In a feat of engineering precision and maritime mastery, a colossal liquefied natural gas (LNG) booster compression module (BCM) has completed its epic journey from Indonesia to Australia, marking a pivotal moment in the expansion of one of the region’s most critical energy projects.
The Sleipnir’s Epic Voyage
The Netherlands-based offshore contractor Heerema Marine Contractors, with its heavy-lift vessel Sleipnir, has successfully transported and installed a 4,800-ton BCM at the Ichthys LNG project off the northwest coast of Western Australia. This mammoth module, fabricated at the PTMI yard in Batam, Indonesia, embarked on a 1,638-nautical-mile journey in February 2024, culminating in its precise installation on the Ichthys Explorer central processing facility (CPF) on February 27.
The Sleipnir, one of the world’s largest semi-submersible crane vessels, executed the installation in a single lift—a testament to its cutting-edge technology and the expertise of its crew. This milestone is part of the Ichthys LNG Phase 2 development, aimed at boosting production from the Ichthys field, which holds over 12 trillion cubic feet of gas and 500 million barrels of condensate.
A Precision Lift for a Brighter Energy Future
The installation of the BCM is no small feat. Weighing as much as 1,000 elephants, the module was hoisted onto the CPF with surgical precision. Inpex Australia, the operator of the Ichthys LNG project, hailed the event as one of its most significant offshore achievements since the project’s inception in 2017.
“The single crane lift was performed with remarkable precision,” Inpex Australia stated. “This event is a testament to the expertise and dedication of all involved.” The BCM will now undergo hook-up and commissioning works, with operations expected to commence in 2025. Once operational, it will provide the necessary pressure boost to extend the production life of the Ichthys field, ensuring a steady supply of LNG and condensate for years to come.
Powering the Indo-Pacific
The Ichthys LNG project is a cornerstone of energy security in the Indo-Pacific region. Located 220 kilometers off the coast of Western Australia, the field spans an area of 800 square kilometers in waters averaging 250 meters deep. Gas and condensate are transported via an 890-kilometer pipeline to onshore facilities near Darwin, where they are processed and exported.
The project is a joint venture led by Inpex (67.82%), with partners including TotalEnergies (26%) and several Asian energy companies. It produces up to 9.3 million tons of LNG, 1.65 million tons of LPG, and over 100,000 barrels of condensate annually at peak capacity.
With the BCM now in place, the Ichthys LNG project is poised to maintain its production plateau, ensuring a reliable energy supply for the region while contributing to global energy stability.
