Cameroon's LNG Export Era Ends with Departure of Hilli Episeyo Vessel Cameroon has concluded its eight-year period of liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports following the departure of the Hilli Episeyo floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) vessel in July 2026. The vessel, which had been operating in the country since 2018, has been redeployed to Argentina’s Vaca Muerta formation, marking a significant shift in the nation’s energy sector and underscoring the challenges faced by floating LNG projects globally. The decision to end operations in Cameroon reflects declining production from mature upstream gas fields, which limited the availability of feedstock for the facility and reduced its operational efficiency. The Hilli Episeyo, a key asset in Cameroon’s energy strategy, operated at approximately 50% of its nameplate capacity due to insufficient gas supply. This underperformance not only diminished the project’s profitability but also contributed to a projected annual loss of around US$110 million in government revenue for Cameroon. The departure of the vessel signifies the end of a project that had positioned the country as an LNG exporter, despite the financial and operational hurdles it faced. The redeployment to Argentina’s Vaca Muerta, a region known for its vast shale gas reserves, is expected to provide more favorable conditions for the vessel’s operations. The Vaca Muerta formation offers a stronger resource base, higher utilization rates, and improved commercial prospects, which are critical for the long-term viability of LNG projects. This move aligns with a broader trend in the global LNG industry, where operators are increasingly prioritizing projects with robust resource potential and more stable economic returns.#lpg #cameroon #hilli_episeyo #vaca_muerta #flng
