Enabling Shipyard Delivery Through Project and Organizational Strategic Management

Abstract Exmar and ENI's project management approach to delivering the Congo LNG phase one (Tango and Excalibur) assets, enabling on-time liquid gas delivery, is a best-in-class example of how management can enable project success through team structure, collaboration, compromise, and vision and unlock potential in the offshore sector. Phase one of offshore Congo LNG development, operated by Exmar for owner ENI, is the first natural gas liquefaction (LNG) project in the Republic of Congo. The development of new infrastructure (gas compression plant, pipelines, and offshore (Floating Natural Gas Liquefaction (FLNG) terminal allows ENI Congo to develop the Marine XII concession resources (the Nene and Litchendjili fields) to serve the local Congolese electricity markets and exports gas exports to Europe. The project's development scheme is in two phases and involves using multiple technological and operational skills. The first phase is the nearshore development, with the positioning of the Tango FLNG floating unit jointly moored to the Excalibur FSU, collectively the offshore LNG terminal. Phase one faced a challenging shipyard conversion component of the project, completed at Dry Docks World Dubai between April and October 2023. The on-time delivery of the two-vessel conversion allows the first liquid gas parcel, allocated to Piombino's regasification terminal in Italy, to be delivered in Congo by the end of 2023. The on-time asset sail-away is a significant industry accomplishment that has contributed to the project's overall success. The schedule for conversion of both the Tango FLNG and Excalibur assets was aggressive and fast-track, driving the site team's structure to adopt a non-conventional, truly integrated management approach, with a delivery mindset instilled in all team members. The nuances of the organization and the management strategies of the site team approach (quick integration of team members, trust, no-blame culture, integrated owner/contractor team, onsite decision-making authority, amongst others) were key enablers to the project's success and supported the overall objectives. The techniques used to ensure site team excellence will be presented and discussed.