The floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) industry is experiencing rapid growth, transforming from a niche technology into a cornerstone of global energy supply.
This expansion is reshaping the geography of natural gas production, with offshore reserves increasingly dominating the landscape.
According to the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), FLNG has become a strategic pillar of the LNG sector over the past decade.
“Today, offshore gas accounts for roughly 30% of global gas production, totalling around 1.20 trillion cubic metres (tcm) per annum, compared to 0.95 tcm in 2010 and 0.65 tcm in 2000,” says GECF in a report.
GECF controls about 69% of the world’s proven natural gas reserves. They also account for 39% of marketed production and contribute 40% of global gas exports.
How offshore gas drives new finds
Since 2010, offshore prospects have consistently delivered the largest share of newly discovered recoverable resources, outpacing onshore finds.
In 2024 alone, offshore exploration yielded 340 billion cubic metres (bcm) of technically recoverable resources (TRR), representing more than two‑thirds of total global discoveries.
As traditional onshore reserves mature and global energy demand rises, many offshore fields once considered uneconomical or marginal are now commercially viable.
FLNG technology complements existing onshore liquefaction plants, offering flexibility and faster deployment in remote or challenging environments.
Global FLNG footprint
Twelve countries currently have FLNG projects either operating or under development. Mozambique leads with 7.1 million tonnes per year (mt/yr) of capacity, followed by Argentina (6 mt/yr) and Malaysia (4.7 mt/yr).
As of November 2025:
- Eight FLNG projects are operational worldwide, with a combined liquefaction capacity of 16.7 mt/yr.
- This represents about 3% of global LNG capacity.
Africa accounts for 40.1% of operational FLNG capacity (6.7 mt/yr), including:
- Congo FLNG 1 (0.6 mt/yr)
- Cameroon’s Kribi FLNG (2.4 mt/yr)
- Mauritania/Senegal’s GTA FLNG (2.5 mt/yr)
- Mozambique’s Coral Sul (3.5 mt/yr)
Nine additional FLNG units are under construction globally, expected to add 20.6 mt/yr in the coming years—roughly 8% of liquefaction capacity currently being built. Africa again stands out, hosting 43.68% of these projects (9 mt/yr), including:
- Congo FLNG Phase 2 (2.4 mt/yr)
- Mozambique’s Coral Norte (3.6 mt/yr)
- Gabon FLNG (0.7 mt/yr)
Nigeria is also positioning itself to join the FLNG club. The country’s first major project, led by UTM Offshore, is valued at $5bn. Although it has yet to reach a final investment decision (FID), the consortium completed its Front‑End Engineering Design (Feed) in October 2023.
The planned 2.8 mt/yr facility, tied to Seplat’s Yoho field, is designed to supply liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to Nigeria’s domestic market while exporting LNG internationally.
The rise of FLNG reflects broader shifts in the global energy market. Offshore gas is no longer a secondary option but a central driver of supply growth.
Africa’s growing portfolio of projects underscores its emergence as a critical player in the LNG industry, positioning the continent to benefit from rising demand in Europe and Asia.
With nearly half of new FLNG capacity under construction located in Africa, the region is set to play a decisive role in shaping the future of global LNG trade.