Inpex, Chevron to cut Australian LNG jobs

Japanese oil and gas major Inpex is set to cut the workforce numbers at its Ichthys liquefied natural gas project in Australia.

Likewise, the U.S. major Chevron is set to reduce the workforce at its Australian projects.

The latest cuts are a continuation of the effects the coronavirus pandemic had on fuel demand and the resulting slump in oil and gas prices.

Such an environment has forced the company to review its operations at the Ichthys LNG project. This will impact a number of roles in the Operations division, Reuters reports.

The $45 billion Ichthys LNG project has the capacity to produce up to 8.9 million tons per annum of LNG, 1.65 million tons per annum of liquefied petroleum gas 100,000 barrels of condensate a day.

Production has not been affected by the current environment.

In parallel with Inpex, Chevron is continuing with its plan to reduce the workforce.

The U.S. major has unveiled plans to reduce its numbers by 15 per cent earlier this year. For Australia, where Chevron operates its Gorgon and Wheatstone LNG project this could involve some 410 jobs.

Earlier this month, Chevron informed it is delaying the restart of its second liquefaction train at the Gorgon LNG facility. The company will take additional time to complete repairs of the propane heat exchanger on Gorgon LNG Train 2.

The facility is facing additional phased shutdowns at its remaining two liquefaction units for more repair work.