The gas project in Tendrara, located in the province of Figuig, continues its development despite the change of operator. The gas liquefaction plant is expected to be commissioned in the fourth quarter of 2025, according to an update from Sound Energy.
**A smooth transition between Sound Energy and Managem**
In June 2024, the British group Sound Energy sold its Moroccan subsidiary Sound Energy Morocco East Limited to the Managem group, marking a strategic turning point for the exploitation of the field. Renamed **Mana Energy**, this entity is currently structuring its team and completing the necessary administrative steps to start the next phases of the project.
In this context, a joint workshop is scheduled for March to define the exploration strategy, specify targets, and prepare the technical and regulatory aspects for drilling operations.
**A contractual change with no impact on the schedule**
The change of operator has not slowed down operations. Sound Energy assures that **the gas collection system and the connection to the wells will be finalized by the third quarter of 2025**.
A major contractual adjustment has also been made between the operator and the Italian company Italfluid, responsible for the design and construction of the liquefaction plant. The initial lease contract has been replaced by a standard **engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC)** contract, providing better project control to Mana Energy. The $9.5 million already paid under the lease contract has been reintegrated into the new financial scheme.
In this context, Italfluid has committed to commissioning **the gas treatment and liquefaction plant by the end of 2025**. Additionally, an operation and maintenance contract is being finalized to ensure continuous production meeting the performance and LNG delivery targets.
**A strengthened and optimized project**
The transition from a lease contract to an EPC contract represents a profitability lever for Mana Energy. According to Sound Energy, this new approach **will increase the project’s value and ensure the start of LNG sales as early as the fourth quarter of 2025**.
“We are pleased that Mana Energy has identified and implemented improvements that optimize the project’s profitability. The transition is going well, and we look forward to drilling activities and the first gas sales this year,” said **Graham Lyon, Executive Chairman of Sound Energy**.
The future of the gas project in Tendrara thus seems to be shaping up under good auspices, with a maintained schedule and an optimized financial structure, heralding a new momentum for the natural gas sector in Morocco.