Darwin LNG Prepares for Cyclone

The Darwin LNG export terminal in Australia’s Northern Territory will continue to operate despite a cyclone bearing down upon it, a spokesman for operator ConocoPhillips said March 16.

“For a category 1 cyclone, no shutdown is required but safety precautions are advanced, site clean-ups are completed, and essential staff only are on-site,” the US major said.

Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology said: “Tropical Cyclone Marcus is currently approaching the Cobourg Peninsula. It is expected to cross the coast tonight between Cape Don and Croker Island as a Category 2 tropical cyclone.

“The tropical cyclone is expected to turn towards the southwest overnight and may weaken as it interacts with surrounding coastlines. The cyclone is expected to pass close to Darwin during Saturday, before moving into the Timor Sea late on Saturday or early Sunday,” it said.

Participants in the Bayu Undan/ Darwin LNG project are ConocoPhillips (56.94%), Australian Santos (11.5%),Japanese Inpex (11.38%), Italian Eni (10.99%) and Tokyo Timor Sea Resources (9.19%).