Woodside Energy pauses $12.5B Scarborough Project after protest

Full story: https://grafa.com/en/news/australia/woodside-energy-pauses-12-5b-scarborough-project-after-protest

• Greenpeace activists occupied a floating production unit for the $12.5 billion Scarborough natural gas project off Western Australia after scaling the platform on Saturday.

• Woodside shares and market trading figures were not immediately detailed following the temporary suspension of pre-commissioning activities.

• The protest aims to halt gas developments and protect Scott Reef, while the company stated that operations remain safely paused.

Woodside Energy (ASX:WDS) reported that operations at a floating production unit for its $12.5 billion Scarborough natural gas project remained paused Oct. 19 following a Greenpeace protest.

Environmental activists scaled the 70,000 metric tonne platform located approximately 375 km off the northwest coast of Western Australia on Oct. 17 to display banners opposing the development.

Greenpeace stated that two activists slept overnight in temporary hanging tents on the unit and intended to occupy the platform for as long as possible.

The advocacy group raised concerns regarding the proposed Browse project's impact on Scott Reef, while Woodside stated that it expects no physical contact with the reef above a 75-metre water depth.

The Australian Border Force stated it was working with federal and state agencies on a response while operations at the 98% completed Scarborough project remained temporarily halted.

Following the announcement, the Woodside share price was unchanged at $33.14.

The company continues to develop major natural gas resources across Western Australia to supply domestic and international energy markets.

Woodside has previously advanced several large offshore hydrocarbon initiatives to expand its regional production capacity and operational portfolio.