Two major energy players, the Italian company Eni and the Russian concern Lukoil, have submitted bids for the Marine 24 and Marine 31 offshore blocks in the Republic of Congo. The information comes from a report by TASS, citing a statement from Ivan Romanovsky, Lukoil’s Vice President for Americas, Africa and the Middle East. The move signals a collaborative effort between a European energy group and a Russian enterprise to participate in Congo’s growing offshore energy program. Romanovsky noted that the bids were made in partnership with Eni and that the government has accepted them. He also indicated that Lukoil’s stake in the eventual consortium could reach 43 percent, a share that would reflect significant involvement in the development plans for the blocks. The parties are currently negotiating the final commercial terms, aiming to define the structure, responsibilities, and timelines for the project. The development of these blocks would add to Congo’s offshore exploration activity and could influence the country’s energy landscape, potentially contributing to regional energy security and export capacity. The emphasis on a balanced partnership highlights the importance of clear governance, transparent terms, and long-term investment horizons in offshore ventures. The Republic of Congo has been actively seeking foreign investment to expand its oil and gas sector, and this latest bid underscores ongoing international interest in its marine resources.
Previously, the Russian Ambassador to the Republic of Congo, Georgy Chepik, announced that Congo and Russia are preparing to sign an intergovernmental agreement focused on the construction of a pipeline for the transportation of oil products within an African country, with participation from a Russian company. This potential pipeline deal is part of broader discussions about regional energy infrastructure and cross-border energy trade, reflecting strategic collaboration between Congo and Russia in the petrochemical arena. The pipeline project would represent a tangible way to move crude and refined products within the region, potentially improving distribution efficiency and market access for Congo’s oil output. The talks are positioned within a wider context of international energy partnerships and the evolving dynamics of Africa’s energy sector.
In the second half of December, Eni’s press service indicated plans to build a second floating plant with a capacity of 2.4 million tons per year. The facility would accelerate liquefied natural gas production in the Republic of the Congo, expanding the country’s LNG export capability and contributing to regional energy supply resilience. This development would align with global energy demand trends while reinforcing Congo’s status as a potential LNG supplier in the Atlantic basin. The proposal for the floating LNG plant illustrates how Congo is diversifying its energy portfolio and leveraging floating technologies to scale production efficiently, respond to market cycles, and attract international partnerships. The ongoing dialogue between Eni and Congo’s authorities reflects a shared interest in advancing LNG infrastructure and optimizing resource utilization.
Industry observers note that these moves come amid a competitive landscape for offshore acreage and cross-border energy projects in Africa. The Marine blocks represent strategic assets that could unlock substantial reserves and create significant economic activity, including job creation, technology transfer, and local supplier opportunities. For Congo, successful development would require careful project management, robust environmental safeguards, and strong governance to ensure sustainable, responsible extraction and revenue management. For Eni and Lukoil, the collaboration would demonstrate their capacity to mobilize capital, align with host-country development plans, and deliver long-term value through a mix of exploration, development, and potential downstream opportunities. The overarching theme is a concerted effort to secure offshore resources while building credible partnerships with host governments, international financiers, and regional energy networks. The dialogue continues as stakeholders refine terms, timelines, and financing structures, always with a focus on safety, reliability, and economic benefits for the Republic of Congo.