Exxon working with customers to ensure minimal impact of shutdown

By SHIRLEY MAULUDU
EXXONMOBIL PNG Ltd will work with its customers in the PNG LNG project to ensure the impact of its shutdown is minimised at the project’s plants, a spokesperson says.
A company spokesperson was responding to a query on whether the shutdown of the plants as a result of Monday’s 7.5 magnitude earthquake would affect the supply of gas to suppliers.
“ExxonMobil PNG has confirmed that its facilities, including the Hides gas conditioning plant, the Hides well pads, and the PNG LNG plant, have been shut down while we assess damage to our facilities in the earthquake affected areas,” the spokesperson said. “We are working with our customers to minimise the impact.”
Managing director Andrew Barry told the 2018 Leaders’ Summit in Port Moresby on Wednesday that the company was not sure when it would resume operations.
“We have shut down our Hides operations and subsequently shutting the LNG plant to assess what the damage we may have,” Barry said.
“Everything is secure.
“It is uncertain at this time (when to re-start).
“We have got experts from within the country and outside who have come in to assess our equipment.
“Right now, we don’t have all the information around the impacts on the community but we believe it’s extensive.
“Our hearts go out to families and friends of those affected.
“We will be working with the Government and all the agencies to do everything we can to assist in the recovery of the communities that are affected.”