Australia Pacific LNG has shipped the first liquefied pure fuel (LNG) cargo from its new LNG export facility on Curtis Island in Queensland, Eastern Australia.

The LNG provider, the Methane Spirit, departed Australia Pacific LNG’s facility on Saturday, January 9.

Australia Pacific LNG CEO, Page Maxson, stated the departure of the LNG vessel marks over 4 years of planning and development since making the Final Investment Decision.

Construction of the APLNG facility started in 2011 and consists of two manufacturing items, every with the capability to ship 4.5 million tonnes every year of LNG. Construction on the second manufacturing unit is nearing completion, with anticipated first LNG within the second half of 2016.

The undertaking converts coal seam fuel (CSG), a pure fuel present in coal deposits, into LNG by cooling the fuel into liquid type, making it simpler to move. The undertaking made up of business companions Origin (37.5%), ConocoPhillips (37.5%) and Sinopec (25%).

While Australia Pacific LNG is already the most important producer of CSG in Australia – supplying fuel to energy stations to provide main industrial prospects, houses and companies in South East Queensland – LNG export is a comparatively younger business in Australia. By 2020, nevertheless, LNG is seen as overtaking iron ore as the principle driver of Australia’s exports.

“With our domestic customer portfolio, the start of Train 1 and the first export of LNG, Australia Pacific LNG has become the largest producer of natural gas in Eastern Australia. This position will only be strengthened as we expect to reach full production from two LNG trains by the end of 2016, reflecting our industry-leading 2P reserves position,” stated Maxson.