(P&GJ) — JGC France, a subsidiary of Japan’s JGC Holdings, has secured a preliminary contract for a floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) project in Africa, valued at about $550 million.

The award covers early-phase work for engineering, procurement, construction, installation and commissioning (EPCIC) of the FLNG unit. JGC described the deal as a strategic step that could lead to a full-scale EPCIC contract as the company targets growth in Africa’s LNG market.

The contract will be carried out through a joint venture with JGC’s French affiliate and is effective through September 30, 2025.

Earlier this month, Technip Energies announced a similar preliminary contract for an FLNG unit offshore Africa with an undisclosed client, raising speculation that the two awards are connected.

JGC and Technip Energies have previously worked together on African LNG projects, including the front-end engineering design for Mozambique’s Rovuma LNG development. That project includes the Coral South FLNG facility, delivered to Eni earlier this year, and the planned Coral North FLNG project recently approved by the Mozambican government.