Energy major Total has declared force majeure on its Mozambique LNG project in the face of a worsening security situation — raising questions over the future of 17 LNG carrier newbuildings worth more than $3bn that had been pencilled in at yards for the exports.

The French major said in a statement on Monday: “Considering the evolution of the security situation in the north of the Cabo Delgado province in Mozambique, Total confirms the withdrawal of all Mozambique LNG project personnel from the Afungi site.