{"id":21306,"date":"2026-06-18T14:48:49","date_gmt":"2026-06-18T13:48:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/maritimafrica.com\/en\/?p=21306"},"modified":"2026-06-18T14:48:49","modified_gmt":"2026-06-18T13:48:49","slug":"south-africa-zululand-energy-terminal-advances-lng-import-project-with-exxonmobil","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/maritimafrica.com\/en\/south-africa-zululand-energy-terminal-advances-lng-import-project-with-exxonmobil\/","title":{"rendered":"South Africa – Zululand Energy Terminal Advances LNG Import Project with EXXONMOBIL"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The\u00a0Zululand Energy Terminal<\/a>\u00a0(ZET) has signed a Heads of Agreement (HoA) with ExxonMobil South Africa LNG Ltd, an affiliate of the global energy major ExxonMobil, marking another milestone in the development of South Africa\u2019s first liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal at the Port of Richards Bay. The HoA signals international market interest in supplying LNG to South Africa and supports the continued development of infrastructure required to establish a new gas import platform for the country.<\/p>\n

The new LNG terminal will position Richards Bay as a key entry point for imported LNG and support the country\u2019s transition toward a more secure and diversified energy mix.<\/p>\n

Oliver Naidu, Director of ZET said, \u201cThis agreement represents more than a commercial milestone; it is a strong vote of confidence in the Zululand Energy Terminal and the future of LNG in South Africa. The participation of a global energy leader such as ExxonMobil reinforces the strategic importance of Richards Bay as an entry point for LNG and supports our vision of developing the infrastructure needed to unlock a competitive and sustainable gas market.\u201d<\/p>\n

Michelle Phillips, Group Chief Executive of Transnet, said, \u201cTransnet remains committed to supporting strategic infrastructure that strengthens South Africa\u2019s long-term energy security and industrial competitiveness. Through Transnet Pipelines\u2019 partnership in the Zululand Energy Terminal, we continue to support the development of critical LNG import infrastructure at Richards Bay.\u201d<\/p>\n

South Africa is expected to face a significant gas supply shortfall by 2030, as existing supply from Mozambique\u2019s Pande-Temane fields declines. This \u201cgas cliff\u201d presents a risk to power generation, industrial activity, employment and economic growth, reinforcing the need for new gas supply options and enabling infrastructure.<\/p>\n

The Zululand Energy Terminal, being developed as a joint venture between Vopak Terminal Durban and Transnet Pipelines, is expected to be South Africa\u2019s first LNG import facility, enabling the import, storage, regasification and distribution of LNG to both power generation and industrial users. Once operational, the terminal is expected to:<\/p>\n