MODEC to Supply SOFEC® Internal Turret Mooring System for Coral Norte FLNG Project
In a recent announcement, MODEC confirmed that it will provide a SOFEC® Internal Turret Mooring System for the Coral Norte floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) development offshore Mozambique. The project, led by Eni in partnership with CNPC, ENH, XRG and KOGAS, represents a significant expansion of the country’s offshore gas infrastructure.
The mooring system is a critical component that enables the FLNG unit to maintain position, weathervane effectively and operate safely under the challenging metocean conditions of the Rovuma Basin. MODEC’s involvement builds on its successful delivery of a similar system for the Coral Sul FLNG, which has been in operation since 2022.
Project Overview and Strategic Importance
Coral Norte is designed as an improved replica of the existing Coral Sul FLNG, incorporating lessons learned from the first unit to enhance efficiency and reliability. Upon completion, the facility will add 3.6 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of liquefaction capacity, boosting Mozambique’s ability to monetize its vast offshore gas reserves.
Key milestones disclosed by the partners include:
- Final Investment Decision (FID) – October 2025
- Hull launch at Samsung Heavy Industries’ Geoje shipyard – January 2026
- First LNG production – targeted for 2028
These dates indicate that the project remains on schedule, reflecting coordinated planning among the joint venture partners and contractors.
MODEC’s Role and Technical Expertise
MODEC has been engaged with the Coral Norte initiative since its conceptual phase, providing engineering support and advancing procurement activities in line with the overall timeline. The company’s SOFEC® Internal Turret Mooring System is a proven technology that combines a turret‑type mooring arrangement with internal tension legs, offering:
- High station‑keeping accuracy in harsh sea states
- Reduced fatigue on mooring lines through internal load paths
- Facilitated weathervaning, which minimizes environmental loads on the FLNG hull
- Enhanced operational uptime, a key factor for the economics of FLNG assets
Arun Duggal, Head of MODEC’s Mooring Solutions Business Unit, emphasized that the company’s experience on Coral Sul has set a benchmark for safety, reliability and schedule discipline. He noted that the commitment to Coral Norte reflects the trust built with Eni and its partners, and underscores MODEC’s ongoing investment in regional capacity.
Collaboration with Technip Energies and JGC
To ensure seamless integration, MODEC is working alongside a joint venture formed by Technip Energies and JGC. The Technip Energies‑JGC spokesperson highlighted that the work performed on Coral Sul established a strong operational foundation and demonstrated excellence in engineering execution. The partnership at Coral Norte leverages that success while supporting broader goals of sustainable development in Mozambique.
This collaborative model allows each party to focus on its core strengths: MODEC supplies the mooring system, Technip Energies leads the topside integration and JGC contributes to hull construction and commissioning activities.
Implications for Mozambique and the Global FLNG Market
The Coral Norte project is poised to deliver multiple benefits:
- Increased government revenue through higher LNG export volumes
- Job creation during construction, installation and operations phases
- Technology transfer and skill development for local Mozambican workers
- Strengthening of Mozambique’s position as a emerging LNG hub in Africa
From an industry perspective, the deployment of a second SOFEC®‑based mooring system in the same basin validates the technology’s scalability and reinforces MODEC’s reputation as a trusted supplier of mission‑critical offshore stationkeeping solutions.
Conclusion
MODEC’s supply of the SOFEC® Internal Turret Mooring System for the Coral Norte FLNG project marks a significant step forward for both the company and Mozambique’s offshore gas sector. With a clear timeline, proven technology and a collaborative partnership framework, the initiative is well‑positioned to deliver safe, reliable and efficient LNG production starting in 2028. Stakeholders will continue to monitor progress as the project moves from hull launch to first gas, underscoring the importance of robust engineering and experienced execution in large‑scale offshore developments.
