LNG imports through a new floating storage and regasification unit at the Port of Abidjan are scheduled to begin in Q3 2027 under agreements involving EXMAR, Côte d’Ivoire Energies (CI-ENERGIES) and Société Nationale d’Opérations Pétrolières de la Côte d’Ivoire (PETROCI).

The project will use a 152,000 m³ FSRU with a regasification capacity of 250 MMSCFD. EXMAR will lease the unit for 10 years and will also provide operation and maintenance services.

Under the agreed structure, PETROCI will purchase LNG from the international market and import it through the FSRU. After regasification, the gas will be supplied to CI-ENERGIES for electricity generation.

EXMAR expects the agreements to contribute about $21.3 million in annual EBITDA.

The project is designed to add another source of gas supply as natural gas and electricity demand increases in Côte d’Ivoire. Demand from neighbouring countries is also included in the supply requirements identified for the project.

PETROCI said the FSRU would supplement domestic gas production and existing infrastructure with another flexible supply option. CI-ENERGIES highlighted the need to secure sufficient natural gas for electricity generation.

Mundus Afrique, an Africa-based energy company, acted as transaction advisor for the project.