Regional LNG: Australia Pacific LNG marks start of operations

By Romel S. Gurky

Australia Pacific LNG marked on Thursday the transition from project to operations with a tour of the LNG facility on Curtis Island by the Queensland Premier as well as representatives from all levels of government, industry and the community.

Australia Pacific LNG has shipped six LNG cargoes from the LNG facility this year, hailing the arrival of the business as a key player in the global energy market and the largest producer of natural gas in eastern Australia, according to a statement issued by Origin Energy Ltd, a shareholder in Australia Pacific LNG.

Australia Pacific LNG Chairman Grant King, said, ?Australia Pacific LNG, which recently commenced the export of LNG to its customers in Asia, actively demonstrates what can be achieved collectively when strong partnerships are forged.

?One of Australia Pacific LNG?s defining characteristics has been the tremendous level of support the project has enjoyed not only from its customers but also from landholders, local communities and businesses, regional, national and international suppliers, and local, state and national governments.

?Of course, Australia Pacific LNG would not have been possible without the skill and dedication of the project?s workforce, which included more than 15,000 people from regional Queensland and around the world during peak construction.

?Australia Pacific LNG forms part of a burgeoning, long-term export industry for Queensland and Australia, with associated flow-on benefits from on-going employment and opportunities at regional, state and national levels,? King said.

Australia Pacific LNG Chief Executive, Page Maxson, said today?s tour of the LNG facility provided the joint venture with the opportunity to recognise the support and contribution of all stakeholders.

?We have been very fortunate to have many supporters across Queensland and Australia, working with us tirelessly to together bring the CSG-LNG industry to life in Queensland. I?d particularly like to thank all levels of Government, our landowners, community members and businesses,? Maxson said.

Australia Pacific LNG Pty Limited is an incorporated joint venture between ConocoPhillips (37.5%), Origin Energy Limited (37.5%) and Sinopec (25%). The Australia Pacific LNG project includes the development of Australia Pacific LNG?s substantial coal seam gas resources in the Surat and Bowen Basins, a 530 km transmission pipeline, and a multi-train LNG facility on Curtis Island, near Gladstone.

Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak