The cargo, comprising approximately 300,000 barrels of condensate, was loaded from the BW Opal FPSO (floating production, storage and offloading) vessel at Barossa on 24 July 2026 aboard the Aframax tanker Boccadesse for delivery to SK Incheon Petrochem in South Korea.
The BW Opal is among the largest and most technically advanced FPSOs ever built, featuring a 358-metre hull and accommodation for up to 140 personnel. It has gas handling capacity of 850 million standard cubic feet per day and condensate handling capacity of 11,000 barrels per day.
The condensate will feed SK Incheon Petrochem’s refinery in Incheon, producing predominantly naphtha and jet fuel. South Korea is one of Australia’s largest suppliers of refined liquid fuels with SK’s refineries an important part of the regional supply chain.
The shipment is the first condensate export from the Barossa gas project. This follows the commencement of LNG production at the Darwin LNG plant which is now producing at 97 per cent of planned rates.
Santos Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kevin Gallagher said the first condensate cargo was an important milestone for the Barossa gas project.
Santos is the operator of the Barossa gas project and holds a 50 per cent interest, alongside joint venture partners PRISM Energy International Australia (37.5 per cent) and JERA Australia (12.5 per cent).
«The delivery of this cargo to SK Incheon Petrochem reflects the long-standing relationship between Santos, PRISM and SK, and the commercial partnerships that underpin both energy and regional security across the Asia-Pacific region», added Mr Gallagher.
The Darwin LNG plant is expected to be a long-term supplier of LNG and condensate to Asian markets, delivering economic benefits to Australia and the Northern Territory through investment, jobs, regional business opportunities, regional development, export income and government revenue.
