Santos and GDF SUEZ have confirmed that the Bonaparte LNG project will consider other potential development options in addition to the floating LNG (FLNG) concept to develop the Petrel, Tern and Frigate natural gas fields.
A pipeline connection to Darwin is one possible alternative.
The partners insist that the fields, located 250 km offshore west of Darwin, have material value. However, their future development using FLNG technology, does not currently meet the companies’ commercial requirements, although extensive pre-FEED studies demonstrated that it is technically robust.
As such, the proposed Bonaparte FLNG project will not be taken into the FEED phase at this point in time.
Santos received a cash consideration of US$ 200 million when the Bonaparte LNG joint venture was formed, and has received a full carry on study and development costs by GDF SUEZ.
Adapted from press release by Callum O'Reilly