All eight of the North West Shelf Venture’s original Japanese LNG customers have now renewed their long-term LNG purchase commitments.

The North West Shelf Venture will supply 0.73 million tonnes a year to Kyushu Electric in an eight year deal starting from April 2009.

Kyushu Electric is Japan’s fourth largest power utility. Its service area, centred on the island of Kyushu, is home to about 15 million people and accounts for around 9.5% of Japan’s GDP.

A long-standing customer of the NWSV, Kyushu Electric is, having signed its original contract in 1985 and a further contract in 2002. The original contract ends in March 2009.

The six equal participants in the NWS Venture are: Woodside Energy (16.67% and operator); BHP Billiton Petroleum (16.67%); BP (16.67%); Chevron Australia (16.67%); Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) (16.67%); and Shell Development Australia (16.67%).

CNOOC NWS Private Limited is also a member of the North West Shelf Venture but does not have an interest in North West Shelf Venture infrastructure.