ExxonMobil has postponed its final investment decision (FID) on the Rovuma LNG project in Mozambique to 2026, shifting from the previously expected date in 2025, reported Reuters.

Despite the ongoing force majeure, the company has reported progress on the project and expects to commence LNG production by 2030.

The Rovuma LNG project, to be located in offshore Area 4 in northern Mozambique, is a JV owned by ExxonMobil, Eni and CNPC. It is set to yield 18mtpa of LNG.

The project entered the front-end engineering design (FEED) phase in August this year. The FEED phase, undertaken by the Area 4 operator, Mozambique Rovuma Venture (MRV), is expected to last approximately 16 months.

The Rovuma LNG project is set to produce, liquefy and market natural gas from the Area 4 block's offshore reservoirs in the Rovuma Basin.

The development includes the construction of 12 modules, each with a capacity of 1.5mtpa, totalling a LNG capacity of 18mtpa, along with associated onshore facilities.

In October 2019, MRV awarded the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract for the onshore LNG production complex to the JGC, Fluor and TechnipFMC consortium, marking the commencement of the Rovuma LNG project activities following the Mozambique Government's approval in June 2019.

MRV owns 70% of Area 4, while Galp, KOGAS and Empresa Nacional de Hidrocarbonetos each hold 10%.

The construction phase is expected to create 5,000 local jobs and promote local skills development.

The project’s design was changed in 2021 from 15mtpa large trains to 18mtpa modular electric LNG due to varying market environment and security challenges.

The redesign is claimed to offer better execution certainty, enhance operational reliability and lower greenhouse gas emissions, with options to further decrease future emissions.