Building the future of energy in 2012

Construction on the world-class Ichthys Project has already begun. Below is the timeline for construction of the key components of this large-scaleLNG development.

Q1 2012 – Q1 2014        Onshore civil site preparation and Module                 

Module Offloading Facility (MOF) construction

The gas plant will be built offsite in a ‘modular’ fashion, in chunks, rather than in the traditional ‘stick-build’ fashion where everything’s built on site. This is a more efficient construction method where pieces are pre-built, hauled to site by barge and placed in position and bolted to other modules. Some of these ‘modules’ will be up to 7000 tonnes in weight and up to 40 metres in length.

Q2Q2 2012 – 2015         Deepening the shipping channel

Dredging is required to create a safe shipping channel through Darwin’s working harbour, along with a berthing area for LNG tankers arriving at the gas processing facility on Blaydin Point.

Dredging is required because water depths in the area are currently too shallow for safe access for liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and condensate tankers.

Q2 2013 – Q2 2016        Procurement and construction of LNG tanks

Separate tanks must be constructed for the LNG, LPG and condensate (a valuable gas by-product). This process will take about three years.

Q3 2013 – Q4 2015        Offloading jetty procurement and construction

This phase is about finishing the design and construction of the jetty. The offloading jetty transports the products (LNG, LPG and condensate) from the onshore facilities to the export vessels.

Q1 2014 – Q3 2014        Gas Export Pipeline (GEP) rock transport to East Arm Port

Quarried rock will be layered over the gas pipeline that runs along the bed of Darwin Harbour to protect it from ships, anchors and other hazards. This is called ‘rock armour’ and will take about six months to get in place.

2014 – End 2016           LNG Train on-site installation and hook-up

The onshore plant will have two LNG ‘trains’ that process the gas by cooling it to a liquefied form for transport to market. Once both trains are installed, the first train will be brought into production, and when at full capacity, the second train will then go into commissioning.

Further information:  http://www.inpexcareers.com/