Italian Eni has signed a five-year agreement with French offshore vessel operator Bourbon to supply six new vessels to boost offshore gas activities in the Republic of Congo.
Energy in Africa confirmed that the contract covers the charter of six new S200X-G2 units to operate on Eni’s offshore fields, especially its two FLNG units.
“With this new fleet, we are reinforcing our commitment to offshore mobility that is more sustainable, more efficient and perfectly aligned with the expectations of our major customers,” said François Leslé, CEO of Bourbon Mobility.
Bourbon says the new vessels, which are part of the Surfers 200x-G design delivered in 2024, are expected to offer up to 20% fuel savings during transit compared to the previous generation.
Although the new vessels are scheduled to be commissioned progressively between June and December 2026, the French vessel supplier says it will temporarily mobilize six front-runner boats to start the contract, helping Eni ensure operational continuity.
What you should know
Eni has operated in the Republic of the Congo (not to be confused with its eastern neighbour, the Democratic Republic of the Congo) since 1968.
The company is involved in various energy projects, spanning hydrocarbon exploration, development, production, and energy transition initiatives.
In addition to being Africa’s fifth-largest oil producer (after Nigeria, Libya, Angola, and Algeria), Congo also holds significant natural gas reserves.
Eni has partnered with the government to develop these resources through its Marine XII offshore license.
The country’s first gas project, “Congo LNG,” was launched in 2023 with the installation of its first floating LNG (FLNG) plant by Eni.
Phase 1 of the ambitious project, which is expected to produce a total of 3 million tonnes of LNG per year, began production in 2024.
By February of that year, Congo shipped its first LNG cargo from Pointe-Noire to Italy, setting the stage for rapid expansion this year.
The country aims to grow its LNG exports by an additional 4.5 billion cubic meters (bcm) in 2025 through phase 2 of Congo LNG.
In addition to exports, Congo relies on natural gas for around 70% of its total electricity generation as only 3% of its estimated 22,000 MW hydropower potential is currently utilized.
Eni jointly owns the country’s only operational gas-fired power plant with the government—a 484 MW station located in Pointe-Noire.
The three-turbine CEC plant, which was recently upgraded in March, supplies electricity to approximately 2.8 million people; over 70% of Congo’s population.
