Woodside sells 10% Scarborough stake to LNG Japan

Australia’s Woodside has established a strategic relationship with LNG Japan which involves three elements: equity in the Scarborough Joint Venture, potential LNG offtake and collaboration on opportunities in new energy. 

Woodside has entered into a sale and purchase agreement with LJ Scarborough Pty Ltd (LNG Japan) for the sale of a 10% non-operating participating interest in the Scarborough Joint Venture.

The Scarborough Joint Venture comprises the Scarborough field and associated offshore and subsea infrastructure. The Scarborough field is located approximately 375 km off the coast of Western Australia and the reservoir contains less than 0.1% carbon dioxide.

The purchase price is US$500 million, subject to adjustments. LNG Japan will reimburse Woodside for its share of expenditure for the Scarborough project from the Transaction effective date of 1 January 2022. On completion of the deal, expected in the first quarter of 2024, the estimated total consideration comprising the purchase price, reimbursed expenditure and escalation is approximately US$880 million. 

The deal is subject to conditions precedent including Foreign Investment Review Board approval, National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator approvals and Western Australian Government approvals. 

As part of the broader strategic relationship, Woodside and LNG Japan Corporation have entered into a non-binding heads of agreement for the sale and purchase of 12 LNG cargoes per year (approximately 0.9 million tonnes per annum) for 10 years commencing in 2026. 

Woodside has also entered into non-binding agreements to collaborate with Sumitomo Corporation and Sojitz Corporation on global opportunities in new energy which could include ammonia, hydrogen, carbon capture and storage (CCS) and carbon management technology. 

Following completion, Woodside will hold a 90% interest in the Scarborough Joint Venture and remain as operator. Scarborough gas will be processed at the Pluto LNG facility, where Woodside is currently constructing Pluto Train 2. Woodside is also operator of the Pluto Train 2 Joint Venture and holds a 51% participating interest.

Woodside CEO Meg O’Neill welcomed LNG Japan to the Scarborough Joint Venture.  

“The support of LNG Japan is testament to the quality of the Scarborough project. It also underscores the ongoing demand from Japanese buyers for new supplies of gas and the role of gas in supporting Japan’s energy security. 

“Our new energy agreements with Sumitomo and Sojitz provide further opportunities for us to work closely together on our shared decarbonisation and energy security ambitions.   

“Scarborough will be an important source of gas for both the Western Australian and international markets, supporting domestic jobs and providing taxation revenue for the State and Federal Governments.  

“We look forward to working with LNG Japan to deliver this world-class project,” she said.  

LNG Japan CEO Mr Kyo Onojima said he was excited to form the strategic relationship between LNG Japan and Woodside. 

“We are very pleased to join the Scarborough Joint Venture and are looking forward to finalising the LNG offtake agreement and exploring business opportunities in the new energy sector,” he said.