After receiving strong backing from one of the biggest energy analysts on Wall Street, the problem with InterOil’s LNG project seem to be that it is too competitive, threatening the progress of the rival Exxon/OilSearch LNG project on the island…
At half the cost and with a lower break-even price ($3.70 per Mcf versus $5.01 per Mcf for Exxon/OilSearch, according to Morgan Stanley), InterOil’s LNG project seems superior to the Exxon/OilSearch venture. That insight has reached some concerns in PNG politics, they might want to nurse the Exxon/OilSearch project to the final investment decision first. Is this a problem for InterOil?
In a newspaper article, Energy Minister Duma argued that PNG doesn’t have the capacity to deal with two LNG projects at the same time. He went on to say that “our priority now is to make sure the Exxon Mobile project gets off the ground as soon as possible.”
We know that Exxon Mobil is expected to make a final investment decision by December this year, with construction due to start in early 2010. We also know that nobody has ventilated any criticism on the 13th and final draft of the agreement on the table, and nobody argues it is a bad agreement.
So we know it will get signed and implemented, it is a matter of time. More importantly, the parties with which InterOil is negotiating will also know that. There seems to be little reason not to proceed as normal. There is an agreement, nobody says it has to change, it will get signed, but not just yet.
The fanfare of an official signing might have to wait some more months until Exxon got it’s finances sorted out, but we don’t really see much reason for panicking. It’s not even that they are fishing for the same buyers, as the Exxon project has already sold out to capacity.
We tink that after Raymond James pointed this out as their reason to change their stance and this newspaper article, most of the delay has now been discounted in the share price.
One further thing: at this time it’s not even known whether Energy Minister Duma actually said what he said. It’s not unknown for shorts to plant stories in the press, and the same Mr. Duma had, together with the Prime Minister, expressed his support publicly for InterOil’s LNG project only recently. We’re trying to find out exactly what was said, so stay tuned.
Why doesn’t IOC just go ahead with a floating LNG facility if the govt is adamant about not signing. We’ve waited three years since the first proposed facility. Why must shareholders continue to be patient when we have superior resources and economics?
What is the incentive for waiting?
Why does IOC continue to be treated like a second class citizen?
Why is the govt being unloyal to after years of business with IOC?
This does seem to be getting ridiculous.
Great article STP-
People should pay close attention to your last paragraph. You are right, Duma didn’t say that.
ken says they have approval for the stripping plant already is that true? Is it confirmed by any public filngs?
Rory. Wayne Andrews told me they have approval to pump oil and process it and to build the stripping plant.Thats my source for that one.Its covered in their signed downstream agreement with the govt. The hold up is the LNG but that to will come to pass and is NOT slowing down the deals.IOC is the one holding up the deals till they find out whats in Antelope2.Need A DST test at Antelope 2 and we are off are running.
The people of Roku village, especially the Kuriu (Kuna Kore) Clan is fully suporting this project. They support the move to build the LNG project at Hitau, just adjacent to the Oil Refinery at Napa Napa.
Minister Duma was misquoted. The Kuriu (Kuna Kore) Clan of Roku village are the rightful landowners of Napa Napa and Hitau. The Deputy Prime Minister, Sir Puka Temu and his Lands Secretary, Mr. Pepi Kimas he been advised to this effect. This project must go ahead in the best intrest of Png and all shareholders.