TEX reported that Australian Woodside Petroleum Limited, which serves as an operator of Pluto LNG Project, a LNG production project in Australia, is expected to receive a cargo for commissioning in December 2011.

The LNG vessel, which carries the cargo, has already left the loading port. As soon as the vessel arrives at a liquefaction plant, the cool down of LNG tank and LNG transfer lines will begin.

At the liquefaction plant on Burrup Peninsula, trial operations of flare tower started in October. In November propane refrigerant turbine began to run, that is necessary for LNG production. Also, at the Pluto A offshore platform, ready for start up of sub sea gas wells was achieved in the month.

Woodside has proceeded with preparation to place LNG train into service in January 2012. The process to start up each facility is underway in accordance with the schedule. The first shipment is anticipated to be made in March 2012.

Pluto LNG Project is owned 5% by Tokyo Gas Co Limited and 5% by Kansai Electric Power Company, besides 90% by Woodside. The project is capable of producing up to 4.8 million tons per year of LNG. Toko Gas and Kansai Electric will purchase up to 1.75 million tonnes per annum and 2 million tonnes per annum of LNG respectively from the project over a period up to 20 years based on the long term contract.

(Sourced from TEX Report Limited)