuma basin off the coast of Mozambique. This project is pivotal for Eni as it aims to tap into the vast natural gas resources in the region.
The Coral Norte FLNG project received the green light last year, with the final investment decision (FID) made in October 2025. This decision enables Eni to explore natural gas from the Coral Eocene 441 deposit within the Area 4 concession. The project encompasses the Coral Sul/South FLNG facility and the Rovuma LNG onshore facilities, marking a significant step in Mozambique’s energy development.
The launch ceremony was attended by notable figures, including Sung-an Choi, Vice Chairman and CEO of SHI, and Estevão Pale, Mozambique’s Minister of Minerals and Energy. Approximately 80 guests were present, highlighting the project’s importance to both Eni and Mozambique’s energy sector.
Specifications and Future Plans for Coral Norte FLNG
The Coral Norte FLNG is an ultra-large facility, measuring 432 meters in length and 66 meters in width, which is comparable to the length of four soccer fields lined up end to end. The unit has a launch weight of 123,000 tons, showcasing its massive scale and engineering prowess. This facility is the second FLNG unit constructed by SHI for Eni, following the successful delivery of Africa’s first FLNG unit in 2021.
In July of last year, Eni and Samsung Heavy Industries signed a preliminary agreement for the main construction works, valued at approximately KRW 869.4 billion (around $670 million). The project is on track for completion in 2028, further solidifying Eni’s commitment to expanding its operations in Mozambique.
Samsung Heavy Industries has emphasized its leadership in offshore engineering, having secured six out of ten FLNG orders worldwide. The company has delivered four facilities to date, including Shell’s Prelude, the largest FLNG unit globally. Currently, SHI is also constructing two additional FLNG units at its Geoje shipyard, including the Coral Norte FLNG and a third unit for Petronas.
Growing Demand for Offshore Gas Production
The global demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG) continues to rise, prompting an increase in approvals for major offshore gas production facilities. Delfin Midstream has recently announced that a final investment decision for an FLNG facility project in the U.S. Gulf is imminent, following an extended letter of award with Samsung Heavy Industries.
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The Vice Chairman and CEO of Samsung Heavy Industries has stated that the company plans to secure orders for one to two FLNG units each year, reflecting the growing market for offshore gas production. The Coral Norte FLNG project is a testament to the ongoing advancements in the energy sector and the collaborative efforts between international partners to meet the increasing energy demands worldwide.
