Chevron proposes development of seven backfill fields for Gorgon LNG
Chevron Australia has proposed the development of seven backfill fields, which will be tied into the existing subsea gathering infrastructure that connects the currently operational Gorgon and Jansz-Io gas fields to the 15.6mn tonnes/year Gorgon LNG facility. The proposal was announced by the Australian offshore regulator, the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA), on August 9.
The seven fields—Chandon, Chrysaor, Dionysus, Eurytion, Geryon, Semele, and West Tryal Rocks—are located in water depths ranging from 150 m to 1,400 m. NOPSEMA stated that the development of these fields will be staggered, rather than executed in a single campaign.
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The field development will involve conducting geotechnical and geophysical surveys, drilling wells, and installing a subsea gathering network to connect the wells to the existing Gorgon and Jansz-Io pipelines. This will be followed by commissioning and start-up operations, ongoing inspection, maintenance, and repair of the facilities, as well as the operation of vessels, helicopters, and remotely operated vehicles. The final phase will involve decommissioning.
Development of the first field is proposed to begin in 2026. While the final development sequence for the seven fields has yet to be determined, Geryon and Eurytion are earmarked as the next fields to be co-developed, with plans to use shared infrastructure.
Located off the northwest coast of Western Australia, the seven fields lie approximately 200 km north of Onslow and 100 km north-northeast of Barrow Island. These backfill fields are crucial for maintaining the gas supply needed to sustain operations at the Gorgon LNG facility.
The proposal is currently open for public comment until November 2024.