ExxonMobil PNG Antelope Limited (EMPNGA), an affiliate of Exxon Mobil Corporation, has formally assumed operatorship of the Papua LNG Project. This follows a landmark agreement finalized in September 2026 where former operator TotalEnergies transferred overall operational control and sold a 9.1% interest to its project co-venturers. 

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. By placing Papua LNG under the same operational leadership as the adjacent, producing PNG LNG Project, the joint venture aims to maximize construction and operational synergies. 

The co-venturers remain intensely focused on progressing the project toward a final investment decision (FID). Following a revised gas agreement signed with the PNG government, the project is bound by a drop-dead deadline to achieve FID by 15 December 2026.

“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.” 

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 seamless integration with existing facilities at Caution Bay. 

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 continuous investment in the country.