Samsung floats ‘world’s largest semi-sub’ for Ichthys project

Inpex Corporation announced Thursday that the Inpex-operated Ichthys LNG project, located off Australia, launched its central processing facility (CPF) on September 19, 2015 from the offshore floating dock at the Samsung Heavy Industries’ shipyard in Geoje, South Korea, where it is being constructed.

According to Inpex, the CPF is the world’s largest semi-submersible.

Inpex President Director Australia Seiya Ito said the launch was one of the project’s most significant achievements.

“To see this enormous facility in the water is a testament to those who have worked for years to make it a reality,” Ito said.

“This milestone is a clear demonstration that the Ichthys LNG Project is making good progress and that we are working in an excellent spirit of cooperation with our Korean contractors.”

Managing Director Ichthys LNG Project, Louis Bon, said: “The operation was completed within two days in the safest conditions.

“The CPF is now berthed quayside at the shipyard where work is continuing to lift and install the living quarters and integrate and commission all equipment in preparation for the CPF’s sail away. All teams are working together in a very efficient manner to achieve our next targets.”

Once completed, the CPF, which the project began constructing in January 2013, will be towed 5600 kilometers to the Ichthys Field in the Browse Basin, offshore Western Australia, where it will be permanently moored for the life of the project—more than 40 years.