Petroci signs FSRU agreements with EXMAR and CI-Energies for LNG imports at the Port of Abidjan

Summary

Société Nationale d’Opérations Pétrolières de la Côte d’Ivoire (Petroci) has entered into agreements with Côte d’Ivoire Energies (CI-Energies) and EXMAR for a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) at the Port of Abidjan, according to a White & Case announcement of 22 September 2026.

EXMAR will lease a 152,000 m³ FSRU to Petroci for ten years and provide its supply, operation and maintenance. Petroci will source LNG on international markets and import it through the unit from the third quarter of 2027, delivering regasified gas to CI-Energies for electricity production. The contract value was not disclosed.

Why it matters

LNG imports through a leased FSRU add a second gas source to Côte d'Ivoire's domestic production for power generation, with the state oil company carrying the import and purchasing role between international suppliers and the state utility.

Scope of legal work

White & Case advised Petroci on the agreements with CI-Energies and EXMAR, working with MB Avocats led by managing partner Michel Bayeron, according to the White & Case announcement. Counsel to EXMAR and CI-Energies were not named.

Advisers

• White & Case All transactions on record

Other parties

Petroci (LNG importer)
EXMAR (FSRU owner and operator)
Côte d'Ivoire Energies (CI-Energies) (buyer of regasified gas for power generation)