Shell ships LNG from Australia’s Prelude despite staff stoppages

Shell loaded and shipped a cargo of liquefied natural gas (LNG) recently at its Prelude floating LNG facility after workers scaled down industrial action at the site off north-western Australia.

The oil and gas giant recently slowed output at the 3.6-million-tonne-per-year facility during a series of work stoppages by unions fighting for better pay and had warned that shipments would be disrupted for at least two weeks.

When operating normally, Prelude typically loads a tanker every seven to 10 days.

“We did get a cargo out,” a Shell spokesperson said, adding that although union-imposed “work bans” continue, the level of such stoppages has eased.

Work bans include periodic halts on certain tasks, such as directing landings or departures of helicopters, refuelling of helicopters or handling tandem moorings of tankers.

During July 2022 Shell held a three-day vote on a new enterprise agreement.

For more information visit www.shell.com

20th July 2022