LNG

Golar LNG has awarded Axess Group new contracts to support two floating LNG units slated for deployment at Argentina's LNG export project on the Atlantic coast For the MK II FLNG, Axess will develop the unit's maintenance management system and provide integrity revalidation for the Hilli FLNG ahead of its redeployment. The contracts helps advance Golar's Argentina LNG project, with the MK II FLNG vessel scheduled for delivery in late 2027.

Golar LNG is holding off fresh capital for its fourth floating LNG unit, citing deteriorating yard economics. The 3.5 mtpa unit had been scheduled for delivery in late 2027 with not deployment location confirmed as yet.

Argentina's Vaca Muerta shale play has achieved significant first-quarter gains, with oil output rising 26% and gas production up 16% yoy, underpinning the Southern Energy LNG project. Financial close on MK II – one of two FLNG vessels supplied by Golar – is slated for Q3-2025.

Kosmos Energy, the Dallas-based shareholder with BP of the UK in the floating LNG projects offshore Mauritania and Senegal, said it looked forward to building a self-funded gas business in West Africa and progressing with its high-quality exploration prospects for 2021.

Italian natural gas network company Societa Nazionale Metanodotti (SNAM) has agreed to acquire a controlling stake in the OLT Offshore LNG Toscana company which operates  the floating regasification terminal off the West Coast of Italy.

Noble Energy and the Israeli Delek Group, owners of the huge Leviathan natural gas field in the East Mediterranean, have signed agreements with Golar LNG and Belgian shipping company Exmar to carry out engineering studies for a possible floating LNG production and export venture offshore Israel.

Avenir LNG, a small-scale niche market joint venture involving Stolt-Nielsen Ltd, the shipping and storage group and its Norwegian peers, Hoegh LNG and Golar LNG, is now registered on the Oslo over-the-counter market after holding a private share placement.

Ophir Energy, the UK-based energy company and stakeholder in the Equatorial Guinea floating liquefied natural gas project offshore West Africa, said Chief Executive Nicholas Cooper was leaving the company amid delays in taking the FLNG joint venture to a final investment decision.

The Cameroon floating liquefied natural gas venture offshore the West African nation is expected to produce its first LNG soon, though the start of full commercial operations is set for the first quarter of 2018.

Singapore shipyard Keppel Offshore and Marine said it would soon deliver the world's first converted Floating Liquefaction Vessel (FLNGV) owned by Norwegian project company Golar LNG and set to be deployed offshore the West African nation of Cameroon.