BARROW ISLAND

• AUBWB
• Latitude: -20.7639
• Longitude: 115.475
• West Australia
• Port in Australia

Location: Barrow Island WA Australia

Barrow Island, located off the northwest coast of Western Australia, is one of Australia's most important locations for natural gas production and is home to the Gorgon Project, one of the world's largest natural gas projects. The island is managed with high environmental standards to protect its unique ecosystems.

Marine Port Description

Barrow Island's marine port facilities were primarily developed to support the Gorgon Project. The facilities include a large jetty and materials offloading facility (MOF) that allow for the import of materials and equipment necessary for the development and operation of the natural gas processing plant.

Specifications

1. Location:

   • Coordinates: Approximately 20°48′S 115°24′E.
   • Access: Through the Indian Ocean, approximately 50 km off the coast of mainland Western Australia.

2. Infrastructure:

   • Jetty: A dedicated LNG jetty constructed to export liquefied natural gas.
   • Material Offloading Facility (MOF): Equipped for offloading construction materials and equipment.
   • Loading Arms: Designed for efficient loading of liquefied natural gas onto LNG carriers.
   • Berthing Facilities: Capable of handling large LNG carriers.
   • Helipads and Airports: Available for personnel transfer and emergency services.

3. Navigation and Guidance:

   • Pilotage: Compulsory for all vessels. Pilots are highly skilled and familiar with local waters and environmental sensitivities.
   • Tugs: Available to assist in maneuvering vessels, provided by Chevron Australia.
   • Navigation Aids: Comprehensive system including lights, buoys, and beacons to aid vessel entry and departure.

4. Environmental Management:

   • Quarantine Protocols: Strict protocols to prevent the introduction of non-native species.
   • Monitoring: Extensive environmental monitoring programs to ensure compliance with environmental standards.
   • Waste Management: Rigorous procedures to minimize waste and its impact on the island's ecosystems.

5. Port Services:

   • Supply and Logistics Support: Comprehensive logistical support for the island’s operations.
   • Emergency Response: Fully equipped to handle a variety of emergencies, including oil spill response equipment and trained personnel.

6. Operational Considerations:

   • Weather: Tropical climate with seasonal cyclones, which can influence operational schedules.
   • Sea Conditions: Generally favorable, but can be challenging during the cyclone season.

Usage

• Primary Usage: Export of liquefied natural gas (LNG) produced from the Gorgon Gas Project.
• Secondary Usage: Import of materials and supplies necessary for the ongoing operations of the gas processing facilities on Barrow Island.

Safety and Security

• Security Measures: Strict entry requirements, continuous surveillance, and regulated access to ensure the safety of facilities and personnel.
• Safety Protocols: Comprehensive safety procedures, regular drills, and training for all personnel.

Barrow Island's marine port is a crucial component of Australia's energy infrastructure, playing a significant role in the export of natural gas while maintaining rigorous environmental protections to preserve the island's unique biodiversity.