PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Ichthys liquefied natural gas (LNG) has shipped its first LNG from its onshore gas liquefaction plant in Darwin, in the Northern Territory.
Operator Inpex on Tuesday said that the first shipment of LNG was destined for the Inpex-operated Naoetsu LNG terminal in Japan, and followed the first shipment of field condensate that took place on October 1.
The project is also scheduled to start shipping liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) later this year.
“First cargo from Ichthys LNG is a historic moment for Inpex Japan and Australia. It demonstrates our commitment to being a safe, reliable long-term energy supplier,” said Inpex president director Australia, Seiya Ito.
“Ichthys is an iconic project for Australia. With an operating life of around 40 years, Ichthys LNG will be delivering benefits to the Australian economy and community for decades to come.”
Federal Resources Minister Matt Canavan said on Tuesday that the Ichthys LNG project represented the largest Japanese investment in Australian history, with the project having an estimated 40-year operating lifespan to come.
“This is the next step in what will be decades of continued economic benefits for Australia,” Canavan said.
"With 40 years of cargoes ahead, the Ichthys LNG project will provide multi-generational employment, contracting and investment opportunities, with Northern Australia one of the biggest economic winners.”
Northern Territory Chief Minister Michael Gunner also welcomed the first LNG shipment from the project, noting that during its peak the project created about 11 000 jobs with more than 1 000 local businesses engaged in the project in construction.
“We have released a Five Point Northern Territory Gas Strategy to continue creating jobs through exploration, production, supply, export, manufacturing, research and innovation, and have re-established the Northern Territory Gas Task Force to implement the strategy,” Gunner said.
About 70% of the LNG produced by Ichthys will be supplied to Japanese customers.
The project is scheduled to produce more than 10% of Japan’s yearly LNG imports, or about 8.9-million tonnes of LNG at peak production.