World’s largest floating LNG facility loads first LNG cargo for buyers in Asia, bolstering Australia’s top LNG export position
The first LNG cargo has shipped from Shell’s Prelude FLNG, located some 475 km northeast of Broome in Western Australia, in a milestone for the world’s largest floating LNG facility.
One of the most complex offshore floating facilities ever built, Prelude is operated by Shell, along with its joint venture partners Japan’s INPEX, which controls a 17.5% stake, South Korea’s Kogas, a 10% interest and Taiwan’s Overseas Petroleum and Investment Corporation, 5%.
The first LNG cargo was loaded onto the Spanish-flag LNG carrier Valencia Knutsen for buyers in Asia. Owned by the Knutsen Group, Valencia Knutsen has an overall length of 290 m, beam of 45.8 m and capacity of 173,400 m3.
Built at an estimated cost in excess of US$10Bn, Prelude measures 488 m in length and 74 m in width. It has the capacity to produce, liquefy, store and offload approximately 3.6 mta of LNG, 400,000 tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas and 36,000 barrels per day of condensate at peak production.
“Prelude forms an integral part of our global portfolio and plays an important role in meeting the growing demand for more and cleaner energy for our customers around the world”, said Shell integrated gas and new energies director Maarten Wetselaar.
The first LNG cargo shipped from Prelude strengthens Australia’s position as the top exporter of LNG, with a nameplate capacity over 80 mta.
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