UAE-based engineering firm Technomak has signed a landmark $1 billion Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Commissioning, and Installation (EPCCI) contract for Gabon’s ambitious Cap Lopez Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) project.
The agreement was signed recently in the UAE between Technomak’s Group CEO Haxer Ali and Michel Gotab, Managing Director of Dixstone Holdings, the project operator and subsidiary of Perenco.
“Technomak’s deep expertise in executing complex offshore EPC projects is a valuable asset. We are confident that this partnership will deliver a robust and efficient FLNG solution for gas monetization and Africa’s cleaner energy,” Gotab said during the signing ceremony.
In his response, Ali stated:
“We are honoured to be chosen by Dixstone for this impactful LNG infrastructure project.
“Technomak’s modular EPC capabilities will play a key role in ensuring a safe, timely, and forward-looking execution that supports the global movement toward sustainable energy.”
The deal is aimed at converting Gabon’s existing onshore liquefaction terminal known as the Cap Lopez terminal into a state-of-the-art FLNG facility to boost the country’s capacity for LNG export.
Located near Port-Gentil, the Cap Lopez project will leverage existing offshore gas fields and ageing infrastructure by repurposing it for LNG production and export.
When completed, Dixtone says the facility will produce approximately 0.7 million tonnes of LNG per annum (mtpa) as well as 25,000 tons of liquified petroleum gas (LPG) per annum in the first phase.
The first gas from the nearshore type LNG project is targeted for next year.
As of last year when the government of Gabon approved the project, the EPC phase was to be handled by Dixstone but the firm has now sub-contracted the $1billion role to the Sharjah-based Technomak.
Under the new deal, Technomak will handle comprehensive EPCCI responsibilities, ranging from fabrication and modularization to commissioning and offshore integration.
The FLNG barge, a central component of the project, will be fabricated and integrated at Technomak’s yard in the UAE before being deployed to the Cap Lopez Terminal in Gabon.
The project is expected to boost Gabon’s local content and hydrocarbon revenues and reduce gas flaring by monetizing previously stranded natural gas reserves.
Technomak’s CEO says the firm is proud to be a part of a pivotal opportunity to help advance Gabon’s LNG capabilities with their sustainable engineering expertise.
Gabon state-owned oil firm recently acquired Tullow Oil’s assets in the country for a whopping $300 million as the government takes hold moves to turbocharge its oil sector.
Despite Angola’s exit from OPEC last year, Gabon’s steady oil production contribution to the bloc continues to support Africa’s role.
