On Tuesday 7 May 2019, ConocoPhillips held an information session for the local business sector in Darwin about the opportunities at the Darwin LNG facility (DLNG) pending the successful decision of a backfill project.
Discussions are underway to secure a new source of gas for DLNG once the current supply from Bayu-Undan runs out in approximately 2022. A new source of gas will extend the life of DLNG for another 20+ years. To be able to accept the new gas, a Transition Work Program will be undertaken at DLNG between the end of Bayu-Undan gas supply and prior to the new source coming online.
More than 200 representatives from the NT business community attended the event to receive an update on current planning of the DLNG Transition Work Program and associated technical scopes.
The work program will include minor plant modifications to accommodate changes to the feed gas and a maintenance program. The maintenance program will be similar to past shutdown work programs carried out at DLNG, which saw strong participation by NT businesses.
ConocoPhillips has commenced a tendering process for two Tier 1 contracts to support the work program, pending a final investment decision. These are an Engineering & Procurement (EP) contract and an Implementation Services (IC) contract, which encompasses brownfields modifications, remediation and implementation work.
The event was also held to create an opportunity for ConocoPhillips to facilitate relationships between the NT business sector and Tier 1 contractors during the tender process.
ConocoPhillips has a strong focus on local content through existing operations and intends to build on this success through the DLNG Transition Work Program.
Three key focal areas are:
- Larrakia and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander content
- Contracting opportunities for NT business
- Workforce development, local employment and training
Seven parties are tendering for the Tier 1 contracts and representatives from each tenderer joined the information session for early introductions to, and networking with Territory businesses.
Following contract award and a final investment decision for the backfill project (expected in early 2020), further updates will be provided to ensure NT businesses are well positioned to maximise the local employment and procurement opportunities available.
Up-to-date information on the DLNG Transition Work Program is available on the ConocoPhillips website.
