Palma: Stingray’s arrival signals progress on Mozambique LNG

The arrival in Palma Bay, Cabo Delgado, of pipelaying barge Stingray marks a concrete step in the resumption of the Mozambique LNG project, operated by TotalEnergies, after years of interruption.

The vessel was unloaded several days ago and is expected to support the installation of the infrastructure that will connect the offshore gas fields to the onshore Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facilities.

Stingray will install five gas pipelines along a corridor of approximately 17.7 kilometres in Palma Bay.

A statement sent to our newsroom said the infrastructure is considered essential for transporting gas produced in Area 1 to the liquefaction facilities under construction onshore.

“The arrival of the vessel therefore represents a sign that the project is moving from announcements about its resumption to a stage of physical execution, with equipment, contractors and specialised vessels returning to Cabo Delgado province,” the document said.

The mobilisation of Stingray, however, faced logistical constraints. The vessel and its support fleet remained stranded in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz at the beginning of 2026. The fleet was subsequently rerouted through Oman before reaching Mozambique.

Offshore work advances in stages

Work in the shallow waters of Palma Bay is expected to be followed by a deepwater campaign, scheduled for the second quarter of 2027.

The two phases form part of the process of progressively connecting the offshore gas fields to the onshore liquefaction facility.

For the market, the physical progress of the works is particularly important, as the completion of each stage helps reduce the risks associated with the execution of one of the largest investment projects ever undertaken in Mozambique.

According to the statement, the resumption of works is also expected to stimulate sectors such as logistics, transport, engineering, accommodation, maintenance and the supply of goods and services, creating opportunities for national companies integrated into the project’s supply chain.

On the international market, the start of production at Mozambique LNG could strengthen Mozambique’s position as an LNG supplier, at a time when buyers in Europe and Asia are seeking to diversify their long-term sources of supply.

In the coming months, attention will focus on progress in offshore construction, the development of onshore facilities and preparations for the deepwater campaign scheduled for 2027.

Source: Domingo