KBR secure contract for Pluto Train 1 modification

New York-listed engineering service provider KBR has been awarded an engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCm) contract by Australia's Woodside Energy to modify Train 1 of the Pluto LNG facility, it said on September 25. The modifications will enable the facility to process up to 3mn tonnes/year of Scarborough gas.

The Scarborough joint venture centers around the Scarborough field, an offshore reservoir located approximately 375 km off the coast of Western Australia. The Scarborough project envisions the installation of a floating production unit, a substantial well-drilling effort, and the establishment of a new trunkline spanning roughly 430 km.

The final investment decision on Scarborough and Pluto Train 2 was made in November 2021, with the commencement of LNG cargo targeted for 2026. Woodside recently agreed to sell a 10% stake in the $12bn Scarborough LNG project offshore Australia to LNG Japan for $500mn.

Woodside will maintain a 90% interest in the Scarborough joint venture and will continue to operate the project. Woodside is also the operator of the Pluto Train 2 joint venture and holds a 51% participating interest. Pluto Train 1 has a capacity of 4.9mn tonnes/year.