TotalEnergies fully restarts Mozambique LNG, mobilizes 4,000 workers with 40% progress
TotalEnergies has fully restarted Mozambique LNG onshore and offshore operations after lifting the 2021 Force Majeure, mobilizing 4,000 workers (3,000 Mozambican) to reach 40% progress and target first LNG in 2029. The project holds over USD4 billion in local contracts, expects 7,000 construction jobs, and a USD200 million foundation creating 8,000 jobs.
1. Full Restart of Mozambique LNG Activities
On February 26, 2026, Mozambique LNG consortium formally lifted the Force Majeure declared in 2021 and announced the full restart of all project activities both onshore at the Afungi site and offshore. This decision follows a meeting in Afungi between TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanné and President Daniel Chapo of Mozambique, during which the government reaffirmed its commitment to security measures and ongoing cooperation with regional partners. As of the announcement, over 4,000 workers have been mobilized, including more than 3,000 Mozambican nationals, to resume construction and development work.
2. Project Progress and Timeline
Engineering and procurement of main equipment were largely completed during the Force Majeure period, enabling the project to reach 40% overall progress at the time of restart. Construction ramp-up will focus on completing liquefaction trains and associated infrastructure, with first LNG production now targeted for 2029. Offshore subsea installations and onshore processing facilities will advance in parallel, supported by the consortium’s technical partners and contracting firms.
3. Local Content and Economic Benefits
Mozambique LNG’s local content plan is projected to award over USD 4 billion in contracts to Mozambican companies and create up to 7,000 direct construction jobs for nationals. Through the Mozambique LNG Foundation, endowed with USD 200 million since 2023, the project has already generated more than 8,000 community jobs and assisted 7,000 farmers and fishermen in Cabo Delgado. Government estimates indicate the project will contribute several percentage points to GDP growth during peak construction and significantly bolster provincial incomes.
4. Strategic and Geopolitical Significance
Leaders emphasized that the restart reinforces Mozambique’s emergence as a regional energy hub and enhances global LNG supply security. TotalEnergies projects the field will support global gas demand diversification, while Mozambique secures long-term export revenues and strengthens its institutional capacity. The joint venture structure, led by TotalEnergies with partners including Mitsui, ENH, ONGC Videsh, Beas, BPRL and PTTEP, underpins a balanced risk distribution and sustained international confidence in the country’s upstream sector.