The National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA) has accepted Shell’s plans for the Crux gas field offshore Western Australia.
Consisting of a platform and five production wells, the proposed Crux development would connect to the Prelude Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) facility via a 165km export pipeline.
Today’s decision follows an assessment process of almost two years. In line with statutory timeframes, this has included a public comment process and consideration of all feedback.
The Crux development is subject to further regulatory approvals prior to proceeding, including an accepted environment plan, a well operations management plan and facility safety case.
All required regulatory approvals must be in place before activity can begin.
To remind, Shell Australia, together with joint venture partners Seven Group Holdings Energy and Osaka Gas, are progressing plans for the prospective development of the Crux gas field.
The Crux field is located in Commonwealth waters in the northern Browse Basin, 190 kilometres offshore north-west Australia and 620 kilometres north-north-east of Broome.
The Crux project has been identified as the primary source of backfill gas supply to the Prelude Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) facility.