Energy News Beat Publishers Note: We covered this on our live YouTube show months ago. Billions of dollars tied up on the floating LNG processing facility, and it has been off-line for 11 months due to a “electrical” issue.
Sydney, 11 January (Argus) — Cargo shipments have resumed at the 3.6mn t/yr Prelude floating LNG (FLNG) offshore Western Australia (WA), around 11 months after it went off line in February 2020 because of technical issues.
“LNG cargoes have resumed from Shell’s Prelude FLNG facility,” said operator Shell.
Prelude FLNG in the Browse basin has been plagued by technical issues since it started shipments in June 2019.
The confirmation of the return of shipments follows the 148,000m³ Symphonic Breeze LNG carrier due to arrive at Prelude on 4 January.
Australia has 10 LNG projects with a nameplate capacity of 86.6mn t/yr. But it has never achieved maximum exports because of maintenance issues, including at Prelude and the 15.6mn t/yr Gorgon LNG also offshore WA. The first train at Gorgon is currently off line for repairs to propane heat exchangers, said plant operator Chevron.
What happens at Prelude?
LNG is made by taking water and other impurities out of the gas and cooling it to minus 165 Celsius. Condensate is also produced during the process, which is a light hydrocarbon, somewhat like diesel.
After processing, the gas is transferred onto carrier vessels and transported to customers throughout the world.
Prelude is supported by three infield support vessels, which provide security surveillance, emergency standby and product transfer support. Other multi-purpose supply vessels provide additional transport and logistical support, out of Darwin.
The offshore infrastructure is supported by onshore servicing. The helicopters which transfer personnel to and from Prelude are refuelled at the Djarindjin Airport, which is Aboriginal owned and employs local people.
Prelude has an onshore supply base located in Darwin, Northern Territory, which houses equipment and spare parts.
Shutdowns for maintenance are expected to be needed every four years. Underwater equipment is designed to require minimal maintenance and is inspected regularly.
Where is Prelude?
Prelude is located approximately 475km north-east of Broome, Western Australia, in the Browse Basin.
Prelude’s safety zone extends in a 1.5km radius around the facility.
