Exxon, Partners Award Papua New Guinea LNG Contracts

By James Paton

Exxon Mobil Corp. and its partners in the $15 billion liquefied natural gas project in Papua New Guinea said Chiyoda Corp. and JGC Corp. are among companies that won contracts to build the venture starting next year.

A joint venture that includes Australian engineering company Clough Ltd. and another with McConnell Dowell Corp. also received work orders, Irving, Texas-based Exxon said in a statement today. Clough, based in Perth, said in a separate statement that its contract is valued at more than $1 billion.

“The major work has now been awarded,” Miles Shaw, a spokesman for Exxon Mobil, said by phone from Port Moresby. The development is one of more than 12 in Australia and neighboring Papua New Guinea seeking to meet growing Asian demand for less-polluting alternatives to coal and oil.

The largest U.S. oil company and its partners, including Oil Search Ltd. and Santos Ltd., approved the project yesterday.The assignment given to Chiyoda and JGC covers the building of the natural gas processing facilities. The engineering and construction companies said today that the building of the plant will require 8,500 workers at the peak of work.

Saipem SpA of Italy and Spiecapag of France will receive pipeline contracts, Exxon said. Clough will work with U.S. engineering and construction company CB&I and expects to employ about 1,200 people at the height of construction, it said.Clough in September won a 20 percent share of an A$2.7 billion ($2.5 billion) engineering and construction contract awarded by the Chevron Corp.-led Gorgon LNG venture in Australia.

PNG Economy

Construction will proceed only after Exxon and partners complete agreements with customers and lenders, the companies said. Oil Search Managing Director Peter Botten told reporters yesterday that the group was confident that they will finish those transactions in a timely way. Oil Search estimates that Papua New Guinea’s economy may double in size because of the project.

The companies said they will build a plant near Port Moresby with capacity to produce 6.6 million metric tons of LNG a year. Gas will be piped 710 kilometers (441 miles) from fields in Papua New Guinea’s highlands for processing into liquid form and transportation by ships to Asian customers. Exports are scheduled to begin by late 2013 or 2014.

Exxon, Partners Award Papua New Guinea LNG Contracts

By James Paton

Exxon Mobil Corp. and its partners in the $15 billion liquefied natural gas project in Papua New Guinea said Chiyoda Corp. and JGC Corp. are among companies that won contracts to build the venture starting next year.

A joint venture that includes Australian engineering company Clough Ltd. and another with McConnell Dowell Corp. also received work orders, Irving, Texas-based Exxon said in a statement today. Clough, based in Perth, said in a separate statement that its contract is valued at more than $1 billion.

“The major work has now been awarded,” Miles Shaw, a spokesman for Exxon Mobil, said by phone from Port Moresby. The development is one of more than 12 in Australia and neighboring Papua New Guinea seeking to meet growing Asian demand for less-polluting alternatives to coal and oil.

The largest U.S. oil company and its partners, including Oil Search Ltd. and Santos Ltd., approved the project yesterday.The assignment given to Chiyoda and JGC covers the building of the natural gas processing facilities. The engineering and construction companies said today that the building of the plant will require 8,500 workers at the peak of work.

Saipem SpA of Italy and Spiecapag of France will receive pipeline contracts, Exxon said. Clough will work with U.S. engineering and construction company CB&I and expects to employ about 1,200 people at the height of construction, it said.Clough in September won a 20 percent share of an A$2.7 billion ($2.5 billion) engineering and construction contract awarded by the Chevron Corp.-led Gorgon LNG venture in Australia.

PNG Economy

Construction will proceed only after Exxon and partners complete agreements with customers and lenders, the companies said. Oil Search Managing Director Peter Botten told reporters yesterday that the group was confident that they will finish those transactions in a timely way. Oil Search estimates that Papua New Guinea’s economy may double in size because of the project.

The companies said they will build a plant near Port Moresby with capacity to produce 6.6 million metric tons of LNG a year. Gas will be piped 710 kilometers (441 miles) from fields in Papua New Guinea’s highlands for processing into liquid form and transportation by ships to Asian customers. Exports are scheduled to begin by late 2013 or 2014.

Exxon, Partners Award Papua New Guinea LNG Contracts

By James Paton

Exxon Mobil Corp. and its partners in the $15 billion liquefied natural gas project in Papua New Guinea said Chiyoda Corp. and JGC Corp. are among companies that won contracts to build the venture starting next year.

A joint venture that includes Australian engineering company Clough Ltd. and another with McConnell Dowell Corp. also received work orders, Irving, Texas-based Exxon said in a statement today. Clough, based in Perth, said in a separate statement that its contract is valued at more than $1 billion.

“The major work has now been awarded,” Miles Shaw, a spokesman for Exxon Mobil, said by phone from Port Moresby. The development is one of more than 12 in Australia and neighboring Papua New Guinea seeking to meet growing Asian demand for less-polluting alternatives to coal and oil.

The largest U.S. oil company and its partners, including Oil Search Ltd. and Santos Ltd., approved the project yesterday.The assignment given to Chiyoda and JGC covers the building of the natural gas processing facilities. The engineering and construction companies said today that the building of the plant will require 8,500 workers at the peak of work.

Saipem SpA of Italy and Spiecapag of France will receive pipeline contracts, Exxon said. Clough will work with U.S. engineering and construction company CB&I and expects to employ about 1,200 people at the height of construction, it said.Clough in September won a 20 percent share of an A$2.7 billion ($2.5 billion) engineering and construction contract awarded by the Chevron Corp.-led Gorgon LNG venture in Australia.

PNG Economy

Construction will proceed only after Exxon and partners complete agreements with customers and lenders, the companies said. Oil Search Managing Director Peter Botten told reporters yesterday that the group was confident that they will finish those transactions in a timely way. Oil Search estimates that Papua New Guinea’s economy may double in size because of the project.

The companies said they will build a plant near Port Moresby with capacity to produce 6.6 million metric tons of LNG a year. Gas will be piped 710 kilometers (441 miles) from fields in Papua New Guinea’s highlands for processing into liquid form and transportation by ships to Asian customers. Exports are scheduled to begin by late 2013 or 2014.

Australia offers $US500 million loan to PNG LNG

Australia has offered a $US500 million loan facility if its needed in the development of Papua New Guinea's LNG project, which has now been given the go-ahead.

In exchange, Canberra has insisted on conditions for the management of the massive revenue expected from the project.

The Australian loan is one of a package of international loans needed to get the project over the line. It is in Canberra's interests because Australian tenderers are in the running for a $1.2 billion slice of contracts from the project.

Australia's Trade minister, Simon Crean, signed the joint agreement with Port Moresby. He's told our Canberra correspondent Linda Mottram that while the project carries risks for PNG, its an important chance to help secure the country's future.

Presenter: Linda Mottram, Canberra Correspondent
Speaker: Simon Crean, Australia's Trade minister

CREAN: We hope that the revenues that come from this will mean going into the future, they won't require the same dependence on aid from Australia to keep going. It's also important that Australia encourages cleaner energy sources. LNG energy is one of those clean energy sources. Australia is a huge participant in that area. It's in our interests to develop the region as a reliable energy supplier to the world.

MOTTRAM: Can you outline exactly how the loan that Australia is offering will work?
CREAN: Well, it's a loan from our credit agency and other credit agencies around the world, the US, Japan, Italy, China. They are all part of it. It will be a loan facility that will be drawn down if needed and it will enable the partners to be able to go to production, to actually commence the operations. Banks are in this, credit agencies are in it, the equity partners in it.

It's a partnership, but the sheer size of it requires a mixed approach to the way in which this is financed. Because of the location, because it is the biggest project that PNG has ever undertaken, there is a requirement for the credit agencies to step up to the plate. The market itself has not been able to finance completely the operation.

The credit agencies have come in to fill the gap. But it is in our interests to see this project go ahead. Papua New Guinea is our nearest neighbour. We've talked forever about the need for developing economic sustainability within the Pacific. This is a huge opportunity to help us secure that.

MOTTRAM: The big question of the project of this size of course is can it deliver in terms of results on the ground for Papua New Guineans, many of whom still only live on a dollar a day. What sort of sense do you have that the Papua New Guinea authorities will deliver for ordinary Papua New Guineans as a result of this project?

CREAN: We have had very lengthy discussions with the PNG Government and its ministers about this. We're as part of the condition of making the loan entered with them a joint understanding. The joint understanding requires them to establish a future fund modelled on the Australian future fund into which the proceeds, the revenues if you like to the government go.

So there will be transparency as to where the monies go. The PNG Government have convinced us that they are committed to putting it back into economic development and we will be closely monitoring that. It was an important condition of us making the loan.

MOTTRAM: The potential inflationary affects of the massive injection of funds to Papua New Guinea is going to produce. Are you concerned that Papua New Guinea may be doesn't have the skills to manage the overall economy, given that this massive shock to the system it's about to get?

CREAN: Well, that's why as part of the capacity-building that we have put into PNG to date, it has been about training their officials in as to how to manage that. We will be keeping in close touch with and involved with the Papua New Guinea Government as this goes forward.

These are all challenges going forward, but I must say, I'd prefer to be facing up to the challenge, because this is an exciting opportunity to secure the economic future of the country. It's not without its risks, but we do understand the risks and we've had great and lengthy discussions with the PNG Government about it. We want to work with them, to manage those risks, but most importantly, to secure their economic future.


*** Among the many helpful hands that Australia offers PNG, this probably the biggest ever that Australia wants PNG to truely stand on it's two feet for her own progress. When it's purpose and mission are accomplished, probably PNG might depend less on Australian aid. Only time would tell but for now it's a great news for PNG.

Australia offers $US500 million loan to PNG LNG

Australia has offered a $US500 million loan facility if its needed in the development of Papua New Guinea's LNG project, which has now been given the go-ahead.

In exchange, Canberra has insisted on conditions for the management of the massive revenue expected from the project.

The Australian loan is one of a package of international loans needed to get the project over the line. It is in Canberra's interests because Australian tenderers are in the running for a $1.2 billion slice of contracts from the project.

Australia's Trade minister, Simon Crean, signed the joint agreement with Port Moresby. He's told our Canberra correspondent Linda Mottram that while the project carries risks for PNG, its an important chance to help secure the country's future.

Presenter: Linda Mottram, Canberra Correspondent
Speaker: Simon Crean, Australia's Trade minister

CREAN: We hope that the revenues that come from this will mean going into the future, they won't require the same dependence on aid from Australia to keep going. It's also important that Australia encourages cleaner energy sources. LNG energy is one of those clean energy sources. Australia is a huge participant in that area. It's in our interests to develop the region as a reliable energy supplier to the world.

MOTTRAM: Can you outline exactly how the loan that Australia is offering will work?
CREAN: Well, it's a loan from our credit agency and other credit agencies around the world, the US, Japan, Italy, China. They are all part of it. It will be a loan facility that will be drawn down if needed and it will enable the partners to be able to go to production, to actually commence the operations. Banks are in this, credit agencies are in it, the equity partners in it.

It's a partnership, but the sheer size of it requires a mixed approach to the way in which this is financed. Because of the location, because it is the biggest project that PNG has ever undertaken, there is a requirement for the credit agencies to step up to the plate. The market itself has not been able to finance completely the operation.

The credit agencies have come in to fill the gap. But it is in our interests to see this project go ahead. Papua New Guinea is our nearest neighbour. We've talked forever about the need for developing economic sustainability within the Pacific. This is a huge opportunity to help us secure that.

MOTTRAM: The big question of the project of this size of course is can it deliver in terms of results on the ground for Papua New Guineans, many of whom still only live on a dollar a day. What sort of sense do you have that the Papua New Guinea authorities will deliver for ordinary Papua New Guineans as a result of this project?

CREAN: We have had very lengthy discussions with the PNG Government and its ministers about this. We're as part of the condition of making the loan entered with them a joint understanding. The joint understanding requires them to establish a future fund modelled on the Australian future fund into which the proceeds, the revenues if you like to the government go.

So there will be transparency as to where the monies go. The PNG Government have convinced us that they are committed to putting it back into economic development and we will be closely monitoring that. It was an important condition of us making the loan.

MOTTRAM: The potential inflationary affects of the massive injection of funds to Papua New Guinea is going to produce. Are you concerned that Papua New Guinea may be doesn't have the skills to manage the overall economy, given that this massive shock to the system it's about to get?

CREAN: Well, that's why as part of the capacity-building that we have put into PNG to date, it has been about training their officials in as to how to manage that. We will be keeping in close touch with and involved with the Papua New Guinea Government as this goes forward.

These are all challenges going forward, but I must say, I'd prefer to be facing up to the challenge, because this is an exciting opportunity to secure the economic future of the country. It's not without its risks, but we do understand the risks and we've had great and lengthy discussions with the PNG Government about it. We want to work with them, to manage those risks, but most importantly, to secure their economic future.


*** Among the many helpful hands that Australia offers PNG, this probably the biggest ever that Australia wants PNG to truely stand on it's two feet for her own progress. When it's purpose and mission are accomplished, probably PNG might depend less on Australian aid. Only time would tell but for now it's a great news for PNG.

Australia offers $US500 million loan to PNG LNG

Australia has offered a $US500 million loan facility if its needed in the development of Papua New Guinea's LNG project, which has now been given the go-ahead.

In exchange, Canberra has insisted on conditions for the management of the massive revenue expected from the project.

The Australian loan is one of a package of international loans needed to get the project over the line. It is in Canberra's interests because Australian tenderers are in the running for a $1.2 billion slice of contracts from the project.

Australia's Trade minister, Simon Crean, signed the joint agreement with Port Moresby. He's told our Canberra correspondent Linda Mottram that while the project carries risks for PNG, its an important chance to help secure the country's future.

Presenter: Linda Mottram, Canberra Correspondent
Speaker: Simon Crean, Australia's Trade minister

CREAN: We hope that the revenues that come from this will mean going into the future, they won't require the same dependence on aid from Australia to keep going. It's also important that Australia encourages cleaner energy sources. LNG energy is one of those clean energy sources. Australia is a huge participant in that area. It's in our interests to develop the region as a reliable energy supplier to the world.

MOTTRAM: Can you outline exactly how the loan that Australia is offering will work?
CREAN: Well, it's a loan from our credit agency and other credit agencies around the world, the US, Japan, Italy, China. They are all part of it. It will be a loan facility that will be drawn down if needed and it will enable the partners to be able to go to production, to actually commence the operations. Banks are in this, credit agencies are in it, the equity partners in it.

It's a partnership, but the sheer size of it requires a mixed approach to the way in which this is financed. Because of the location, because it is the biggest project that PNG has ever undertaken, there is a requirement for the credit agencies to step up to the plate. The market itself has not been able to finance completely the operation.

The credit agencies have come in to fill the gap. But it is in our interests to see this project go ahead. Papua New Guinea is our nearest neighbour. We've talked forever about the need for developing economic sustainability within the Pacific. This is a huge opportunity to help us secure that.

MOTTRAM: The big question of the project of this size of course is can it deliver in terms of results on the ground for Papua New Guineans, many of whom still only live on a dollar a day. What sort of sense do you have that the Papua New Guinea authorities will deliver for ordinary Papua New Guineans as a result of this project?

CREAN: We have had very lengthy discussions with the PNG Government and its ministers about this. We're as part of the condition of making the loan entered with them a joint understanding. The joint understanding requires them to establish a future fund modelled on the Australian future fund into which the proceeds, the revenues if you like to the government go.

So there will be transparency as to where the monies go. The PNG Government have convinced us that they are committed to putting it back into economic development and we will be closely monitoring that. It was an important condition of us making the loan.

MOTTRAM: The potential inflationary affects of the massive injection of funds to Papua New Guinea is going to produce. Are you concerned that Papua New Guinea may be doesn't have the skills to manage the overall economy, given that this massive shock to the system it's about to get?

CREAN: Well, that's why as part of the capacity-building that we have put into PNG to date, it has been about training their officials in as to how to manage that. We will be keeping in close touch with and involved with the Papua New Guinea Government as this goes forward.

These are all challenges going forward, but I must say, I'd prefer to be facing up to the challenge, because this is an exciting opportunity to secure the economic future of the country. It's not without its risks, but we do understand the risks and we've had great and lengthy discussions with the PNG Government about it. We want to work with them, to manage those risks, but most importantly, to secure their economic future.


*** Among the many helpful hands that Australia offers PNG, this probably the biggest ever that Australia wants PNG to truely stand on it's two feet for her own progress. When it's purpose and mission are accomplished, probably PNG might depend less on Australian aid. Only time would tell but for now it's a great news for PNG.

What every man must do to stop violence against women

By Fr. Phil Smith

In the small hours of Sunday morning, I was awoken by the screams of a woman in distress, calling for help and yelling for whoever was assaulting her to stop. "No, No, Stop, Stop, Rape, Rape somepela help mi." (somebody help me) was her cry. Guard Dog Security told me that as she was "outside the gate..." it was none of their business.

I called the police at town station and Yomba no one bothered to answer the phones I took a torch and approached the car where two men where pushing he woman into the back seat very much against her will. As I approached they pushed her head into the cushion of the seat to silence her and I could hear muffled screams as they drove away.

I drove to Yomba station and told the police to come quickly and find the vehicle BBA998. As I was driving home, now around 1.30am, I saw the car turn down the road near the Catholic Mission so I drove back to the police station and insisted they come with me. We found the car back at the scene of the crime, minus the woman, whom they had dumped off.

Map of Papua New Guinea highlighting Madang Province

One of the occupants of the car, known to me and he knew me, told me that he came back to explain to me that what I had heard was simply a misunderstanding and by him explaining to me all would be well. I asked him what words he misunderstood, NO, STOP or RAPE. I insisted that the police arrest the two men and charge them with rape, aggravated assault, driving under the influence and any other law they had broken.

The police arrested and have charged them and they appear in court on Tuesday after having spent a few days in the calaboose to reflect upon their actions.. Both men were not from settlements but "middle class" employees of businesses in Madang. BNBM will be looking for a new head salesman tomorrow! Of course the woman was stupid to be around at that hour of the night, but there is no law against stupidity.

The men broke the law and will, hopefully suffer the full consequences of their worse than animal like behaviour. Both men had been drinking at the Redscar nightclub...a venue that should be permanently closed down. My point for retelling the story is this: Madang's malaise is not just about the settlements, the rot goes much deeper and right into the fabric of the society. If there ever were, "The good old days" in Madang they are now gone forever.

Source: Middle Class rape in Madang

***

Dear Fr. Phil,

I read with great interest of your tireless efforts in trying to help the rape victim couple days ago. If every man in Papua New Guinea had the sense to do what you did, Papua New Guinea would be a better place for all of our womenfolk to live and enjoy life.

I applaud your efforts in trying to save the victim. Thank God for such people like you.

God's immense blessings and a very Merry Christmas.

What every man must do to stop violence against women

By Fr. Phil Smith

In the small hours of Sunday morning, I was awoken by the screams of a woman in distress, calling for help and yelling for whoever was assaulting her to stop. "No, No, Stop, Stop, Rape, Rape somepela help mi." (somebody help me) was her cry. Guard Dog Security told me that as she was "outside the gate..." it was none of their business.

I called the police at town station and Yomba no one bothered to answer the phones I took a torch and approached the car where two men where pushing he woman into the back seat very much against her will. As I approached they pushed her head into the cushion of the seat to silence her and I could hear muffled screams as they drove away.

I drove to Yomba station and told the police to come quickly and find the vehicle BBA998. As I was driving home, now around 1.30am, I saw the car turn down the road near the Catholic Mission so I drove back to the police station and insisted they come with me. We found the car back at the scene of the crime, minus the woman, whom they had dumped off.

Map of Papua New Guinea highlighting Madang Province

One of the occupants of the car, known to me and he knew me, told me that he came back to explain to me that what I had heard was simply a misunderstanding and by him explaining to me all would be well. I asked him what words he misunderstood, NO, STOP or RAPE. I insisted that the police arrest the two men and charge them with rape, aggravated assault, driving under the influence and any other law they had broken.

The police arrested and have charged them and they appear in court on Tuesday after having spent a few days in the calaboose to reflect upon their actions.. Both men were not from settlements but "middle class" employees of businesses in Madang. BNBM will be looking for a new head salesman tomorrow! Of course the woman was stupid to be around at that hour of the night, but there is no law against stupidity.

The men broke the law and will, hopefully suffer the full consequences of their worse than animal like behaviour. Both men had been drinking at the Redscar nightclub...a venue that should be permanently closed down. My point for retelling the story is this: Madang's malaise is not just about the settlements, the rot goes much deeper and right into the fabric of the society. If there ever were, "The good old days" in Madang they are now gone forever.

Source: Middle Class rape in Madang

***

Dear Fr. Phil,

I read with great interest of your tireless efforts in trying to help the rape victim couple days ago. If every man in Papua New Guinea had the sense to do what you did, Papua New Guinea would be a better place for all of our womenfolk to live and enjoy life.

I applaud your efforts in trying to save the victim. Thank God for such people like you.

God's immense blessings and a very Merry Christmas.

What every man must do to stop violence against women

By Fr. Phil Smith

In the small hours of Sunday morning, I was awoken by the screams of a woman in distress, calling for help and yelling for whoever was assaulting her to stop. "No, No, Stop, Stop, Rape, Rape somepela help mi." (somebody help me) was her cry. Guard Dog Security told me that as she was "outside the gate..." it was none of their business.

I called the police at town station and Yomba no one bothered to answer the phones I took a torch and approached the car where two men where pushing he woman into the back seat very much against her will. As I approached they pushed her head into the cushion of the seat to silence her and I could hear muffled screams as they drove away.

I drove to Yomba station and told the police to come quickly and find the vehicle BBA998. As I was driving home, now around 1.30am, I saw the car turn down the road near the Catholic Mission so I drove back to the police station and insisted they come with me. We found the car back at the scene of the crime, minus the woman, whom they had dumped off.

Map of Papua New Guinea highlighting Madang Province

One of the occupants of the car, known to me and he knew me, told me that he came back to explain to me that what I had heard was simply a misunderstanding and by him explaining to me all would be well. I asked him what words he misunderstood, NO, STOP or RAPE. I insisted that the police arrest the two men and charge them with rape, aggravated assault, driving under the influence and any other law they had broken.

The police arrested and have charged them and they appear in court on Tuesday after having spent a few days in the calaboose to reflect upon their actions.. Both men were not from settlements but "middle class" employees of businesses in Madang. BNBM will be looking for a new head salesman tomorrow! Of course the woman was stupid to be around at that hour of the night, but there is no law against stupidity.

The men broke the law and will, hopefully suffer the full consequences of their worse than animal like behaviour. Both men had been drinking at the Redscar nightclub...a venue that should be permanently closed down. My point for retelling the story is this: Madang's malaise is not just about the settlements, the rot goes much deeper and right into the fabric of the society. If there ever were, "The good old days" in Madang they are now gone forever.

Source: Middle Class rape in Madang

***

Dear Fr. Phil,

I read with great interest of your tireless efforts in trying to help the rape victim couple days ago. If every man in Papua New Guinea had the sense to do what you did, Papua New Guinea would be a better place for all of our womenfolk to live and enjoy life.

I applaud your efforts in trying to save the victim. Thank God for such people like you.

God's immense blessings and a very Merry Christmas.