The strike-hit Wheatstone LNG project in Western Australia resumed full production on Monday after a problem last week curtailed production by around one-fifth.
After six days of temporary work stoppages and restricted task prohibitions, Chevron’s Gorgon and Wheatstone LNG facilities, which supply over 5% of world supply, began 24-hour strikes over the weekend.
Analysts say strikes work best during outages because restarting machinery takes more workers. Wheatstone exported LNG on Friday despite the fault and strikes, according to LSEG Eikon and Kpler shipping statistics.
“During the fault, LNG production was 80% of normal rates, and vessel loading continued,” emailed a Chevron representative.
Scheduled LNG deliveries have not changed. No domestic gas facilities or supply was disrupted.”
Chevron has urged Australia’s Fair Work Commission to intervene in the wages and conditions dispute to end the strikes. A commission hearing is scheduled for Friday.
On Saturday, the Offshore Alliance, a collaboration of two unions, announced they would request an extension from Chevron. The strikes were scheduled to finish this month.
A union representative with direct information indicated Monday that workers planned to extend strike action for two weeks till mid-October.
The union issued Chevron the extension notice on Sunday, according to the spokesperson, who requested anonymity. The official indicated Monday and Tuesday may be mediation days.
The U.S. energy giant has indicated it will not comment on strikes but will maintain operations if necessary.
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