PNG PM Meets ExxonMobil, Reaffirms Sequenced LNG Project Development

Prime Minister James Marape has held high-level discussions with ExxonMobil executives in Houston, focusing on advancing key LNG projects in Papua New Guinea. The talks covered the progress of Papua LNG, P’nyang, and the exploratory Wildebeest project.

Marape said ExxonMobil reiterated its commitment to the three initiatives, emphasizing that proper sequencing would ensure continuous development, economic gains, and employment for Papua New Guineans.

PM Marape with Exxon Mobil Corporation’s senior executives and the PNG Minister for Mining, Hon. Renbo Paita and Minister for Petroleum Hon. Jimmy Maladina in Houston, Texas, USA.

The ExxonMobil team updated the Prime Minister on the TotalEnergies-led Papua LNG project, noting existing cost pressures. However, they assured him that all stakeholders remain committed to resolving the issues. A joint consultation involving PNG, ExxonMobil, TotalEnergies, and others is being organized to finalize the investment decision.

The Wildebeest field, still under exploration, was also discussed. ExxonMobil reported ongoing deep-well activities and signaled its willingness to partner with PNG in the project’s future development.

Marape outlined the development order, stating that Papua LNG would commence first, followed by P’nyang and then Wildebeest. He said this plan would provide sustained revenue and job creation for the next 10 to 15 years.

He took the opportunity to commend Papua New Guineans currently employed at ExxonMobil’s Houston office, linking their success to early investments in education and training when he served as Education Minister.

After the Houston meeting, Marape traveled to Washington, D.C., to pursue further economic and diplomatic engagement. He concluded by thanking ExxonMobil and TotalEnergies for their continued partnership in driving sustainable development in PNG.