Eni has initiated market consultations for a third floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) platform at its Coral field in the Rovuma Basin, marking the first concrete step forward for the unit since the company confirmed it was evaluating the addition.

The new vessel is expected to be significantly larger than the existing Coral Sul and the forthcoming Coral Norte, indicating a shift toward higher-capacity infrastructure to maximize output from the giant gas discovery.

The move comes as the broader $20 billion Coral South project continues to navigate significant operational and financial hurdles.

The move comes as the broader $20 billion Coral South project continues to navigate significant operational and financial hurdles.

While the initial units have faced delays and cost overruns, Eni’s decision to proceed with a larger third unit suggests confidence in the long-term economics of the asset and the global demand for LNG.

The company is now engaging with potential contractors to assess technical feasibility and commercial terms for the expanded capacity.

This development is critical for Mozambique’s energy sector, which has struggled to attract investment following security challenges in the Cabo Delgado province.