Ichthys Imports Cooldown LNG Cargo

The under-construction Ichthys LNG export project in Australia’s Northern Territory is importing a cargo of LNG which is to be used to cool the plant’s tanks and pipes ahead of starting up in the coming months, a spokesperson for its Japanese operator Inpex said April 24.

“A cargo is being imported in order to cool down the facility using LNG prior to the start-up of the facility,” the spokesperson said.

Cooldown refers to the cooling of the tanks and pipes in order to smooth the start-up. It is a common procedure which has been used in the start-up of LNG plants in recent years.

“Between April and May this year, the Ichthys LNG Project will complete the commissioning required for the production start-up of the Ichthys Explorer central processing facility,” the spokesperson said, adding that, after that, it is intended that Ichthys will begin the production and shipment of condensate, LNG and LPG in sequence.