Woodside’s latest LNG carriers – built in Korea, christened by Shelley

Shelley was one of a small Woodside delegation at the naming ceremony that included Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Mark Abbotsford. 

The vessels, the Woodside Jirrubakura and Woodside Barrumbara, will carry LNG between Dampier and Asian ports. In the local Ngarluma language, Jirrubakura means crayfish, and Barrumbara means barramundi. 

The Jirrubakura and Barrumbara were built by Hanwha Ocean Co. Ltd in Geoje, South Korea, and each has a capacity of 174,000 cubic metres. 

At the ceremony, Mark referred to the vessels’ purpose – supporting our $12.5 billion Scarborough Energy Project – which he described as “one of the most significant energy developments in Australia’s recent history”. 

Mark continued: “These vessels represent the very best in maritime innovation,” and he listed some of the equipment which elevates them to the tier of the most technologically advanced and energy-efficient LNG carriers in the world. 

For example, they both boast twin high-pressure two-stroke MEGI engines and full reliquefaction systems. 

These two vessels would help Woodside deliver affordable energy solutions globally while reducing the carbon intensity of our LNG deliveries, Mark added.  

Korea has been a trusted constructor of vessels for our company for many years and these latest additions to the Woodside Fleet take the tally constructed at Hanwha Ocean (previously DSME) Shipyard to seven. 

Ship-naming events, of course, are steeped in tradition, blending superstition, symbolism and celebration to honour the vessel and her journey ahead. 

The “godmother” or sponsor plays a key part in the “christening” ceremony. Selected for having a meaningful connection to the ship or its stakeholders, the godmother offers a formal blessing and performs the christening by breaking a bottle of champagne against the hull. 

FPSO and Macedon Joint Venture Coordinator Shelley has clocked up nearly 40 years’ loyal service to Woodside since she joined in April 1986 as a photocopier operator at Woodside’s then HQ, in Allendale Square, Perth. 

“The photocopiers we used were old Xerox 9500 machines – a big monster,” she recalls. 

“We would stay behind on Fridays to print and collate the monthly reports. We also made our own stationery using a Gestetner oil printer.” 

Now, Shelley holds the distinction of being the longest-serving female employee in our history. 

“I’m currently in my 28th role since starting at Woodside,” she says, noting the variety of positions she has held over the past four decades. 

Her favourites? 

“Working offshore, particularly as the Heli-Admin Coordinator (HAC) and Stores/Logistics Coordinator,” she replies. 

That role, in the late “noughties”, involved radio communications with helicopter pilots, managing inductions, coordinating offshore accommodation, working with the deck crew, handling the Emergency Roster, and other administrative tasks, alongside covering the Stores/Logistics Coordinator role. 

“I worked on the Goodwyn Alpha (GWA) Platform for nearly three years and then North Rankin A,” she recounts. 

Shelley explains that the dynamism of offshore life made it her favourite period at Woodside. 

“There’s always something happening offshore; it’s fast-paced and exciting,” she says. 

“You feel like you're really contributing in a unique environment, and your colleagues become like a second family, which I still to this day keep in touch.”