PORT MORESBY, 30 JANUARY, 2012 (POST COURIER) -- PNG LNG Project operator Esso Highlands Ltd (EHL) said the project is working to get full construction activities back to normal in order to meet the deadline scheduled for 2014 and the subsequent export of first LNG offshore.

EHL spokeswoman Rebecca Arnold said the one-day stoppage is not expected to impact the schedule of the project located about 7 km from the landslide area near Tumbi quarry that has reportedly buried over 60 people and more than 42 houses.

EHL, subsidiary of the US oil giant ExxonMobil, has been adamant that it will meet the construction deadline despite various hiccups and interruptions from natural causes and human induced activities, especially landowners over outstanding issues relating to the project.

ExxonMobil leads a consortium building the LNG project, the countrys biggest-ever resource undertaking due to come on stream in 2014.

The project is expected to produce 6.6 million tonnes on LNG per annum and could see Papua New Guineas Gross Domestic Product increase 20 per cent.

The project temporarily suspended work in the Hides and Komo area, but has since resumed some operations. The project is currently working to get full construction activities back to normal, Arnold said.

She said in order for the construction to be on target, the project operator continues to be in communication with the Government, including the National Disaster and Emergency Relief Office.

We have offered our support to the Government and the local community, she said.

Specifically, we are supporting government representatives to be transported to the area to assess the extent of the landslide.

Providing support for the haus krai with rations, tarpaulins, generators, fuel and lights.

Have offered immediate deployment of equipment to the community to assist with recovery efforts and ready to assist the government to reopen the road so that the community can regain access.

Our hearts go out to the people who have been affected by this tragedy.

Exxon has offered to support landslide recovery efforts, including helping to reopen the road to the area, Arnold said.

Meanwhile, the shipping industry is poised to increase as a result of the LNG project, which has also increased the risk of maritime pollution.

This was revealed in the Melanesian sub-regional workshop on oil pollution compensation and liability which revealed five new maritime pollution bills and regulations which are designed to bring PNG in line with international standards as contained in various convention for the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

The five new bills and regulations are marine pollution (MP) on (ships and installations), MP on sea dumping, MP on preparedness and response, MP on liability and cost recovery, and MP on ballast water control which will ensure protection against maritime pollution.....PACNEWS (PINA)

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