The company announced the opening of a new plant in Pemba, which is initially capable of storing 21 thousand barrels of drilling fluids. This new infrastructure is intended to strengthen Mozambique's energy capabilities for offshore operations.
The new facility was established in the city of Pemba, in the Cabo Delgado province, in northern Mozambique, by SLB, one of the world's largest companies providing technology and services for the oil and gas exploration and production sector.
The goal of this project is to enhance the national capacity to prepare, store, and supply drilling and completion fluids for offshore work. This occurs during a period of expanding activity in the sector as the country seeks to establish itself as a strategic energy hub for East Africa.
It is noted that the initial storage capacity of 21,000 barrels makes the liquid clay installation a scalable platform for future growth, meeting the needs of various clients and increasing maritime activity, while improving logistics and operational flexibility.
Miguel Baptista, SLB's CEO for Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa, stated that this investment reflects the company's confidence in Mozambique's future and its commitment to supporting the country's ambitions in the energy sector, noting that SLB has been present in the Mozambican market for 70 years.
He emphasized that the new liquid clay facility enhances local energy infrastructure, expands opportunities for local content development, and improves the company's ability to assist clients in exploring some of Africa's most vital marine energy resources.
According to the company, the project was implemented with significant local participation, a trend expected to continue during the facility's operation. Over 100 jobs were created during the construction of the infrastructure in Pemba, with 80% of the workforce being Mozambican citizens, demonstrating a commitment to developing local competencies.
The company believes that the new infrastructure increases its ability to provide stable services and improves the supply chain readiness to respond to growing maritime activity, supporting clients in conducting operations safely and efficiently, while also fostering local technical skills.
Previously known as Schlumberger, the company adopted the name SLB to reflect its strategic evolution focused on technology, innovation, and the transformation of the energy sector.
Mozambique has three approved mega-projects for liquefied natural gas reserves in the Rovuma Basin, considered among the largest in the world, near Cabo Delgado, in the north of the country. Among them is the Coral Sul project by Italian Eni, the only one operating since 2022, which will double production to seven million tonnes per year (Mtpa) of LNG by 2028, and a third site is under study.
After a four-year hiatus due to terrorist attacks in Cabo Delgado, the Mozambique LNG (Zone 1) project, operated by TotalEnergies, officially resumed in January and plans to reach 13 Mtpa by 2029. Next will be the Rovuma LNG (Zone 4) project, operated by ExxonMobil, with a forecast of 18 Mtpa after 2030, the final investment decision for which is expected this year.