The Papua LNG project, valued at 64 billion kina, is expected to reach a Final Investment Decision (FID).

This 'green light' from the project's joint venture partners—led by TotalEnergies, alongside ExxonMobil, Santos, and Kumul Petroleum—will mark the start of a large-scale, four-year construction phase. The project’s estimated cost ranges between 64.2 billion and 65.2 billion kina (US$14–15 billion), representing one of the largest private-sector investments in the country’s history. "They are very, very close to reaching what is known as the Final Investment Decision—that is, the green light authorizing the project to proceed," said Rio Fiocco. The scale of this development is expected to mirror the impact of the earlier PNG LNG project, with forecasts indicating over 10,000 workers will be required at peak construction. While major activities will take place at the liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant site in Caution Bay, most upstream work will focus on the Elk-Antelope gas field north of Kerema in Gulf Province. This geographic distribution will inevitably trigger a sharp surge in demand for local services—from camp construction and security to logistics and catering. "You have a workforce of more than 10,000 people; they need three meals a day. So that requires substantial quantities of fresh fruit and vegetables—produce that local farmers can supply." For local businesses, attention has now shifted toward the 'National Content' plan.

The Papua LNG project is progressing smoothly, and the timeline for the Final Investment Decision (FID) has been confirmed.

Disclaimer: All articles on this platform are either translated or compiled from mainstream local media outlets, reflecting the original authors’ views only. They are provided for reference purposes and do not represent the views or positions of this platform. Wednesday, February 18, 2026 Papua LNG Project Progresses Smoothly; Timeline for Final Investment Decision (FID) Confirmed According to an e-bulletin issued by the Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce and Industry (POMCCI), Chamber President Rio Fiocco stated that, during a meeting with Petroleum Minister Jimmy Maladina, the Minister confirmed the Papua LNG project’s Final Investment Decision (FID) is expected to be made in the second quarter of this year, and the Landowners Development Forum will soon be launched in Kerema. Fiocco noted: "Once the forum commences, landowners from the project area in Gulf Province, along the pipeline route, and at the Caution Bay LNG plant site will travel to Port Moresby to meet with national and provincial governments to finalize benefit-sharing agreements."

TotalEnergies Advances PNG LNG Project Decision

Sep 14, 2026

TotalEnergies advances its Papua New Guinea LNG project toward final investment decision, reducing total investment to approximately $14 billion. The 5.6 million ton annual capacity project includes secured sales agreements targeting the high-growth Asian market.

ccin

2026-09-07

Total to Cede Papua LNG Operatorship to Exxon to Unlock Project

2026-09-14

TotalEnergies Advances PNG LNG Project Decision

TotalEnergies Advances PNG LNG Project Decision

FAQ