Inpex celebrates as historic 100th LNG shipment leaves $50 billion Darwin Ichthys plant

INPEX has celebrated its 100th shipment of LNG since Darwin’s $50 billion Ichthys project began production

DARWIN’S $50 billion Ichthys LNG onshore processing facilities has chalked up a historic maiden century.

The 100th shipment of liquefied natural gas (LNG) cut an imposing sight in Darwin Harbour on Thursday as it was given a grand welcome and send off.

The shipment on the Pacific Arcadia LNG carrier was given a special escort by harbour tugs with a mighty spray of water from fire hoses marking the official welcome to the Ichthys LNG onshore processing facilities before loading.

The 100th shipment of liquefied natural gas (LNG) cut an imposing sight in Darwin Harbour as it was given a grand welcome and send off. Picture: Supplied

Inpex President Director Australia, Hitoshi Okawa said the 100th LNG cargo represented a significant milestone for Inpex – coming just 13 months after the maiden LNG cargo was shipped last year.

“Reaching the 100th LNG cargo milestone is a credit to our workforce and reinforces our position as a safe, reliable and efficient energy supplier,” said Mr Okawa.

“Inpex-operated Ichthys LNG facilities are safely ramping up to full production, exporting 100 LNG, 24 liquefied petroleum gas and 46 condensate cargoes since October 2018.

“Ichthys LNG creates jobs and business opportunities and is projected to generate further economic and community benefits in Australia for decades to come.”

The Ichthys LNG plant was one of the largest and most complex energy developments in the world and represents the single largest overseas investment by a Japanese company.

Mr Okawa also said Ichthys LNG is central to Inpex’s operations in Australia and forms a cornerstone of the company’s global energy business.

“Our priority is to ensure our LNG facilities in Australia are fully utilised over their expected 40-year lifespan,” he said.