Transborders Energy’s small-scale floating LNG project has been designated a Major Project by Minister for Jobs and Innovation Michaelia Cash, and Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Matt Canavan.
The Ministers grant this status to the development of major projects of strategic significance to Australia, and assist for facilitating timely and efficient Commonwealth approvals process.
Transborders has recently teamed up TechnipFMC, MODEC, and Add Energy, to create a fast deployment business model for the FLNG industry that will free up small-scale stranded resources around the world and establish a new concept in global gas field development.
In a statement on Monday, the ministry said the new “$1.6 billion offshore gas project, granted Major Project Status by the Australian Government, will create jobs and boost the economy in Australia.”
Jobs to be created
An estimated 150 new direct jobs will be created during hook-up, commissioning and start-up of the initial FLNG vessel, with 100 direct jobs and approximately 200 indirect skilled jobs forecast over the life of the project, the statement further reads, adding that there is also the potential for additional job creation for each subsequent small scale FLNG vessel deployed.
The project is expected to increase Australia’s LNG exports by 1.2 million tonnes per annum over the project’s 25-year lifespan, from 2025.
The project is planned to be deployed in the offshore gas regions off the Australian coast and Transborders Energy Pty Ltd will receive assistance from the Major Project Facilitation Agency to navigate the Commonwealth approvals process to develop the project.
Minister for Jobs and Innovation Michaelia Cash welcomed the project’s expected job creation and innovative approach.
“This project is a great example of how innovation within our existing industries is creating new jobs for Australians, said Minister Cash.
“Innovation isn’t just about new start-ups, innovation is doing what we currently do well and improving it.”
Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, Matt Canavan said this, and other FLNG developments, are helping to build Australia’s reputation in the offshore gas sector.
“The Australian Government is dedicated to ensuring Australia’s resource and energy sectors are globally competitive, innovative and continue to create jobs,” said Minister Canavan.
Major Project Status is granted under the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science’s Major Project Facilitation programme, which is administered by the Major Projects Facilitation Agency.