In a milestone for Papua New Guinea, ExxonMobil has shipped its first gas cargoes ahead of schedule from the $20.6 billion PNG LNG Project to Tokyo Electric Power Co. Inc (Tepco) in Japan.

The US global supermajor revealed some of the extreme obstacles it had overcome to construct the plant, which is expected to have a lifespan of 30 years and produce more than 9 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of gas.

Construction of the plant began in 2010 and involved over 190 million work hours to complete, employing 21,000 people at its peak. First gas production from the first train commenced in April, with additional wells subsequently bringing the second train online.

“The PNG LNG project exemplifies ExxonMobil’s leadership in project execution, advanced technologies and marketing capabilities,” said Neil W. Duffin, president of ExxonMobil Development Co.

Bamboo bridges dating back to World War II, mudslides, flooding and primitive roads winding through steep mountains were some of the extreme challenges faced during construction of the project.

In some instances heavy pipe had to be airlifted and lack of infrastructure prompted the construction of supplemental roads, an airfield and communication lines.

“Our demonstrated expertise will enable us to progress other LNG opportunities in our portfolio—including expansion opportunities in Papua New Guinea—and to meet growing global demand. Disciplined project execution has enabled us to supply Asia’s increasing energy needs and will benefit the people of Papua New Guinea for decades,” Duffin said.

PNG Prime Minister Peter O’Neill said the project had yielded substantial benefits to the country that would last for generations.

“Not only will the people of Papua New Guinea now benefit, their children and grandchildren will continue to enjoy the benefits and positive effects from this valuable resource development for many years to come,” O’Neill said.

The PNG LNG project has capacity for 6.9 million tons of LNG per year and features gas production and processing facilities in the Southern Highlands, Hela, Western, Gulf and Central provinces of Papua New Guinea.

The facility is connected by 435 miles of pipeline and has a gas conditioning plant and liquefaction and storage facilities.

The major customers for PNG LNG’s produce are China Petroleum and Chemical Corp (Sinopec), Tokyo Electric Power Co. Inc (TEPCO), Osaka Gas Co. Ltd, and CPC Corp Taiwan.

The joint venture comprises ExxonMobil PNG Ltd, Oil Search Ltd, National Petroleum Company of PNG, Santos Ltd, JX Nippon Oil & Gas Exploration Corp, Mineral Resources Development Co (representing landowners) and Petromin PNG Holdings Ltd.

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