Regional LNG: Woodside reports LNG output down in Q3

Australian North West Self Venture (NWSV) produced 30,612 tons of liquefied natural gas (LNG) per day in the third quarter of 2005, lower than the previous quarter output of 32,324 tons per day due to the shutdown of its Train 4, according to the operator.

Woodside Petroleum Limited said in its quarterly report that NWSV?s output in the third quarter of 2005 was, however, higher in comparison to the corresponding period last year due to the startup of the Train 4 in September 2004. NWSV produced around 25,635 tons of LNG per day in the third quarter last year.

Train 4 resumed operation on Aug. 28 after a 35-day shutdown.

NWSV is currently expanding its export capacity to about 15.9 million tons per annum by late 2008. The plant produced 9.3 million tons of LNG last year.

Woodside also reported that about 40 percent of the approved budget for the plant's Phase V expansion project had been committed.

?Module pre-assembly is scheduled to start in Indonesia in the fourth quarter of 2005 along with civil and dredging works in Karratha. Ongoing activities include engineering and procurement and site preparation,? the company said.

NWSV is equally owned by six companies, that is BHP Billiton Petroleum (North West Shelf) Pty Ltd; BP Developments Australia Pty Ltd; ChevronTexaco Australia Pty Ltd; Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) Pty Ltd; Shell Development (Australia) Proprietary Limited; and Woodside Energy Ltd. CNOOC NWS Private Limited is also a member of the North West Shelf Venture but does not have an interest in NWSV infrastructure. (Robert)