BP says Tangguh to come onstream late 2008

Anglo-American energy giant BP Plc said on Friday that Tangguh LNG project in the remote province of Papua will become onstream in the fourth quarter of 2008 and delivery to CNOOC?s Fujian will commence early 2009.

?There?s no delay in the project. What happened is BP and CNOOC agreed to amend time table of first delivery to Fujian,? Budiman Parhusip, a senior BP Indonesia official said.

Earlier, a newswire on Thursday quoted BPMIGAS deputy chairman Eddy Purwanto as saying that Tangguh might delay shipment of Tangguh LNG to Fujian to 2009.

?It?s definite. Based on gas supply deal, first delivery (to Fujian) will commence early 2009,? said Budiman.

CNOOC and Indonesia on Wednesday completed LNG supply agreement from Tangguh to Fujian under the 25 years contract, in which Tangguh will supply 2.6 million tonnes of LNG annually starting 2009.

Beside Fujian, Tangguh will also supply LNG to South Korea and west coast of USA.(alex)