French cryogenic containment systems specialist, GTT has secured a major contract for what will become the world's largest floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) vessel, even as the company expands its role in Africa's rapidly growing LNG industry through several offshore gas developments.

The French company has been selected by long-time client, Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) to design the cryogenic LNG storage tanks for Delfin FLNG 1, the first floating LNG export facility to be deployed in the United States.

The vessel, being developed by Delfin Midstream for deployment offshore Louisiana, is expected to become the world's largest FLNG unit with an annual production capacity of 4.4 million tonnes of LNG. It will feature eight cryogenic tanks with a combined storage capacity of 180,000 cubic metres, incorporating GTT's proprietary Mark III Flex membrane containment system, designed to withstand demanding offshore conditions, including hurricanes.

GTT CEO, François Michel said the project – described as unprecedented in scale – will help expand global LNG supply while showcasing the company's membrane technology in meeting the demanding performance, reliability and safety requirements of large offshore developments.

The award follows Delfin Midstream's decision in June to issue Samsung Heavy Industries a $2.9 billion notice to proceed for construction of the vessel, which is scheduled for delivery in 2030.

While the project marks a milestone for the U.S. LNG industry, it also highlights GTT's growing importance in Africa, where floating LNG is increasingly being viewed as the fastest route to commercialising vast offshore gas discoveries.

Beyond the U.S., GTT is strengthening its footprint across Africa's emerging LNG sector. The company previously secured an order from Samsung Heavy Industries to design the cryogenic membrane tanks for an Africa-bound FLNG facility, highlighting its growing role in the continent's offshore gas expansion.

The broader French LNG ecosystem is also playing a pivotal role. Engineering giant Technip Energies was instrumental in delivering Coral South FLNG, Africa's first deepwater floating LNG project offshore Mozambique, which began exporting LNG in 2022.

Technip Energies has since secured another major contract tied to the proposed Coral North FLNG development, positioning the company at the centre of Mozambique's ambition to unlock the vast gas reserves of the Rovuma Basin.

Together, Technip Energies and GTT are supplying critical engineering expertise and technology that underpin Africa's next generation of LNG infrastructure.

The timing is significant. Several African countries are accelerating plans to monetise offshore gas reserves through floating LNG projects, which are often quicker and less capital-intensive than conventional onshore liquefaction plants. Mozambique remains the continent's leading FLNG market, while Senegal and Mauritania have commenced production at the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG project. Namibia's string of offshore discoveries has fuelled expectations of future floating LNG developments, and Tanzania continues to pursue commercialisation of its sizeable offshore gas resources.

As global demand for LNG remains robust, particularly across Europe and Asia, French companies are positioning themselves at the forefront of the technologies that could help transform Africa into one of the world's fastest-growing LNG export hubs over the next decade.