The Scarborough Energy Project has reached a pivotal engineering achievement with the successful joining of the topsides and hull of its Floating Production Unit (FPU), marking a crucial step toward the project’s targeted first LNG cargo in the second half of 2026.

Constructed at separate fabrication yards in China, the integration of these two mammoth structures — each weighing more than 30,000 tonnes — was the result of meticulous planning and close collaboration between Woodside, McDermott, QMW, and COSCO.

The floatover operation required precision and expertise, with all teams working together to ensure the safe and successful connection of the structures.

Woodside Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer Australia Liz Westcott underscored the significance of the milestone for both Woodside and the Scarborough Energy Project, which is now over 82 per cent complete.

“The floatover of the FPU is an engineering marvel and builds on the safe and successful fabrication of the topsides and hull,” said Westcott.

“Manoeuvring two structures that each weigh more than 30,000 tonnes at sea is an exceptionally complex operation.

“I am proud of the Woodside and McDermott teams for the safe delivery of the FPU to the integration yard and the completion of this chapter of work.

“The FPU is a critical piece of infrastructure for this world-class project, which continues to be delivered to the highest standard.”

Following the floatover, the remaining integration work for the FPU will continue at the fabrication yard in Yantai before the unit’s sailaway to Australia.

Once operational, the FPU will be moored 375 kilometres off the coast of Karratha, Western Australia.

The Scarborough Energy Project is set to produce up to eight million tonnes of LNG per year and contribute up to 225 terajoules per day of domestic gas supply to the Western Australian market, reinforcing its status as a key contributor to Australia’s energy security and economic growth.