Mozambique expects to strengthen contacts with Gazprom, Novatek

ZHELEZNOVODSK. Oct 2 (Interfax) - Mozambique expects to strengthen contacts on gas issues with Gazprom and Novatek .

"We continue to work with Rosneft . But we need more specialists in gas development - Gazprom, Novatek - and we hope to strengthen contacts in this area. And especially in order to train local specialists in the field of gas development," Mozambique's ambassador to Russia, Jose Mateus Muaria Katupha, told Interfax on the sidelines of the "North Caucasus: Space of Dialogue, Traditions and Development" forum.

There is interest on the part of Russian oil and gas companies in the projects of the Rovuma basin, he said.

In the work to implement plans to increase LNG production and exports, "we are going to attract Russian specialists, turn for help to Russian companies," Katupha said. "Because Russia is one of our strategic partners. There are Western companies, but Russia will receive special treatment," he said.

"An intergovernmental meeting took place yesterday. And we considered companies that expressed a desire to come to Mozambique. Especially countries that work in field development," Katupha said, specifying that among those present were representatives of Novatek, Gazprom, Rosneft and Tatneft .

"We understand that the oil and gas industry is very complex, and we are gradually entering this industry, looking for those who will help us use our resources effectively, and of course we will gladly take advantage of Russian experience. Therefore, we will take part in the forum that will be held at the end of the month, and will look for partners in Russia," he said.

Currently, three natural gas liquefaction projects are being implemented in Mozambique. As part of the Area 4 concession in the Rovuma basin, Coral Sul FLNG (operated by Italy's Eni) with a capacity of 3.4 million tonnes per year has already been launched, and Coral Norte FLNG at 3.55 million tonnes per year has been approved. The U.S. company ExxonMobil , acting as the operator of Rovuma LNG at 15.2 million tonnes per year, plans to make a final investment decision in 2026. France's TotalEnergies officially resumed the project for an LNG plant in Mozambique at 13 million tonnes at the beginning of the year, with a launch scheduled for 2029.