Woodside has taken a significant step bringing Browse FLNG to reality by announcing the front-end engineering and design (FEED) phase for the proposed development off northwestern Australia.

Barely a month after Woodside CEO Peter Coleman flagged the end of 2016 as a potential target date for a final investment decision for the 12-mtpa project, Woodside has underscored its intent by entering the FEED stage that will finalize the costs and technical definition to enable a final decision.

Coleman said the decision to enter the FEED phase on Browse was a significant step towards developing the world class Browse resources.

“We are excited to be moving into the next phase of the Browse FLNG Development using FLNG technology. In particular, we acknowledge the support of key government stakeholders and especially commend the current and previous ministers responsible for resources for their consistent, clear and long-term approach to oil and gas development,” Coleman said.

“We will continue to work with governments, Australian industry, local communities and other relevant stakeholders to realize potential opportunities from this mega project.”

The Browse FLNG development concept is based on three FLNG facilities utilizing Shell’s FLNG technology and Woodside’s offshore development expertise to commercialize the Brecknock, Calliance and Torosa fields (gross 100%) contingent resources (2C) of 15.4 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of dry gas and 453 million barrels (MMbbl) of condensate.

Subject to approval and registration, Woodside’s participating interest in the Browse resources will be 30.6% (net Woodside 2C share of 4.7 Tcf of dry gas and 138.6 MMbbl of condensate).

Woodside has also submitted acceptances to the regulators for retention lease renewal offers for petroleum retention leases WA-28-R, WA-29-R, WA-30-R, WA-31-R, WA-32-R, TR/5 and R2, on the terms and conditions offered by the Commonwealth-Western Australia Offshore Petroleum Joint Authority and the WA Minister for Mines and Petroleum.

Dale Granger can be reached at dgranger@hartenergy.com.