Darwin LNG Suffers Minor Cyclone Damage

The Darwin LNG export terminal in the Northern Territory of Australia has come off relatively unscathed and is continuing to operate after the region was struck by a Category 2 Tropical Cyclone over the weekend, a spokesman for ConocoPhillips said March 19.

“We did have some minor damages but nothing to stop production,” he said adding: “A ship is currently getting ready to load at the LNG jetty."

A road which gives access to the LNG plant has been blocked by a power cable but there is alternative access via the dirt side of the road, he said.

After hitting Darwin on the weekend and causing widespread damage to the region, Tropical Cyclone Marcus is now offshore Kimberley on Australia's northwest coast and is moving steadily westward, out to sea, Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology said March 19.

“Marcus has intensified this morning and is expected to continue to strengthen during the day and forecast to become a Severe Tropical Cyclone later on Monday. The system will continue to strengthen and track westwards away from the Western Australia mainland during Tuesday with no further impact on WA communities,” it said. Participants in the Bayu Undan/ Darwin LNG project are ConocoPhillips (56.94%), Santos (11.5%), Inpex (11.38%), Eni (10.99%) and Tokyo Timor Sea Resources (9.19%).