Shell Australia’s Prelude floating LNG (FLNG) project in the Browse basin off northwest Western Australia has started production.
The company reported it had opened the subsea wells in the field to enter the project’s start-up and ramp-up phases, the initial stages during which gas and condensate is produced and moved through the giant facility.
Ramp-up will be followed by stabilization of the facility to ensure reliable production of LNG, LPG, and condensate.
The first export cargo of LNG is not expected for several weeks as the company gradually runs through its technical procedures.
Shell said its initial focus is on providing a controlled environment to ensure Prelude will operate reliably and safely.
The 600,000-tonne floating facility, which is the world’s largest FLNG vessel, is 475 km north-northeast of Broome. It is permanently moored and be on location for an expected 20-25 years.
The nameplate LNG production capacity is 3.6 million tonnes/year, along with 1.3 million tpy of condensate and 400,000 tpy of LPG.
Shell has 67.5% interest in Prelude. Partners include Inpex Corp. 17.5%, Korea Gas Corp. 10%, and CPC Corp. 5%.
