LNG project partners plan ahead

JOINT venture partners for the Papua LNG project are discussing development concepts for the Elk Antelope and P’nyang gas fields in anticipation of the formation of a new government.
Oil Search Limited managing director Peter Botten, pictured, said the company, ExxonMobil and Total SA were developing an “aligned view” on this.
“With the national elections in full-swing, the joint venture partners are working towards being in a position to present an aligned view on the development to the new government once it is formed, which we expect will be in the late third quarter or early fourth quarter,” Botten said.
“The most likely development is based on the construction of two LNG expansion trains which aims to effectively use existing downstream infrastructure.
“Engagement between ExxonMobil, operator of both the PNG LNG Project and P’nyang, and Total SA, operator of Elk-Antelope, took place during the quarter, focused on progressing the next phase of LNG gas development in Papua New Guinea.
“Various development concepts for the Elk-Antelope and P’nyang gas fields are being discussed.
“Oil Search believes the most likely development is based on the construction of two liquefied natural gas expansion trains located at the PNG LNG Project plant site, thereby utilising existing downstream infrastructure, using the existing gas resources in the Elk-Antelope and P’nyang fields.
“We believe that the LNG expansion will be a key focus for the new Government, which will be seeking to see a development move forward in a timely manner.”