MODEC will supply an SOFEC® internal turret mooring system for Coral North FLNG, the floating liquefied natural gas project advancing off the coast of Mozambique. The unit will be developed by Eni alongside CNPC, ENH, XRG, and KOGAS, in a crucial initiative to expand offshore LNG capacity in the Rovuma Basin.
Additionally, the company will work with the Technip Energies-JGC joint venture to coordinate system integration, technical execution, and long-term operational reliability. This scope reinforces the role of internal turret mooring as a critical component for maintaining the position of an FLNG facility in demanding marine conditions.
A Crucial System for FLNG Operation
The SOFEC mooring system will allow Coral North FLNG to maintain a safe orientation against wind, currents, and waves. This controlled navigation capability, known as weathervaning, is essential for sustaining stable operations in the Rovuma Basin, where meteoceanic conditions demand robust offshore engineering solutions.
Likewise, MODEC will apply its expertise in FLNG and FPSO projects to take the system from engineering to delivery. The company previously participated in Coral Sul FLNG, a project that serves as a technical reference for Coral North.
Coral North to Add 3.6 MTPA Capacity
Coral North is designed as an improved replica of Coral Sul FLNG; the project will add 3.6 million tons per annum of liquefaction capacity and leverage operational learnings to enhance efficiency, performance, and production continuity.
The project reached its final investment decision in October 2025, after which the hull was launched in January 2026 at Samsung Heavy Industries’ Geoje shipyard in South Korea. First LNG production is anticipated for 2028.
Integration with Technip Energies-JGC
The coordination between MODEC and the Technip Energies-JGC JV will be crucial for integrating the internal turret mooring system within the overall architecture of the FLNG unit. The objective is to ensure efficient execution and reliable operation throughout the asset’s lifecycle.
Furthermore, the accumulated experience from Coral Sul provides a relevant technical foundation for the new development. This continuity helps reduce integration risks and leverage procedures already validated in a similar offshore environment.
Mozambique Reinforces its Position in Offshore LNG
With Coral North FLNG, Mozambique reinforces its role on the global liquefied natural gas map. The incorporation of new floating capacity in the Rovuma Basin expands the country’s export potential and strengthens the development of offshore energy infrastructure.
For MODEC, the contract confirms its presence in mooring solutions for complex floating units. For the consortium led by Eni, the SOFEC system will be a central technical component to achieve operational availability, maritime safety, and production stability in Mozambican waters.
Source: Modec
Photo: Shutterstock
