In a groundbreaking move for Africa’s energy sector, a strategic partnership between Dutch and UAE firms has taken center stage in the development of Perenco’s floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) project off the coast of Gabon. This billion-dollar initiative represents a milestone in energy infrastructure, combining technological innovation, cross-continental collaboration, and a shared commitment to sustainable energy solutions. As nations increasingly seek to diversify energy sources and reduce carbon footprints, the Gabon FLNG project is shaping up to be a model of how international partnerships can fuel such transitions.
Setting the Stage: The Power of Global Collaboration
The collaboration is spearheaded by UAE-based Technomak, a leading modular engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services company, and Dixstone, a Netherlands-based offshore solutions provider and affiliate of the Anglo-French energy company Perenco. Their combined expertise is being harnessed to develop and deliver a fully integrated FLNG facility that will transform Gabon’s energy capabilities.
The deal, formalized at a high-level signing event in the UAE, reflects the growing role of Emirati companies in large-scale infrastructure projects beyond the Middle East. The presence of Haxer Ali, Group CEO of Technomak, and Michel Gotab, Managing Director of Dixstone Gulf, during the signing ceremony demonstrates the significance of this strategic agreement. Both companies are committed to a seamless and safe execution of the FLNG project, with a strong emphasis on timely delivery, technological integrity, and environmental stewardship.
What Is an FLNG Facility and Why It Matters
A Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) facility allows for the offshore extraction, liquefaction, storage, and offloading of natural gas directly from the sea, bypassing the need for onshore infrastructure. This not only reduces environmental impact but also significantly shortens the development cycle of natural gas projects.
Perenco’s FLNG facility at Cap Lopez, located near the coastal city of Port-Gentil, is projected to produce 700,000 tons of LNG and 25,000 tons of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) annually. It will include a storage capacity of approximately 137,000 cubic meters. The gas produced will be stored in a former gas tanker, now converted into a Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) unit, before being transported to global markets. This FLNG development represents one of the most technologically advanced and capital-intensive projects ever undertaken in Central Africa.
The UAE’s Expanding Energy Footprint in Africa
For the UAE, this partnership is an example of its expanding economic footprint in Africa’s energy sector. The Gulf nation has become an influential investor in African infrastructure, leveraging its engineering expertise and financial capacity to assist in the development of crucial projects in oil, gas, and renewable energy. Technomak, known for delivering complex modular systems across oil and gas, power, and process industries, brings a wealth of experience to this collaboration.
The construction and integration of the FLNG barge will take place in Dubai, demonstrating the city’s role as a regional engineering hub. Once complete, the barge will be transported to Gabon and deployed offshore at Cap Lopez, where it will be linked to the country’s natural gas fields. The Dubai-based construction phase also ensures high-quality modular fabrication standards, reduced project timelines, and controlled execution environments.
Technological Excellence and Environmental Responsibility
One of the standout elements of this project is the liquefaction technology being adopted. Earlier this year, Norway-based Aragon, part of the Seatrium group, was selected to provide its proprietary ODEC Nitrogen Expander Cycle technology. This technology is renowned for its operational efficiency, safety, and adaptability in offshore environments.
This choice of technology also aligns with the broader goals of environmental responsibility. The ODEC cycle allows for lower emissions during liquefaction and improves operational flexibility in varying sea conditions. Aragon’s extensive experience with modular liquefaction units further adds to the reliability of this FLNG project.
The use of modular components, much of which will be built and tested in the UAE, ensures a smaller environmental footprint on Gabon’s sensitive coastal ecosystems. This aspect is particularly important as international scrutiny of environmental compliance in fossil fuel projects continues to grow.
Economic Impacts for Gabon
For Gabon, the economic implications of the FLNG project are profound. The country has long relied on its oil exports, but global price volatility and declining reserves have necessitated diversification within the energy sector. Natural gas has emerged as a strategic alternative, and the Perenco-led FLNG facility will be Gabon’s flagship venture into this domain.
With over $1 billion being invested in the project, Gabon is poised to become a significant exporter of LNG in Central Africa. This will generate substantial revenue for the government, create local jobs in construction, logistics, and operations, and enhance energy security. Additionally, the project is expected to improve Gabon’s standing as an attractive destination for foreign direct investment in energy and infrastructure.
Geopolitical and Strategic Dimensions
This Dutch-UAE partnership also reflects the shifting dynamics of global energy diplomacy. The involvement of Dutch engineering and UAE capital in an African LNG project suggests a strategic alignment among nations seeking to play a central role in the new energy order. While traditional oil giants are recalibrating toward renewables, transitional fuels like LNG are serving as a bridge — especially in regions where renewables alone cannot yet meet rising energy demands.
Moreover, this partnership sends a strong signal to other African nations: global partnerships are viable, and Africa’s energy potential is immense. It also affirms that sustainable and efficient LNG solutions can be deployed without relying solely on the established energy conglomerates of the past.
Future Outlook and Strategic Vision
The Perenco FLNG project is scheduled to be fully operational by 2026, with the first LNG shipment expected shortly thereafter. The facility is expected to operate for over 20 years, with scope for capacity expansion as Gabon develops additional natural gas fields.
There is also potential for this model to be replicated in other parts of Africa, particularly in nations like Mozambique, Tanzania, and Senegal, where offshore gas reserves remain largely untapped. The Dubai-based construction approach and modular delivery format create a replicable model for FLNG deployment in emerging markets.
Technomak’s involvement opens doors for further Emirati participation in Africa’s infrastructure development — not just in energy, but also in transportation, digital connectivity, and water desalination. For Dixstone and Perenco, the success of the Gabon project may well shape their strategy for other offshore gas ventures globally.
Conclusion: A Template for Global Energy Progress
In a world where energy demands are surging while environmental concerns mount, the Dutch-UAE collaboration on the Perenco FLNG project stands out as a beacon of innovation, pragmatism, and foresight. By combining advanced engineering, sustainable technology, and multinational collaboration, this initiative offers a scalable template for developing clean transitional fuels in emerging markets.
As Africa steps forward to claim its place in the global energy landscape, partnerships like this — forged through trust, expertise, and shared goals — will be essential in defining the continent’s energy future. For Gabon, this FLNG project isn’t just about gas; it’s about growth, opportunity, and global relevance. For the UAE and the Netherlands, it’s a demonstration of how intelligent alliances can shape the energy architecture of tomorrow.
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