Mozambique’s state oil and gas company, Empresa Nacional de Hidrocarbonetos (ENH), is set to expand its involvement in the country’s hydrocarbon sector by investing in specialized offshore drilling services for exploration and production.
On Friday, ENH signed a shareholders’ agreement in Maputo with Saipem International B.V., a subsidiary of the Italian multinational Saipem.
The agreement establishes a joint venture between ENH Exploration, a dedicated subsidiary of ENH, and Saipem, aiming to enhance Mozambique’s capacity in offshore drilling operations.
The new company will focus on providing services utilizing offshore drilling platforms, supported by robust project management and stringent health, safety, and environmental (HSE) systems.
ENH holds a 51% stake in the venture, with Saipem owning the remaining 49%. The partnership is valid for eight years, with the option for renewal upon mutual agreement.
This collaboration positions ENH to specialize in and nationalize drilling services, accelerating its progress toward becoming an operator in the oil and gas sector.
In the short term, it will also enable ENH’s active involvement in service provision during exploration phases, adding value to Mozambique’s hydrocarbon industry.
The signing ceremony was attended by Mozambique’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Carlos Zacarias, and ENH’s Chair of the Board of Directors, Ludovina Bernardo.
ENH’s portfolio includes shares in oil and gas exploration and production concession contracts, as well as significant assets such as a natural gas processing center, an 850-kilometer gas pipeline connecting Pande/Temane to South Africa’s Secunda region, and infrastructure supporting domestic natural gas distribution in Matola, Maputo, and Marracuene.
In addition to its core energy assets, ENH owns residential and office facilities in Vilankulo, Inhambane province, and Maputo, underscoring its commitment to supporting the development of Mozambique’s energy sector and economy.
This strategic partnership with Saipem marks a significant step forward in strengthening Mozambique’s technical expertise and local capacity in the oil and gas industry.
