Core Viewpoint - Golar LNG Limited has successfully secured a 20-year charter for its MKII FLNG unit, establishing a significant earnings backlog and enhancing its operational visibility in the LNG sector [1][2]. Group 1: Charter Agreement and Financial Impact - The 20-year charter of the MKII FLNG solidifies a net earnings backlog of $8 billion over 20 years, translating to an annual EBITDA of $400 million for Golar, prior to commodity exposure and inflation adjustments [2]. - The charter includes favorable commodity exposure through both the FLNG commodity tariff and Golar's 10% stake in Southern Energy S.A. (SESA) [2]. Group 2: Project Development and Timeline - The MKII FLNG, with a capacity of 3.5 MTPA, is currently being converted at CIMC Raffles Shipyard in Yantai, China, and is on track for delivery by the end of 2027, with operations expected to commence in 2028 [3]. - The total conversion budget for the MKII FLNG is approximately $2.2 billion, with $1.0 billion already spent, all funded through equity [3]. Group 3: Regulatory Approvals and Strategic Position - The project has received all necessary governmental approvals, including a 30-year LNG export authorization in Argentina and qualification as a Strategic Investment under the Large Investments Incentive Regime (RIGI) [4]. - Golar's CEO highlighted that with the confirmation of the 20-year charter, all three existing FLNGs now have 20 years of earnings visibility, amounting to a combined EBITDA backlog of $17 billion before commodity exposure [5]. Group 4: Future Growth Opportunities - With the existing fleet fully contracted for the next 20+ years, Golar will focus on new FLNG growth opportunities, leveraging its position as a proven provider of FLNG as a service to create value through gas monetization solutions [6].

Core Viewpoint - Golar LNG Limited has announced that Southern Energy S.A. has reached a Final Investment Decision (FID) for the charter of Golar's 3.5MTPA MK II FLNG, marking a significant milestone for both companies in establishing Argentina as a key LNG exporter [1][4]. Group 1: Charter Agreement Details - The 20-year charter agreement includes a net charter hire of US$ 400 million per year, along with a commodity-linked tariff component of 25% of FOB prices exceeding US$ 8/mmbtu [2]. - The MKII FLNG is currently being converted in China and is expected to sail to Argentina, with contract start-up anticipated in 2028 [2]. - The combined nameplate capacity of the MKII FLNG and the FLNG Hilli is 5.95MTPA, which is expected to yield significant operational efficiencies and synergies [2]. Group 2: Company Background and Ownership - Southern Energy S.A. is formed to facilitate LNG exports from Argentina and is owned by a consortium of Argentinian gas producers, including Pan American Energy (30%), YPF (25%), Pampa Energia (20%), Harbour Energy (15%), and Golar (10%) [3]. - The MKII FLNG project is subject to regulatory conditions and customary closing conditions, which are progressing as scheduled and expected to be completed by 2025 [3]. Group 3: Financial Implications - The FID solidifies $8 billion of net earnings visibility over 20 years for Golar, with potential upside from the FLNG commodity tariff component and Golar's shareholding in SESA [4].