Almost 40 years ago, Australia’s first liquefied natural gas cargo left the Woodside-operated Karratha Gas Plant aboard the Northwest Sanderling for Tokyo Bay.
As the vessel departed, it marked the start of a new age for Australia’s LNG industry and a milestone in the nation’s bilateral trade with Japan.
“The current focus on global energy security serves as a reminder of the importance of that first voyage, the thousands of LNG cargoes that followed, and the Japanese investment that continues to make them possible,” said Breyden Lonnie, executive vice president and chief operating officer Australia of Woodside Energy.
Woodside’s enduring relationship with Japan has been built over decades of collaboration, through trade and as trusted project partners. It is a relationship that helps ensure Japanese homes and industries can access the power they need, while contributing significantly to Australia’s economic prosperity.
“Today, Woodside is proud to be one of the Australian producers helping Japan meet approximately one-third of its energy needs.”
Breyden Lonnie, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Australia of Woodside Energy
“Today, Woodside is proud to be one of the Australian producers helping Japan meet approximately one-third of its energy needs,” Lonnie said. “This achievement is underpinned by long-term supply agreements and the confidence of our customers in our ability to deliver on them.”
The same confidence is reflected in Japan’s continued support for Australia’s energy sector, including valued equity investment in key developments, such as Woodside’s $12.5 billion Scarborough Energy Project.
As Japan continues its journey through the energy transition, natural gas, like the LNG produced by Woodside, can play a crucial role by firming renewables and supporting the replacement of higher-emissions fuels such as coal.
“As Woodside focuses on maintaining its track record as a reliable supplier of LNG to Japan, the strong relationship that set our first cargo in motion will continue to shape the energy security and prosperity of both nations in the decades to come,” Lonnie said.
