Exxon: Demanding project

 THE team behind the US$19 billion (K53.8b) PNG LNG Project has been forced to overcome immeasurable challenges to deliver the project on time, an official says.

Esso Highlands technical manager Dan Lillig said the project came with the demanding challenge of building LNG tanks large enough to hold a Boeing 747 aircraft and creating a 292km main pipeline, descending from the mountains before crossing several major remote areas and rivers without pre-existing access roads. 

He said that when addressing delegates at the Australia Papua New Guinea Business Forum and Trade Expo in Cairns as the project shipped its first LNG.

“It’s been quite a year for us,” Lillig said.

“I’ve been working on this project for two years. My initial work for PNG LNG was in 2008 when we were preparing for full funding. 

“In fact, at that time it was hard to imagine this project ever reaching completion.

“I know there were people who thought this moment would never come considering the immeasurable challenges that were faced by the team. 

“And at times, I myself thought these challenges may have been too large for us to overcome, albeit just a few times. 

“But with sound engineering, good planning, really creative solutions and a dynamic team we’ve been able to overcome these challenges and we’re almost there.”

Meanwhile, the PNG LNG Project paid tribute to local companies that provided services during the construction phase.

ExxonMobil PNG managing director Peter Graham said developing sound business relationships with local companies, including landowner ventures and contractors, was critical to the timely completion.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank our suppliers, many of whom have worked with us since the project started,” he said. 

“The PNG LNG Project acknowledges the mutual benefit of such relationships built on trust and integrity.

“The value created by small and medium enterprises for the economy of Papua New Guinea.”