Final LNG train in action at Wheatsone

Chevron has today announced that the second processing train at its Wheatstone project in the Pilbara has started production of liquefied natural gas, meaning all five trains at its two giant Western Australian projects are now in production.

Chevron Australia managing director Nigel Hearne said the news marked a significant moment for the company.

“With the Chevron-operated Wheatstone and Gorgon LNG facilities now operational, we are delivering a significant new source of energy for customers in the region, as well as contributing to significant levels of investment into the Australian economy,” he said

“First LNG production from Wheatstone train two is another remarkable achievement and is testament to the collaboration of our partners, customers, contractors, governments, community, and the many thousands of people who worked to deliver this legacy asset.”

Premier Mark McGowan congratulated Chevron.

“This achievement is yet another sign that WA is getting back on track - the economy is improving, confidence is up and jobs are being created,” Mr McGowan said.              

“Oil and gas projects help drive our economy, generating jobs in the industry and revenue with flow-on effects to the rest of the economy.”

The project is expected to produce 8.9 million tonnes per annum over an estimated 30 years of operation.

Wheatstone is a joint venture between Chevron (64 per cent),  Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploration Company (13 per cent), Woodside (13 per cent) and Kyushu Electric Power Company and PE Wheatsone (8 per cent).

With production under way at all five LNG trains at Wheatstone and Gorgon, the focus will now turn to the expected start-up of Shell’s Prelude project and Inpex’s Ichthys project in coming months.

Inpex announced last month it had completed the commissioning of all key onshore and offshore facilities, with production from the wellhead scheduled to start after completing final safety verifications.

The Japanese company said the first shipment of cargoes from its LNG plant near Darwin would be around August or September this year.

Shell announced early this month it had introduced first gas to its pioneering floating LNG plant, to test processes and systems before the subsea wells are opened at start-up.

“The next step will be to test and ready the LNG plant on board Prelude in preparation for opening the wells,” the company stated.

“This is followed by a period called start-up, ramp-up. LNG will be produced after this, when it is safe to do so.”