Eni (E) said Tuesday that it has started phase two of its Congo liquefied natural gas project ahead of schedule, with first LNG cargo export targeted in early 2026.

The company said it kicked off the project's second phase after the arrival of the Nguya FLNG floating liquefaction unit and introduction of gas into the new offshore infrastructure system.

Congo LNG's phase two will have a capacity of up to 3 million tonnes per annum, Eni said.