Rig-to-FPU Transformation Accelerates Phase 2 of Nation’s Inaugural Liquefaction Initiative
Italian engineering and construction firm Saipem has announced a significant operational achievement with the introduction of first gas at the Scarabeo 5 Floating Production Unit (FPU), a critical component of Eni’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) project off the coast of Congo, Africa. This milestone marks the official commencement of Phase 2 of the Congo LNG project, ahead of its originally scheduled timeline.
Saipem was instrumental in the extensive engineering, procurement, construction, transportation, and commissioning (EPCCT) of the Scarabeo 5 FPU. The unit underwent a complex conversion from a semi-submersible drilling rig into a gas treatment, separation, and compression facility. Chinese shipyard CIMC Raffles executed the primary conversion activities, which involved dismantling the original drilling system, refurbishing marine systems, and integrating new topside process modules. This transformation, completed in less than 24 months, repurposed the early 1990s-built Scarabeo 5, a fourth-generation drilling rig, for its new role.
The achievement of first gas on Scarabeo 5 closely follows Eni’s recent announcement regarding the early start-up of Congo LNG Phase 2. This phase is designed to integrate the newly operational FPU with the FLNG Nguya, which will work in tandem with the FLNG Tango, already deployed at the project since late 2023. Collectively, the Scarabeo 5 FPU and the Nguya FLNG are set to elevate the project’s total capacity to 3 million tonnes per annum (mtpa), equivalent to approximately 4.5 billion cubic meters of gas per year. The ultimate objective for this phase is the export of the first LNG cargo in early 2026.
“With this achievement, Phase 2 of Eni’s Congo LNG project is officially underway, targeting the export of the first LNG cargo in early 2026. This major milestone highlights our fast-track execution capabilities and our distinctive approach, which has enabled us to significantly reduce project time to market,” Saipem stated.
The Congo LNG project, a pioneering initiative for the nation, is intended to harness the substantial gas resources within the offshore Marine XII project, specifically from the Nenè and Litchendjili fields. A key characteristic of the Scarabeo 5 FPU is its integration of advanced decarbonization solutions, underscoring principles of circular economy and industrial reuse in modern energy infrastructure. This aligns with the broader Congo LNG project’s commitment to a zero-flaring approach for gas monetization.
Saipem extended its appreciation, adding: “A special thank you to our onshore and offshore teams in Congo, whose dedication and commitment ensured a safe and successful start-up.”