LNG project operators hint at easing cost pressures

摘要

The operators of two of the three LNG projects being built at Gladstone, Queensland, have hinted at softening cost pressures as a result of the weakening Australian dollar, and because of lower tender bids from sub-contractors stemming from a slowdown in economic activity. In addition, there has been a 30pc fall in development well costs since the start of 2011, according to Australian independent Santos, the operator of the two-train 7.8mn t/yr Gladstone LNG (GLNG). The three coal-bed methane (CBM) to LNG projects being built at Gladstone have suffered cost blowouts largely because of a strong Australian dollar and steep rises in labour and raw material costs (AGL, April, p6).