Exxon Mobil assumes operatorship of Papua LNG

Exxon Mobil PNG Antelope Limited (EMPNGA) will closely with Government and people of Gulf and Central to advance project safety *(Supplied)*

Exxon Mobil PNG Antelope Limited (EMPNGA), an affiliate of Exxon Mobil Corporation, has formally assumed operatorship of the Papua LNG Project following an agreement reached by the project’s co-venturers TotalEnergies, Santos, and ENEOS Xplora in September 2026.

As operator, EMPNGA will work closely with the Government of Papua New Guinea, the Gulf and Central Provincial Governments, local communities, and project co-venturers to advance the project safely, responsibly, and efficiently.

The co-venturers remain focused on progressing the project toward a final investment decision (FID) later this year.

“Amidst global uncertainty Papua New Guinea continues to be an attractive investment destination for investors. The success of the ExxonMobil PNG-operated PNG LNG Project demonstrated what PNG can deliver, with the Papua LNG Project set to further strengthen the country’s position in the global energy landscape.” said Dinesh Sivasamboo, Chairman and Managing Director of EMPNGA.

“We are honored to assume operatorship of the Project and appreciate the confidence placed in ExxonMobil by our co-venturers, the Government of Papua New Guinea, and the Gulf and Central Provincial Governments."

“Also, we thank TotalEnergies for their efforts to progress the Project and look forward to working together with all stakeholders toward a final investment decision and helping advance Papua New Guinea’s next chapter of LNG development,” he said.

EMPNGA has collaborated closely with all levels of government and the Papua LNG co-venturers to progress the Project.

The operatorship transfer builds on ExxonMobil’s longstanding presence in Papua New Guinea and leverages the company’s experience in LNG development and operations, creating opportunities for collaboration with the ExxonMobil PNG-operated PNG LNG Project.

Papua LNG is expected to support Papua New Guinea’s long-term economic development by creating jobs during construction, supporting local businesses and generating benefits for communities across the country.

The Project is a key part of the government’s economic vision that will, along with the intended development of the P’nyang LNG Project after Papua LNG as well as resources such as Muruk and Wildebeest, see over a decade of investment in the country.