Mozambique has officially made its first shipment of liquefied natural gas (LNG) produced in the northern part of the country to Europe.
Through a statement, President Filipe Nyusi announced it as the first shipment under a long term purchase and sale contract with British giant BP.
“It is with great honor that I announce the start of the first export of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), produced in the Rovuma, in Mozambique, by the Coral Sul FLNG Project. The British Sponsor ship departs Mozambican waters for the international market,” President Filipe Nyusi stated.
The LNG is produced at an offshore plant controlled by the Italian energy company however, British oil giant BP has the right to purchase it.
The delivery coincides with Europe’s search for alternate gas suppliers as it works to lessen its reliance on Russia.
Following its discovery in the northern Cabo Delgado province in 2010, Mozambique aspires to become one of the largest natural gas exporters in the world.
However, a five-year Islamist insurgency that has killed more than 4,000 people and rendered hundreds of thousands homeless in the region has impeded its operations.
However, Nyusi said Mozambique would continue concentrating on traditional activities such as agriculture, fishing, and tourism, to achieve development.
The government hopes the discovery of gas will boost the country’s economy.
