South Korea’s Samsung Heavy Industries has launched the semi-submersible that will serve as the central processing facility (CPF) for the giant Ichthys LNG project off Western Australia.
Located about 139 miles (224km) offshore Western Australia in the Browse Basin, the Ichthys field represents the largest discovery of hydrocarbon liquids in Australia in 40 years and is ranked among the most significant oil and gas projects in the world.
The column-stabilized CPF is the main offshore component of the project, supporting hydrocarbon processing systems and utilities, as well providing offshore accommodations for about 200 people.
The Ichthys LNG Project is a Joint Venture between INPEX group serving as the Operator, and major partners Total, CPC Corporation Taiwan, and the Australian subsidiaries of Tokyo Gas, Osaka Gas, Kansai Electric Power, Chubu Electric Power and Toho Gas.
At its peak, the Project is expected to produce 8.4 million tonnes of LNG and 1.6 million tonnes of LPG per annum, along with more than 100,000 barrels of condensate. Production is scheduled to begin in 2016.
"To see this enormous facility in the water is a testament to those who have worked for years to make it a reality,” commented INPEX President Director Australia Seiya Ito. “This milestone is a clear demonstration that the Ichthys LNG Project is making good progress and that we are working in an excellent spirit of cooperation with our Korean contractors.”
Source: gcaptain.com