Eric Watkins
OGJ Oil Diplomacy Editor
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 17 -- Inpex has delayed a decision whether to proceed with the $20 billion, 8 million tonne/year Ichthys LNG project in Darwin, Australia, as engineering work will take longer than expected (OGJ, Jan. 26, 2009, Newsletter).
Northern Territory Chief Minister Paul Henderson, after talking with officials of the Japanese firm, said he now expects a decision in late 2010 or 2011. He cited complexity of costs and designs.
Feed gas for the two-train liquefaction plant would come from Ichthys field in the offshore Browse basin. The facility also would produce 1.6 million tpy of LPG and 100,000 b/d of condensate.
Inpex holds a 76% interest, and Total holds the remainder.
Contact Eric Watkins at [email protected].