ExxonMobil Takes Over Papua LNG Operator Role from TotalEnergies
TotalEnergies has announced that it will transfer the operator role for the Papua LNG gas project in Papua New Guinea to ExxonMobil, effective September 7, 2026. This move comes as other gas projects advance elsewhere, such as the Jackdaw field in the North Sea.
The outgoing operator, TotalEnergies, cited industrial synergies with the neighboring PNG LNG liquefaction facility as the reason for the transfer. ExxonMobil already operates this facility and will now take on a consistent equity position with its new role.
Australian partner Santos is also using this reshuffle to increase its exposure to the project by buying part of the stake divested by TotalEnergies. According to Santos, the deal is expected to result in higher liquefied natural gas production accruing directly to the group.