Back | Print

Darwin is emerging as a major supply and service centre for the oil and gas industry – and could further benefit from the industry with a major LNG project set to proceed in the Bonaparte Basin.

 

Chief Minister Paul Henderson today met with Santos and GDF SUEZ representatives to discuss plans to establish a marine supply base at Darwin Port.

 

“Significant work is being done on developing a supply base, which will include the necessary infrastructure and facilities to supply off-shore operations,” Mr Henderson said.

 

“Officials from the Port Corporation will soon be travelling overseas to examine world’s best practice in marine supply bases and understand design and technology issues.”

 

Mr Henderson said the Santos GDF partnership was an exciting one for the Territory – developing the Petrel, Tern and Frigate gas fields to Darwin’s west.

 

“We want to expand our marine service and supply capability to cater for this and other off-shore developments,” he said.

 

“We are already an acknowledged regional gas hub – with Darwin LNG operating out of the Harbour and Inpex undergoing the final design and planning stage for its gas plant in Darwin.”

 

Mr Henderson said many local companies were well experienced in servicing the likes of the Bayu–Undan and Blacktip gas fields in the Timor Sea. 

 

“This has included the provision of supplies and services ranging from catering and work equipment through to engineering and maintenance services – generating significant local jobs in the Territory.

 

“Opportunities to expand our marine supply base infrastructure at East Arm, to support this potential growth, are currently being investigated via the Government’s Onshore Gas Taskforce.”

 

The Henderson Government has directly promoted this existing capability at major Oil & Gas Forums both here and overseas, including at the recent 1600 strong APPEA Conference.

 

Darwin will also host the SEAAOC Conference next month. The development of the supply and service sector continues to be high priority in our international trade and business plans.

 

Media contact: Geoff Fraser 0407 360 256

 

Related files:
090818 Darwin supply base.pdf ( 309.29 kb )