The Venture's first term-contract LNG cargo to Korea Gas Corporation (Kogas) set sail today from Withnell Bay near Karratha in Western Australia, on board the world's largest LNG ship the Energy Frontier, currently under charter from Tokyo LNG Tanker Co. Ltd. with a capacity of 145,000 cubic metres.
Under the Venture's seven-year contract with Kogas, this is the first delivery of up to 0.5 million tonnes of LNG a year from 2004.
North West Shelf Australia LNG President John Banner said the cargo marked an important milestone for the Venture as a supplier of LNG to multiple markets.
"The North West Shelf is poised for growth and we look forward to a long and lasting relationship with Kogas."
Banner said the cargo symbolised the Venture's strong ties with Asian economies, with LNG from Australia being transported on a ship chartered from Japan to the people of South Korea.
The six equal participants in the North West Shelf Venture are Woodside Energy (operator); BHP Billiton Petroleum (North West Shelf); BP Developments Australia; ChevronTexaco Australia; Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) and Shell Development (Australia).
