World’s largest semi-submersible platform safely moored in Ichthys Field
The INPEX-operated Ichthys LNG Project’s Central Processing Facility (CPF) has been safely moored in the Ichthys Field, some 220 kilometres off the north coast of Western Australia, where she will be located for 40 years.
INPEX says the massive CPF (named the Ichthys Explorer) is the world’s largest semi-submersible platform, weighing 120,000 tonnes and with a topsides footprint measuring 130 metres by 120 metres.
“The safe and efficient mooring of the Ichthys Explorer in the 250-metre deep waters of the Ichthys Field, marks another significant milestone for the INPEX-operated Ichthys LNG Project,” Mr Louis Bon, Managing Director, Ichthys LNG Project stated.
“The complex operation of connecting 28 pre-installed mooring chains, weighing more than 25,000 tonnes, from the seabed to the CPF is testament to the well-coordinated work of our personnel, including contractors and sub-contractors from around globe,” Mr Bon said.
The CPF is the central hub for initial offshore processing of all well fluids delivered from an extensive, 130-kilometre network of subsea well infrastructure.
Gas from the CPF will be sent through an 890-kilometre subsea pipeline to the onshore LNG facility, at Bladin Point, near Darwin for processing.
Condensate arriving to the CPF will be transferred to a nearby floating production, storage and offloading facility (FPSO), the Ichthys Venturer.
“The Ichthys LNG Project incorporates some of the world’s largest and most advanced offshore facilities with a continuous operating life of 40 years,” Mr Bon advised.
