TotalEnergies, the French oil giant, has decided to invest in the development of the Ima gas field off the coast of Nigeria. This move aims to increase gas supply for Nigeria's LNG export complex. According to the company, TotalEnergies, as the operator and holder of 40 percent of the Ima field, along with its local partner AMNI, which holds the remaining 60 percent, has made the final investment decision (FID) for the development of this field located in the offshore licenses OML 112 and 117.
Details of the Ima Gas Field
The Ima gas field is located in shallow waters near Bonny Island. The development of this field will be carried out using a single platform connected to Nigeria's LNG complex via a 22-kilometer pipeline. TotalEnergies also holds 15 percent of the shares in this complex. Production is expected to start in 2028, with a production capacity reaching 350 million cubic feet per day, equivalent to over 60,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd).
Impact of the Ima Field on Nigeria's LNG Projects
With the launch of the Ima field, about one-third of the gas needed for the expansion project of Train 7 at Nigeria's LNG complex will be supplied, increasing the complex's capacity from 22 million tons per year to 30 million tons per year. TotalEnergies has stated that the Ima field project is a low-cost and low-emission development, featuring a simple platform design, power supply from the shore, no gas flaring, and continuous methane detection and monitoring.
Nicolas Terraz, head of exploration and production at TotalEnergies, stated, “This new project will significantly contribute to the supply of LNG in Nigeria and create lasting value for its partners and Nigeria.”
Given global tensions and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, integrated and upstream companies are increasingly seeking to develop gas resources and LNG export capabilities in areas that are not dependent on choke points in the Middle East. For example, American oil giant Chevron is exploring opportunities to expand its natural gas business in Argentina, the Mediterranean Sea, Africa, and Australia to provide a diverse supply of LNG to its customers.
Freeman Shaheen, head of global gas at Chevron, stated last week, “What we are seeing from this crisis is an emphasis on the need for diversity — diversity in supply and diversity in various contract structures.”
