ExxonMobil will supply LNG to South Africa’s first import terminal

South Africa

RICHARDS BAY, June 18, 2026 – Zululand Energy Terminal (ZET) has signed a Heads of Agreement with ExxonMobil South Africa LNG to advance what is expected to be South Africa’s first LNG import terminal at Richards Bay, ZET said on Wednesday.

The proposed terminal is being developed by ZET, a joint venture between Vopak Terminal Durban and Transnet Pipelines. It will include LNG import, storage and regasification infrastructure, as well as gas distribution services for power generation and industrial users.

South Africa is expected to face a significant gas supply shortfall by 2030 due to declining supplies from Mozambique’s Pande-Temane gasfields. Developers say the terminal will strengthen energy security, support industrial growth and help establish a competitive domestic gas market.

“This 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,” said ZET director Oliver Naidu.

ExxonMobil is one of the world’s largest energy companies, with operations spanning hydrocarbons exploration and production, LNG, refining, petrochemicals and low-carbon technologies. In South Africa, it has identified LNG imports and related infrastructure as a priority growth area.

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