Construction contracts have been awarded for Ophir Energy's Fortuna LNG project offshore Equatorial Guinea.
Fortuna will be Africa’s first deepwater FLNG project and is targeted for first gas in mid-2020 at a cost of US$2 billion.
The project, in Block R, some 140km west of Bioko Island, is in 1680-1850m water depth, and is due to comprise a four-train 2.6-2.8 MTPA system, using the converted Moss LNG carrier Gandria, with an NOV external turret and mooring. The project is expected to have a 20-year life with 17 wells in four phases.
Golar LNG has executed amended and novated agreements for the conversion of the 126,000cu m LNG carrier Gandria to a floating LNG facility. The primary contract for the FLNG Gandria was entered into with Singapore's Keppel Shipyard. Black & Veatch will provide its licensed PRICO technology, perform detailed engineering and process design, specify and procure topside equipment, and provide commissioning support for the FLNG topsides and liquefaction process.
The Gandria will be acquired by the Fortuna Joint Operating Company upon reaching the planned final investment decision (FID) in mid-2017. The Republic of Equatorial Guinea also has the right to acquire up to 30% of the vessel.
Ophir says the award of engineering, procurement, construction, installation and commissioning contracts are on schedule and term sheets have been agreed with a consortium of China-based lenders.
Fortuna partners will determine in May the structure and amount of the expected 2.5 MMTPA to place under contract at FID.
Nick Cooper, CEO of Ophir Energy commented: “The award of the midstream construction completes another milestone as we approach FID. We remain firmly on schedule for the FID of Africa’s first deep water FLNG Project in mid-2017.”
Read more of our Fortuna coverage here.