Chevron Restarts Full Production at Wheatstone LNG Post-Cyclone Repairs

• The cyclone struck in late March, knocking both LNG processing trains offline at the 8.9 million-ton-per-year facility
• Several hundred air-cooled heat exchangers (fin fans) were damaged by extreme winds, requiring a 'significant undertaking' to repair
• Domestic gas production for Western Australian customers resumed within approximately one week, with LNG production returning progressively thereafter

Summary: Chevron Restarts Full Production at Wheatstone LNG Post-Cyclone Repairs

Key Development:

Chevron Corporation has fully resumed production at its Wheatstone liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility in Western Australia following cyclone damage in late March. The facility, which has an annual capacity of 8.9 million tons, experienced significant operational disruption when both LNG processing trains went offline.

Damage and Repairs:

Extreme cyclone winds damaged several hundred air-cooled heat exchangers (fin fans) at the plant, creating what Chevron described as "a significant undertaking" for repairs. Danny Woodall, Chevron's director of operations and maintenance for Australia, confirmed the successful completion of the extensive repair program.

Timeline:

• Late March: Cyclone struck the facility
• Approximately one week post-cyclone: Domestic gas production for Western Australian customers restarted
• April 23: Full LNG production resumed progressively

Market Implications:

The restoration of full production at Wheatstone is significant for global LNG markets, particularly given ongoing supply concerns. The nearly month-long disruption temporarily reduced available LNG export capacity from one of Australia's major facilities. The swift recovery—completing domestic gas restoration within a week and full LNG operations within approximately four weeks—demonstrates operational resilience and limits prolonged market impact.

Australia is one of the world's largest LNG exporters, and Wheatstone represents a substantial portion of that capacity. The facility's return to full production helps stabilize supply chains for Asian LNG importers and supports regional energy security in Western Australia.