Government confident in Papua LNG developer

The Government is standing firm with Total E&P PNG to ensure it meets its target in developing and delivering the Papua LNG project in the Gulf province as scheduled.

That is the assurance by Minister for Petroleum and Energy, Nixon Philip Duban in meeting with the Managing Director for Total E&P PNG, Philippe Blanchard recently.

“We want to show our support to ensure the wells are drilled, completed and also look at the current licence their holding and as a Government because of the importance of the project we are committed to ensuring that their concerns are given every support so that they are ready to obtain a PDL at the right time,” Duban said.

Duban said it is very important for Total to establish a good relationship with the people of Gulf by looking at the current PNG LNG experiences in terms of social mapping and landowner identification to be done properly.

He said there is sufficient experience now in the current PNG LNG to be learnt from in this industry for new developers.

During the discussion with Blanchard, the Minister also raised concern for commitment to Domestic Market Obligation for Domestic Gas reservation, which they agreed to negotiate at the right time.

Duban made it clear that the Government is happy to see more interest from international partners especially with Exxon Mobil coming on board.

He said as a small nation exporting its LNG cargoes to the international market, the nation must consolidate its position internally very well and strategically positioned the market.

 

Picture: Total E&P PNG Limited, operator of Petroleum Retention Licence 15 in the Gulf Province, has begun drilling the Antelope-6 appraisal well.

Author: 
Freddy Mou