Mozambique strengthens energy sector with new factory

A opening today of a factory with initial capacity to store 21,000 barrels of drilling fluids in Pemba will strengthen energy infrastructure in offshore operations in Mozambique, the company announced.

The new unit was installed in the city of Pemba, province of Cabo Delgado, northern Mozambique, by French SLB, one of the largest global technology and services companies for the energy sector, with activity linked to the exploration and production of oil and gas, according to a company statement.

The project aims to strengthen the national capacity to prepare, store and supply drilling fluids and well completion fluids for offshore operations, at a time when activity in the sector continues to expand and the country seeks to consolidate itself as a strategic energy center in East Africa, it adds.

“ With an initial storage capacity of 21,000 barrels, the liquid sludge unit is a scalable platform for future growth, meeting the needs of several customers and increasing offshore activity, while improving logistics and increasing operational flexibility,” he said.

Cited in the document, SLB's director-general for Central, Eastern and Southern Africa, Miguel Baptista, stated that the investment reflects the company's confidence in Mozambique's future and the commitment to support the country's ambitions in the energy sector, at a time when SLB marks 70 years of presence in the Mozambican market.

“ The new liquid sludge unit strengthens local energy infrastructure, broadens opportunities for local content development and improves our ability to support customers in exploiting some of Africa’s most important offshore energy resources,” he said.

According to the company, the project was carried out with strong local participation, a trend that should remain during the operational phase of the unit.

In the construction of the infrastructure more than 100 jobs were created in Pemba, with Mozambican citizens representing 80% of the workforce used, which, according to the company, demonstrates the commitment to the development of local capacities.

The company considers that the new infrastructure strengthens its ability to ensure services consistently and improve the preparation of the supply chain to respond to the increase in ‘offshore’ activity, supporting customers in the safe and efficient execution of operations, while promoting the development of local technical skills.

Previously known as Schlumberger, the company adopted the SLB designation to reflect a strategic evolution oriented to the technology, innovation and transformation of the energy sector, he said.

Mozambique has three development megaprojects approved for exploration of Liquefied Natural Gas reserves in the Rovuma basin, classified among the largest in the world, off Cape Delgado, in the north of the country, including, among them, the Coral Sul project, of Italian Eni, the only one in operation, since 2022, and that from 2028 will allow doubling production to seven million tonnes per year (mtpa) of LNG, with a third unit being studied.

After four years of suspension due to terrorist attacks in Cabo Delgado, the Mozambique LNG (Area 1) project, operated by TotalEnergies, officially resumed in January and foresees up to 13 mtpa from 2029, followed by the Rovuma LNG (Area 4) project, operated by ExxonMobil, with 18 mtpa scheduled after 2030, and whose final investment decision is expected for this year.