Regional LNG: North West Shelf ships 1500th LNG cargo to Japan

Following is a release from Woodside Energy Ltd:

24 July 2003 - The 1500th LNG cargo from the North West Shelf Venture to its Japanese customers sets sail today from Withnell Bay near Karratha in Western Australia.

The cargo will be delivered to Osaka Gas and Kansai Electric, two of the Venture?s existing Japanese customers, on board the Northwest Sandpiper, under the command of Captain Geoffrey Herbert.

The Venture?s Chief Executive Officer, Steve Ollerearnshaw, said the cargo was a key milestone for the Venture and a demonstration of the project?s excellent reputation as a reliable producer and supplier of LNG.

?It?s been a long-term team effort by employees, contractors, our service companies (North West Shelf Shipping Services Company and North West Shelf Australia LNG), and the North West Shelf participants,? Mr Ollerearnshaw said.

?We have also had a tremendous relationship with government and we thank them for supporting this important project. Most of all, this milestone reflects a strong sign of confidence from our long-term customers in Japan and we value highly their commitment to our project.?

The Venture operates eight purpose-built LNG ships. A ninth LNG ship is currently under construction and is expected to be delivered early next year.

The North West Shelf Venture began LNG exports to Japan in 1989.

The six equal participants in the North West Shelf Venture are: Woodside Energy Ltd. (operator); BHP Billiton (North West Shelf) Pty Ltd; BP Developments Australia Pty Ltd; ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd; Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) Pty Ltd; and Shell Development (Australia) Proprietary Limited. (end of release)