Regional LNG: Australia?s North West Shelf ships 11.4 MT of LNG in 2005

The North West Self Venture (NWSV) of Australia delivered about 11.44 million tons of liquefied natural gas (LNG) or about 1,218 cargoes last year, significantly higher compared to 8.9 million tons of LNG (936 cargoes) in 2004, according to Woodside Petroleum?s quarterly report.

NWSV has long-term contracts with customers in Japan and South Korea, and from 2006 will be supplying LNG to China?s first LNG terminal in Guangdong.

The six equal participants in the NWSV are: BHP Petroleum, BP Developments Australia, Chevron Asiatic, Japan Australia LNG, Shell Developments and the operator Woodside Petroleum.

CNOOC is also a member of the NWSV but does not have an interest in the Venture?s infrastructure.

NWSV is currently expanding its export capacity to about 15.9 million tons per annum by late 2008. (Robert)