OREANDA-NEWS. The start-up of the first liquefaction train at the 15.6mn t/yr Gorgon LNG facility in Australia is likely to be delayed to early 2016, operator Chevron said today.

"The schedule is dependent on managing commissioning and start-up risks, including equipment malfunctions, possible weather and labour disruptions, and other unforeseen issues," the company said. "We are working to achieve the first LNG cargo by year-end. However, given these risks, it is likely to occur in early 2016."

The first train is nearing mechanical completion. Chevron expects to complete the first commissioning run of the refrigerant compressors and testing of the hydrate prevention system for the sub-sea wells in late September. "Once we are satisfied with the operation of these systems, we will introduce gas into the upstream pipeline and begin start-up of train 1."

Chevron expects the first train to reach capacity eight months after starting up. The second train will start seven months after the first, after which the third train will start in 4-6 months.

Two other new Australian liquefaction projects remain on track to start operations this year. The 9mn t/yr Australia Pacific LNG project, operated by Australian upstream firm and utility Origin Energy, is on track to start shipments from its first train in October-December, while project partners expect the 7.8mn t/yr Gladstone LNG project to start up in the second half of the year. Another new Australian project, UK-based energy company BG's 8.5mn t/yr Queensland Curtis LNG, could reach plateau production of 8mn t/yr by mid-2016.