Ale completes final load-out for $34bn Ichthys LNG project onshore LNG facilities in Thailand

Ale has completed the contract awarded by Cuel by loading out the final module for the Inpex-operated $34bn Ichthys Project onshore liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities in Thailand.

Previously, Cuel awarded a contract to Ale’s Thailand branch to perform the load-out, site move, as well as weighing of total 151 modules of inter-connect piperacks, jetty piperacks and slug catcher area and pig receiver PAU’s for the project.

The weight of the modules ranged from 24t to 1,928t.

In order to perform the operations, Ale used a maximum trailer arrangement of 120 axle lines in addition to five power pack units.

ALE engineering manager Worrasak Noenpa said: "Ale were required to complete the complex module loadout engineering design in collaboration with Cuel and the main contractor.

"Whilst it was challenging, we made sure all risks were mitigated and we found that the adjacent sea wall offered protection from wind and sea swells, ensuring relatively risk-free load-outs."

The Ichthys LNG project is operated by Inpex with a 62.245% participating interest and is expected to be operational for 40 years.

The remaining partners are Total (30%), CPC (2.625%), Tokyo Gas (1.575%), Osaka Gas (1.2%), Kansai Electric (1.2%), Chubu Electric Power (0.735%) and Toho Gas (0.42%).

Annually, the project is expected to produce 8.9Mt of LNG and 1.6Mt of LPG, along with more than 100,000 barrels of condensate a day at peak.

A final investment decision for the project was reached in 2012 and first production is expected to start in September 2017.

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Image: Ale’s Thailand team celebrates the completion of the Ichthys Project onshore LNG facilities. Photo: courtesy of ALE