Golar hires Axess for work on 6 mtpa Argentina FLNG project
Golar LNG has contracted Axess Group to manage asset integrity for two floating LNG units, marking a key operational step for the 6-million-tonne-per-year Argentina export project backed by major regional producers.
Golar LNG has hired Axess Group to handle asset integrity management for two floating liquefied natural gas units destined for Argentina’s Atlantic coast. The contracts cover the FLNG Hilli and the MK II FLNG, which Golar will charter to Southern Energy S.A. (SESA) to underpin the country's LNG export ambitions.
Axess secured the work following competitive tender processes. For the first unit, the Norwegian firm will develop an asset hierarchy and register, alongside comprehensive maintenance and inspection programs designed to maximize long-term operational reliability and uptime.
The second vessel requires integrity revalidation services to support its redeployment, including risk-based inspection revalidation and structural reassessments. These technical preparations are critical for investors, as FLNG vessels require rigorous baseline checks before transitioning to new, long-term offshore deployments.
The contracts mark a tangible step forward for the broader Argentina LNG project. The venture is backed by a heavyweight consortium of regional gas producers through SESA. The ownership structure includes Pan American Energy holding a 30% stake, YPF at 25%, Pampa Energia at 20%, Harbour Energy at 15%, and Golar at 10%.
Market participants will track the project's timeline closely due to its scale. Once fully operational, the two FLNG units will provide a combined 6 million tonnes per year of liquefaction capacity. The Hilli is scheduled to begin commercial operations in September 2027, with the MK II following in late 2028.
The MK II is a next-generation unit converted from the LNG carrier Fuji, boasting a standalone liquefaction capacity of 3.5 million tonnes per year. It is slated for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2027. The Hilli, which entered commercial service in 2018, ranks among the world's first converted FLNG vessels.
Andreas Sæter, VP – Europe at Axess Group, said the awards reflect strong confidence in the firm’s execution model and technical expertise for FLNG assets. He added that the deals establish a platform for long-term value creation through high-quality asset integrity management and operational support.
For Axess, the agreements deepen a long-standing relationship with Golar's operating fleet while establishing a new geographic foothold in South America. For the broader market, the engineering milestones reinforce expectations that Argentina will soon become a notable supplier in the global LNG market.
