Limited Strike at Ichthys LNG Delays One Tanker After Inpex Deferred Wage Talks for Six Months

A limited strike at the Ichthys LNG project offshore Australia has delayed loading of the Pacific Breeze LNG carrier. The vessel had docked to take on a cargo bound for Taiwan. com reported that the stoppage prevented the scheduled May 31 loading.

The strike restricts work to two hours each morning and two hours each evening. It began earlier this week after trade unions and Japan’s Inpex failed to agree on wages and working conditions. Reuters reported that one tanker has been delayed so far.

The Offshore Alliance, a coalition of two trade unions, notified Inpex last month that a strike could occur. A spokesperson for the alliance said on May 18 that workers would not accept reduced bargaining claims after Inpex delayed review of the claims for six months. Kpler data cited by Reuters showed the Pacific Breeze was originally due to arrive at its destination on June 9.

3 million tons of liquefied natural gas. The Offshore Alliance said the current action could expand to full-scale industrial action later this month if differences remain unresolved. LNG prices in Asia stand 75 percent higher than levels recorded before the end of February.