Tanzania signs LNG framework deal with Equinor and Shell

DAR ES SALAAM, June 11 (Reuters): Tanzania signed a framework agreement on Saturday with Norway's Equinor and Britain's Shell that will bring closer the start of construction of a $30 billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminal, live video from the event showed.
Energy Minister January Makamba said the signing would pave the way for a final investment decision in 2025 on the facility,
construction of which near huge offshore natural gas discoveries in deep waters off Tanzania's southern coast has been held up for years by regulatory delays.
"Today's step is very important," Makamba said in a speech during the signing ceremony at the state house in Tanzania's capital Dodoma, also attended by President Samia Suluhu Hassan and top officials from energy companies.
Jared Kuehl, Shell's vice president and board chairman in Tanzania, said at the ceremony: "We believe Tanzania has advantages because it has ... (a) strategic location and the opportunity to deliver a competitive and investable project."
Equinor and Shell, along with Exxon Mobil, Ophir Energy and Pavilion Energy, plan to build the LNG plant in the country's Lindi region.