Hilli Episeyo Departs Cameroon Ahead of Argentina LNG Assignment

The Hilli Episeyo floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) vessel has been released from Cameroon after eight years at the Kribi field, clearing its departure from Africa ahead of planned work for Argentina’s emerging LNG export market.

Norwegian engineering company CoreMarine completed the offshore disconnection of the vessel, which is owned by Golar LNG. The campaign was carried out through a specially developed method designed for the facility, with CoreMarine handling project management, engineering, procurement and offshore operations.

The completion gives the 2.45 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) FLNG unit a new assignment after its long service off Cameroon. It is scheduled for upgrade work in Singapore before heading to Argentina, where it is expected to support LNG export infrastructure.

Eight years at Kribi end with offshore release

CoreMarine developed the disconnection method from the early design stage through offshore execution, drawing on its experience with FLNG disconnections and relocations.

The company said the method simplified the offshore work and helped reduce execution time and cost. The campaign was completed with a focus on safety, operational efficiency and certainty in carrying out the work.

Gerardo Rodriguez, Lead Project Manager at CoreMarine, said the project tested the company’s ability to handle technically demanding offshore work within a short timeframe.

“The technical complexity and fast-track nature of this project highlight CoreMarine’s engineering expertise and our ability to deliver demanding offshore solutions within tight timeframes.

“We are very pleased with how the operation went and, above all, with the great collaboration between the Golar and CoreMarine teams. It was truly a team effort, with both sides working closely together towards the same goal, on a challenging project.”

The company said the work was completed in line with the project objectives and provided a safe release of the vessel after years of operation off Cameroon.

Victor Pettersson, Project Director at Golar, also credited the working relationship between both companies for the result.

“CoreMarine provided a flexible and fast-track solution that aligned closely with our requirements and was executed professionally, safely and in accordance with the agreed schedule.

“The team’s technical expertise, commitment and cooperative approach were instrumental in achieving a successful outcome on what was a complex and challenging project.”

Argentina set for Hilli Episeyo's next assignment

The vessel’s departure from Cameroon opens its next stage of service in Argentina. After the planned upgrades in Singapore, Hilli Episeyo is expected to arrive at Golfo San Matías by mid-2027.

Its new assignment is tied to the development of Argentina LNG’s natural gas export infrastructure. With a production capacity of 2.45 mtpa, the vessel is expected to support the country’s LNG export plans and extend its operational life.

CoreMarine’s involvement will also continue in Argentina. The company has been awarded work covering the transport and installation of soft-yoke (SSY) mooring systems and the hook-up of Hilli Episeyo and the FLNG MKII.

The Argentine assignment therefore gives the vessel another offshore destination after its eight-year service in Cameroon, with CoreMarine set to provide technical services for its installation and connection in the new project.

The completed disconnection at Kribi was the immediate requirement before the vessel could leave its Cameroon assignment and prepare for the next stage of its service.