Chevron Delays Gorgon Train 2 Restart

Chevron Australia on September 3 said it would take more time to complete repairs of propane heat exchangers on LNG Train 2 at the Gorgon plant site off Western Australia. The restart is now expected next month.

Chevron Australia said it expected the repairs to the heat exchangers, where weld-quality issues were discovered during scheduled maintenance in July, to be complete and for production to restart in October. Gorgon Train 2 has been shut since May for maintenance, which was extended after cracks were found in the production unit's propane kettle. Chevron Australia had expected the repairs to be over early in September. 

“Following our ongoing technical work, we are further refining our approach and have decided some welds in targeted areas will require additional work,” the company said. “We have discussed our plans with the regulator and will maintain alignment on its requirements for inspections and repairs on the Gorgon heat exchangers and the sequencing of work on Gorgon Trains 1 and 3.”

Chevron Australia, which operates the Gorgon plant, said it continued to provide gas to the Western Australian domestic market and LNG to customers under its contractual commitments.