Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Santos Begins Barossa LNG Exports as First Cargo Loads at Darwin

Commissioning fixes cleared the way for a ramp-up that positions the project to lift output in 2026.

Overview

  • The shipment is being loaded onto the tanker Kool Blizzard for delivery to the Sakai terminal in Japan on a DES basis.
  • Gas exports from the BW Opal FPSO have reached about 450 mmscf per day, roughly 75% of plant capacity, and Santos says Barossa and Pikka phase one could lift production by up to 30% in 2026 with first oil expected late in the first quarter.
  • All six development wells were drilled and tested, with average potential deliverability of about 300 mmscf per day per well.
  • A campaign to strengthen GRE pipework connections after two failures added roughly two months to the ramp-up schedule.
  • ABC reporting highlighted a long-running methane leak at the Darwin LNG storage tank, drawing criticism from environmental groups over emissions and potential compliance costs.