ExxonMobil PNG Limited is continuing to manage the impacts to its facilities following the 7.5 magnitude earthquake in the Highlands on Monday, 26 February.
The two LNG trains at the PNG LNG plant near Port Moresby have been safely shut down following yesterday’s shut down of the Hides Gas Conditioning Plant and Hides well pads in Hela Province.
In a statement, EMPNG said: “We are continuing to work with our customers to minimise the impact.
“Evacuation of non-essential personnel from the Hides Conditioning Plant will continue today.
“Specialist engineers are also flying into Hides to join remaining personnel on site to assist with damage and repair assessments.
“A full assessment of the impact of the earthquake on the Company’s Highlands facilities is likely to take time, and will be impacted by damage to roads and other infrastructure.”
The firm reports that the Komo airfield has also sustained damages and will remain closed until further notice, while communications continue to be one of the most significant challenges.
“We are deeply saddened by the damage this natural event has caused to the people in the Highlands provinces,” said Andrew Barry, ExxonMobil PNG managing director.
“We are continuing to try and re-establish communications with our nearby communities to understand the broader impacts.
“We are working closely with the National Disaster Centre, aid agencies and our community partners to help ensure any information is shared and relief plans are a coordinated effort.”
(The Komo airport in Hela Province – Picture: Titus Oaeke)