ConocoPhillips working to resume APLNG terminal ops

A unit of ConocoPhillips is working to resume production at the Australia Pacific LNG plant on Curtis Island after the 174,100-cbm Cesi Qingdao was moved from the terminal early Friday morning.

ConocoPhillips Australia confirmed in a statement on Friday that the 2017-built LNG vessel was moved from the facility following approval from Australian Maritime Safety Authority.  

Earlier this week, the loaded LNG tanker owned by a joint venture of MOL, Cosco Shipping, and Sinopec had lost power at the terminal’s jetty and was unable to leave.

“The ship has been moved to outer anchorage from Gladstone Harbour for further repairs by the ship owner in accordance with regulators’ safety orders,” ConocoPhillips Australia said.

ConocoPhillips as downstream operator will now focus on safely bringing the LNG facility back into operation to resume LNG production, it said.

Three LNG cargoes

Shareholder and upstream APLNG operator, Origin Energy, said in a separate statement that it will start ramping up production to return the flow of gas to the LNG facility to normal levels.

Origin, which is subject to a takeover offer from a consortium consisting of Canada’s Brookfield Asset Management and a unit of US-based energy investor EIG, expects the LNG facility to recommence loading operations overnight.

“In total, three LNG cargoes were unable to be loaded during this event,” the company said.

Origin currently owns a 22.5 percent in the APLNG project, while Sinopec owns a 25 percent share in the project.

US energy giant ConocoPhillips has a 47.5 percent share in the APLNG project and operates the 9 mtpa LNG export facility on Curtis Island near Gladstone.

However, ConocoPhillips revealed plans in March to become upstream operator of APLNG following the closing of EIG’s transaction with Origin, and it has also agreed to purchase up to an additional 2.49 percent shareholding interest in APLNG for $0.5 billion.

Most Popular

Hudong-Zhonghua launches LNG carrier

Chinese shipbuilder Hudong-Zhonghua has launched one 174,000-cbm liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier it is building for NYK and CNOOC.

Woodside names Sarah Bairstow as Louisiana LNG head

Australian LNG player Woodside has appointed Sarah Bairstow to lead its Louisiana LNG project.

QatarEnergy LNG carrier named in China

China’s Hudong-Zhonghua hosted a naming ceremony for one 174,000-cbm liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier built as part of the massive QatarEnergy shipbuilding program.

More News Like This

Gladstone LNG exports climb in March

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports from the Gladstone port in Australia’s Queensland rose 4.5 percent year-on-year in March, according to the monthly data by Gladstone Ports Corporation.

Australia Pacific LNG offers more gas for domestic market

Australia Pacific LNG, the operator of the 9 mtpa LNG export facility on Curtis Island near Gladstone, has offered additional gas to the east coast domestic market.

APLNG extends domestic gas supply commitment

Australia Pacific LNG, the operator of the 9 mtpa LNG export facility on Curtis Island near Gladstone, has reaffirmed its commitment to the east coast market by extending its current domestic gas supply agreement under the government’s gas code of conduct.

Excelerate, PetroVietnam Gas to collaborate on US LNG supplies

According to a statement by Excelerate on Friday, the two firms have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate...