Zululand Energy Terminal has signed a Heads of Agreement with ExxonMobil South Africa LNG Ltd to advance plans for South Africa’s first liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal at the Port of Richards Bay. Multiple outlets report that the agreement lays groundwork for LNG supply arrangements connected to the proposed terminal, with the parties positioning the project as an energy-security measure. The deal is described as a preliminary or preliminary framework agreement rather than a final investment decision, intended to support development and strengthen international confidence in the project. Coverage also frames the terminal as a response to expected gas supply shortfalls, with the LNG facility expected to help diversify South Africa’s energy supply mix. Other reported details consistently point to the same entities—Zululand Energy Terminal and ExxonMobil South Africa LNG Ltd—and the same location at Richards Bay. The reports do not provide additional contract terms such as volumes, timelines, or final commissioning dates. Overall, the sources agree the agreement is an early step toward making the LNG import terminal operational.