The FPU will serve as the control hub for the entire offshore development.

Saipem has successfully converted the Scarabeo 5 semi-submersible drilling unit into a Floating Production Unit (FPU) for Eni’s Congo LNG Project, a key development for the country’s first natural gas liquefaction initiative

This milestone, awarded to Saipem in August 2023, marks the transformation of the Scarabeo 5 into a floating gas treatment facility, which will be installed offshore, northwest of the Djeno Terminal, at a depth of 35 metres. The FPU will serve as the control hub for the entire offshore development.

Built in the early 1990s, the Scarabeo 5 was selected for conversion due to its strong operational features. The transformation, completed in less than 24 months, showcases Saipem’s fast-track execution capabilities. This is also a prime example of a circular economy, where an asset is reused, reducing waste while maximising operational value. This aligns with both Saipem and Eni’s sustainability goals.

Alongside this, Eni is making significant progress with its Nguya Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) unit. Set to boost LNG production, the Nguya unit is 376 metres long and designed with advanced technology to minimise its carbon footprint. The unit, which will be moored offshore, will help process gas from the Congo Basin and support future developments. The project is on track to reach 3 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) capacity by the end of 2025, following the successful start-up of the Tango FLNG unit in 2023.

The refurbished Scarabeo 5 will also send processed gas to the Nguya FLNG unit, further solidifying its role in the LNG production chain. Eni’s commitment to sustainable development is evident through these projects, aimed at reducing costs, enhancing efficiency, and ensuring minimal environmental impact.

Eni has been instrumental in Congo’s energy development for over 55 years, contributing to the country’s energy security and social initiatives.

This marks a significant milestone for offshore exploration in Ghana. (Image credit: Shearwater)

Shearwater Geoservices has secured the contract to carry out Ghana's first deepwater Ocean Bottom Node (OBN) seismic survey in the Jubilee and TEN fields, operated by Tullow Oil and its partners

This marks a significant milestone for offshore exploration in Ghana. The two-month survey is set to begin in the final quarter of 2025.

This project follows Shearwater's successful deployment of the SW Tasman vessel and Pearl node OBN platform in other West African countries, including Côte d'Ivoire and Angola. Since late 2024, these platforms have been instrumental in conducting OBN surveys across the region, starting with Côte d'Ivoire, and continuing with surveys in Angola.

Irene Waage Basili, CEO of Shearwater, said, "These projects demonstrate Shearwater’s role in pioneering new technology in new regions, delivering operational excellence and industry-leading survey efficiency and data quality. By delivering the first OBN project in Ghana and other surveys across this part of Africa, we are opening new geophysical frontiers – combining precision, innovation and commitment to responsible resource exploration."

The Jubilee and TEN fields have been at the heart of Tullow's operations for nearly 20 years. This first deepwater OBN survey is expected to improve reservoir imaging, offering deeper insights for future field development and production strategies. It follows a previous streamer survey carried out by Shearwater over the same fields earlier in 2025.

Global shale oil and gas production is set to increase. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Global shale oil and gas production is set to increase, with Algeria among those countries looking to exploit its shale gas reserves

According to a recent report from leading data and analytics company titled Global Data titled  “Emerging Oil and Gas Shale Plays", notable increases in production are expected over the next few years, including the USA, the current leading producer. These are driven by technological advancements and significant discoveries in countries such as China, Argentina, and Saudi Arabia. GlobalData’s Strategic Intelligence report, “Emerging Oil and Gas Shale Plays,” reveals that the US was the undisputed leader in global shale oil and gas production with over 80% share in 2024, thanks to its vast reserves, advanced extraction technologies, and supportive regulatory environment.

Ravindra Puranik, Oil and Gas Analyst at GlobalData, commented, “The combination of hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling has unlocked unprecedented volumes of shale resources, particularly in formations like the Permian Basin, the Eagle Ford, and the Marcellus Shale. The growth of the shale industry has bolstered the US energy independence, reducing reliance on foreign oil and altering the country's geopolitical strategy.”

Canada holds the second-largest recoverable reserves of shale oil and gas after the USA. It is also ranked second in production due to the technological similarities with its neighbour and government encouragement for unconventional hydrocarbon development.

Argentina is another emerging hotspot for shale oil and gas, particularly the Vaca Muerta formation, which is characterised by strategic asset management by YPF, significant infrastructure investment, and robust growth in production and exports.

Recently, China has made significant progress in shale oil exploration, which could enhance its energy security and reduce dependency on foreign oil supplies, while Saudi Arabia is exploring gas shales within its northern and eastern regions, targeting a 60% rise in its gas output from 2021 to 2030.

Algeria, which has significant proven shale gas reserves, is reported to be negotiating with the USA’s ExxonMobil and Chevron, global leaders in shale production, on an agreement that would allow them to explore and develop Algeria's natural gas reserves, including its shale gas reserves. Algeria is seeking to revive its flagging oil and gas sector, on which its economy is heavily dependent, and boost gas exports, with an eye on Europe as it seeks alternative suppliers to Russian pipeline gas.

Puranik said, “The future of shale oil and gas will be shaped by a delicate balance between technological innovation, cost efficiency, and environmental stewardship. Countries that can align production growth with carbon management and energy transition goals will not only secure domestic energy resilience but also strengthen their position in an increasingly competitive and sustainability-driven global market.”

The AEC’s expansion into China signals a new era of energy diplomacy.

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) has launched a new international office in Shanghai, China, marking a strategic step to deepen energy collaboration between Africa and China

This move is aimed at fostering stronger partnerships between African governments, energy companies, and their Chinese counterparts while positioning Africa not just as a player, but as a force in global energy dialogue.

The Shanghai office will serve as a vital link for Chinese companies and government institutions seeking to invest in or collaborate with Africa’s energy sector. Bieni Da has been appointed as the Chief Representative of the AEC in China. He will lead all engagements and ensure the Chamber plays a key role in bridging the two regions. The goal is to encourage long-term cooperation and drive investments that benefit both Africa and China, especially in strategic sectors like energy infrastructure, technology, and development.

A core mission of the new office is to close Africa’s substantial energy financing gap, currently estimated between $31 billion and $50 billion. Although energy demand across the continent is rising, many African companies lack access to capital. The AEC sees China as a prime source of both funding and technical expertise. Under  Bieni Da’s leadership, the Shanghai office will actively work to connect Chinese financiers with African energy projects and scale up investment in oil, gas, renewables, and energy infrastructure.

In recent years, Chinese companies have increasingly invested in Africa’s energy landscape. For instance, Wing Wah is leading the US$2BN Bango Kayo oilfield expansion project in the Republic of Congo, focusing on monetising flared gas for domestic use. Meanwhile, CNOOC is expanding across the continent, engaging in deepwater exploration in Angola, pipeline development in East Africa, and offshore projects in Mozambique and Tanzania. CNPC has invested in Mozambique’s Coral South FLNG and signed a major crude oil agreement with Niger.

“The AEC wants to see greater Chinese investment across the entire African oil and gas value chain – from upstream projects to downstream infrastructure to manufacturing, power and technology. China offers significant expertise in these areas and the Shanghai office will unlock new collaborative opportunities in artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, renewable energy and more,” said NJ Ayuk, executive chairman of the AEC.

The Chamber also plans to host high-level investment forums in Shanghai. These events will bring together African and Chinese leaders, government officials, and business executives to explore opportunities and forge lasting partnerships. The office will serve as a base for meetings, workshops, and knowledge exchange aimed at driving cross-border energy progress.

“Africa and China have a common goal: to eradicate energy poverty. It is time to walk the walk and bring Chinese expertise and capital to African projects.  Bieni Da, has a strong network in the public and private sector that will drive these engagements, giving Africa a chance to expand to a mutually beneficial relationship that is win-win with China. This office is a testament to making sure we leave our footprint,” added Ayuk.

The AEC’s expansion into China signals a new era of energy diplomacy, where both continents stand to gain through stronger collaboration, smarter financing, and sustainable energy development.