gorgon project australia gorgon project

For the latest figures, view the 2023 Supplement to the Annual Report.

gorgon

explore the largest single-resource development in Australia's history

Evolution of the Gorgon Project view the video
view the project infographic

The Gorgon Project is located on Barrow Island, around about 37 miles (60 km) off the northwest coast of Western Australia.

ownership percentage

47.3%

gorgon LNG trains 1–3

production lifespan

40+

years

LNG production capacity

15.6

million metric tons per year

Gorgon is a story of energy and the environment as well as technology and expertise. Based on Barrow Island, the Gorgon Project includes a liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility with three processing units designed to produce 15.6 million metric tons of LNG per year. This includes a domestic natural gas plant.

"Australia has shown how technology, innovation and strong partnerships can unlock – not just the resource – but the accompanying economic benefits, social infrastructure and energy security."

Nigel Hearne

President, Chevron Eurasia Pacific Exploration and Production Company

2010

After the announcement of the final investment decision in September 2009, Chevron makes huge strides on the Gorgon Project. First-year highlights include completion of the initial phase of the Gorgon Village and signing of binding Sales and Purchase Agreements with Kogas and Kyushu Electric for liquefied natural gas (LNG) sales from Gorgon Trains 1 through 3.
After the announcement of the final investment decision in September 2009, Chevron makes huge strides on the Gorgon Project. First-year highlights include completion of the initial phase of the Gorgon Village and signing of binding Sales and Purchase Agreements with Kogas and Kyushu Electric for liquefied natural gas (LNG) sales from Gorgon Trains 1 through 3.

first half 2012

The first major plant modules are received on Barrow Island. The roof is raised on the first of Gorgon’s two LNG tanks. Four of the 236 pre-assembled rack modules arrive on Barrow Island.
The first major plant modules are received on Barrow Island. The roof is raised on the first of Gorgon’s two LNG tanks. Four of the 236 pre-assembled rack modules arrive on Barrow Island.

2011

Feeding the workforce responsible for construction of the Gorgon Project on Barrow Island is a complex logistical exercise involving long distances, tons of fresh produce and Chevron's strict environmental quarantine standards. Meet some of the local suppliers and cooks who ensure nutritious, delicious food is efficiently sourced and shipped to Barrow Island.
Feeding the workforce responsible for construction of the Gorgon Project on Barrow Island is a complex logistical exercise involving long distances, tons of fresh produce and Chevron's strict environmental quarantine standards. Meet some of the local suppliers and cooks who ensure nutritious, delicious food is efficiently sourced and shipped to Barrow Island.

second half 2012

Main offshore pipe-laying activities are completed for the domestic gas pipeline. The roof on the second LNG tank is raised into its final position. All eight Gorgon wells are drilled and cast.
Main offshore pipe-laying activities are completed for the domestic gas pipeline. The roof on the second LNG tank is raised into its final position. All eight Gorgon wells are drilled and cast.

first half 2013

The first of the LNG Train 1 modules, weighing a total of 10,000 tons, are set on their foundations. The 121.17 miles (195 km) of subsea umbilicals that connect the subsea equipment to the LNG plant are installed. The first of three amine absorber columns have been placed in position on the plant site.
The first of the LNG Train 1 modules, weighing a total of 10,000 tons, are set on their foundations. The 121.17 miles (195 km) of subsea umbilicals that connect the subsea equipment to the LNG plant are installed. The first of three amine absorber columns have been placed in position on the plant site.

second half 2013

Foundations are poured for all five gas turbine generators (GTGs), with two GTGs placed on their foundations. Thirteen of the 18 wells are drilled at the Gorgon and Jansz-Io fields. Work continues on the 1.3-mile (2.1-km) LNG jetty with 37 caissons currently in position.
Foundations are poured for all five gas turbine generators (GTGs), with two GTGs placed on their foundations. Thirteen of the 18 wells are drilled at the Gorgon and Jansz-Io fields. Work continues on the 1.3-mile (2.1-km) LNG jetty with 37 caissons currently in position.

first half 2014

All Train 1 and common modules are delivered to Barrow Island and placed on their foundations. After final pressure testing of the subsea pipelines, work commences to install and tie-in the umbilicals at the Gorgon and Jansz-Io fields. The 1.3-mile (2.1-km) LNG jetty is nearing completion with two LNG loading platforms installed at the jetty head.
All Train 1 and common modules are delivered to Barrow Island and placed on their foundations. After final pressure testing of the subsea pipelines, work commences to install and tie-in the umbilicals at the Gorgon and Jansz-Io fields. The 1.3-mile (2.1-km) LNG jetty is nearing completion with two LNG loading platforms installed at the jetty head.

second half 2014

All of the Train 1 modules and 13 of the 17 Train 2 modules are on their foundations. All 10 Jansz-lo wells and eight Gorgon wells are ready to flow. The domestic gas pipeline is connected from the mainland through the jetty to the plant site, and precommissioning activities are complete.
All of the Train 1 modules and 13 of the 17 Train 2 modules are on their foundations. All 10 Jansz-lo wells and eight Gorgon wells are ready to flow. The domestic gas pipeline is connected from the mainland through the jetty to the plant site, and precommissioning activities are complete.
watch the video

first half 2015

Both LNG tanks are ready. With permanent power to the permanent operations facility, the first members of the operations team commence commissioning and monitoring systems in the central control room. Commissioning gas is introduced into the plant, followed by the successful startup of the first gas turbine generator.
Both LNG tanks are ready. With permanent power to the permanent operations facility, the first members of the operations team commence commissioning and monitoring systems in the central control room. Commissioning gas is introduced into the plant, followed by the successful startup of the first gas turbine generator.
watch the video
transcript available

second half 2015

The Jansz-Io Field's subsea infrastructure is fully complete and the first two wells are opened into the pipeline. The second of five gas turbine generators, GTG 2, starts up and is synchronized with GTG 1. Commissioning activities are complete on the fired heater required to start up the Train 1 acid gas removal unit.
The Jansz-Io Field's subsea infrastructure is fully complete and the first two wells are opened into the pipeline. The second of five gas turbine generators, GTG 2, starts up and is synchronized with GTG 1. Commissioning activities are complete on the fired heater required to start up the Train 1 acid gas removal unit.
watch the video

january 2016

The commissioning cargo has arrived and cooldown of the LNG storage and loading facilities is in progress. The Train 1 startup sequence is progressing with feed gas introduced into the plant. All 51 modules required for the three LNG trains have been delivered to Barrow Island.
The commissioning cargo has arrived and cooldown of the LNG storage and loading facilities is in progress. The Train 1 startup sequence is progressing with feed gas introduced into the plant. All 51 modules required for the three LNG trains have been delivered to Barrow Island.
watch the video

march 7, 2016

The Gorgon Project achieves first gas. Chevron is positioned to become a major LNG supplier by 2020. More than 80 percent of Chevron’s Australian subsidiaries’ equity LNG from the Gorgon and Wheatstone projects is covered by sales and purchase agreements and heads of agreements with customers in the region.
The Gorgon Project achieves first gas. Chevron is positioned to become a major LNG supplier by 2020. More than 80 percent of Chevron’s Australian subsidiaries’ equity LNG from the Gorgon and Wheatstone projects is covered by sales and purchase agreements and heads of agreements with customers in the region.
watch the video

march 20, 2016

The first LNG shipment leaves Barrow Island for delivery to one of Chevron’s foundation buyers, JERA, for delivery into Japan. The cargo is carried by the Asia Excellence, one of Chevron's new state-of-the-art LNG carriers.
The first LNG shipment leaves Barrow Island for delivery to one of Chevron’s foundation buyers, JERA, for delivery into Japan. The cargo is carried by the Asia Excellence, one of Chevron's new state-of-the-art LNG carriers.
watch the video

october 25, 2016

First gas was achieved at Train 2 of the Gorgon Project. Train One is now producing at a stable rate of approximately 110,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day. To date, 17 LNG carriers have shipped from Barrow Island.
First gas was achieved at Train 2 of the Gorgon Project. Train One is now producing at a stable rate of approximately 110,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day. To date, 17 LNG carriers have shipped from Barrow Island.

december 9, 2016

Supply of domestic gas to the Australian market commences:  an initial 150 terajoules per day (Tj/d) to foundation customer Synergy and an industry customer under long-term contracts. At full capacity and subject to market demand, Gorgon could supply up to 300 Tj/d of gas equivalent, generating enough electricity for 2.5 million households.
Supply of domestic gas to the Australian market commences:  an initial 150 terajoules per day (Tj/d) to foundation customer Synergy and an industry customer under long-term contracts. At full capacity and subject to market demand, Gorgon could supply up to 300 Tj/d of gas equivalent, generating enough electricity for 2.5 million households.

march 2017

As of early March, Trains 1 and 2 at Gorgon were producing about 230,000 oil equivalent barrels a day of LNG and domestic gas. 22 cargos of LNG were shipped thus far in 2017. On 28 March, first gas was achieved at Train 3 of the Gorgon Project.
As of early March, Trains 1 and 2 at Gorgon were producing about 230,000 oil equivalent barrels a day of LNG and domestic gas. 22 cargos of LNG were shipped thus far in 2017. On 28 March, first gas was achieved at Train 3 of the Gorgon Project.

project overview: producing LNG in Australia

See a flythrough animation of the Gorgon Project, which is developing the Greater Gorgon gas fields.
project overview: producing LNG in Australia

read the gorgon project overview transcript

gorgon and wheatstone project highlights

We’re bringing together the technology, innovation and Human Energy required to deliver world-class projects on a scale never before seen.

gorgon and wheatstone project highlights
gorgon business overview

story spotlight

technologies

Most of the world’s natural gas is far from the areas of greatest demand. At Gorgon, we’re advancing technology and engineering know-how to safely maximize production and distribution. Since 2009, we’ve spent more than AU$1 billion on research and development projects in Australia. In doing so, we’re helping turn innovation into one of Australia’s most valuable resources.

natural gas

Natural gas is an abundant and accessible fuel. Learn about natural gas and Chevron’s capabilities to develop and deliver natural gas around the world.

underneath the great gorgon

The Gorgon Project’s subsea gas gathering system is the largest ever installed in Australia and features state-of-the-art infrastructure.

story spotlight

connecting to the market

Linking our LNG projects to the market requires an unrelenting focus on safe and reliable transportation. Most of Chevron's LNG production from Australia is committed under binding long-term agreements with major utilities in Asia, with the remainder sold on the Asian spot LNG market. Safe and reliable deliveries of LNG cargos helps meet our customer’s growing needs for power.

shipbuilding

Chevron has undertaken the largest shipbuilding and fleet modernization program in recent history.

environment

beyond best practice

Chevron’s Barrow Island Quarantine Management System (QMS), the world’s largest nongovernment quarantine initiative, serves as a model for environmental stewardship. See what we’re doing to protect the biodiversity of Barrow Island, a Class A Nature Reserve.

our rigorous quarantine management system

gorgon environment lizard
gorgon environment turtle
gorgon environment kangaroo

Our key environmental objective is to protect the conservation values and maintain the biodiversity of Barrow Island and its surrounding waters.

protecting biodiversity

24

species and subspecies are found on Barrow Island and nowhere else on earth

protecting biodiversity

1910

was the first year Barrow Island was designated a Class A Nature Reserve

view the environmental infographic

chevron protects nature on barrow island

Renowned Australian environmentalist Dr. Harry Butler was a special consultant to Chevron in Australia for more than 50 years.
chevron protects nature on barrow island

read the barrow island video transcript

"The fact that a major oil field has operated so successfully on a major Class A Nature Reserve demonstrates that industry and the environment can coexist given proper management."

Dr. Harry Butler, AO CBE

Naturalist and Conservationist (1930-2015)

Gorgon Carbon Dioxide Injection Project

environment

carbon dioxide injection project

The Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Injection Project involves the design, construction and operation of facilities to inject and store reservoir CO2 into a deep reservoir unit, known as the Dupuy Formation, more than two kilometres beneath Barrow Island. This is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emission from the Gorgon Project by approximately 40 percent, or more than 100 million tonnes over the life of the injection project.

The Gorgon facility incorporates many leading design features aimed at maximizing energy efficiency and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. In steady-state operations, Gorgon is anticipated to have the lowest greenhouse gas emissions intensity of any LNG project in Australia.

The system safely started operation in August 2019. Chevron continues to monitor system performance and plans to safely ramp up injection volumes over time as we bring online processing facilities.

economic development

economic benefits

Everything about Gorgon is massive. That includes the economic impact on the Australian economy. We're providing local opportunities on a scale never before seen in Australia – spending more than AU$34 billion* on Australian goods and services and awarding more than 700 contracts* to Australian companies. The Gorgon Project has directly employed more than 10,000 workers. Our investments will continue paying off long after construction is completed as our focus turns to the creation of highly skilled jobs in the LNG industry.

see the ACIL Allen Report

gorgon economic development

benefits from the gorgon project*

supporting jobs

60

thousand direct and indirect local jobs created

powering local homes

2.5

million households supplied with electricity**

growing the economy

AU$440

billion forecasted addition to Australia's GDP

*2015 ACIL Allen Report. All economic forecasts are based on the period 2009 to 2040 and are based on indicative estimates as of January 2015.
**At full capacity by Gorgon domgas.

"The Gorgon and Wheatstone Projects combined have injected more than $60 billion in local content into the Australian economy over their construction phases."

Nigel Hearne

President, Chevron Eurasia Pacific Exploration and Production Company

In addition to Gorgon, the projects Chevron has invested in and its other activities in Australia are expected to deliver significant long-term direct and indirect economic benefits to the Australian economy.

view the economic infographic
gorgon loading arm

education

powering careers in energy

With landmark projects like Gorgon and Wheatstone, Australia’s on the fast track to becoming one of the world’s leading providers of natural gas. Long-term projects like these require a highly skilled workforce. By encouraging students to participate in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and related studies, we’re helping develop the industry experts of the future. In consultation with the Western Australian School Curriculum and Standards Authority, we developed the Powering Careers in Energy (PCiE) initiative. The goal of the PCiE program is to increase energy literacy in schools. The one-year course covers five study areas and is the only industry-developed school-based program to have been approved for use in Western Australian schools.

see how we deliver meaningful change on a local level

The Chevron-operated Gorgon Project is a joint venture of the Australian subsidiaries of Chevron (47.3 percent), ExxonMobil (25 percent), Shell (25 percent), Osaka Gas (1.25 percent), Tokyo Gas (1 percent) and JERA (0.417 percent).

Cautionary Statement

resources