Scarborough’s new LNG vessel turns heads on Pluto debut
The Woodside Jirrubakura, one of two new state-of-the-art LNG carriers designed to support the Scarborough Energy Project, had locals captivated this month when it made its first port of call to a Woodside-operated facility in Australia’s north west.
The carrier loaded 75,000 tonnes from the Pluto LNG facility over 19 hours – enough to power almost 200,000 homes in Taipei for an entire year – before setting sail to deliver to customers in Taiwan.
Jeremy Shor, GM Shipping, was among the welcome party for the Woodside Jirrubakura following its construction in South Korea.
“This new LNG vessel will support the startup of our US$12.5 billion Scarborough Energy Project – one of the most significant energy developments in Australia’s recent history,” Jeremy declares.
“Just as important, it’s the first vessel to arrive at Woodside’s operations bearing an Indigenous name – and it does so in the Pilbara, where it was given its Ngarluma name.”
Jirrubakura, meaning crayfish, was chosen by local Indigenous groups to recognise the marine life that exists in this region.
Giving this name to the vessel symbolises our respect for the culture and heritage of the land on which we operate," Jeremy notes.
“It also reflects the strength of our relationships with traditional custodians and provides an opportunity to share Ngarluma culture and language as this vessel travels the world.”
In keeping with maritime tradition, the Master of the new vessel, Captain Ioannis Tsapelas, was presented with a gift – a framed boomerang crafted from local snake wood “Marruwa” designed by Wong-Goo-Tt-Oo artist Shaun Park.
“A boomerang may seem an unusual gift for a seagoing vessel, but it represents both the departure and return journeys the vessel will make,” Jeremy explains.
The Woodside Jirrubakura and sister vessel the Woodside Barrumbara (meaning barramundi) were constructed by Hanwha Ocean Co. Ltd, bringing the total number of Woodside vessels built at this shipyard to seven.
The duo showcases the latest in maritime innovation, featuring twin high-pressure two-stroke MEGI engines and full reliquefaction systems, making them among the most technologically advanced and energy-efficient LNG carriers in the world.
A double-naming ceremony took place in South Korea in September, with Shelley Barrett, FPSO and Macedon Joint Venture Coordinator, officially christening both vessels as godmother.
With the Scarborough Energy Project now more than 90% complete, Woodside Jirrubakura is already getting plenty of practice delivering reliable energy to our customers ahead of the project’s first LNG cargo targeted for the second half of 2026.
