THE Upstream and Downstream Operators of the Papua LNG Project (Project) were issued amended Environmental permits for the Papua LNG Project from the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA).
This comes after more than seven months of close consultation between CEPA, the Upstream Project Operator TotalEnergies EP PNG Limited and Downstream Operator ExxonMobil PNG Antelope Limited.
The amended permits were presented on Friday 29 May 2026, resulting in positive changes for the Project with respect to potential environmental and community-related impacts.
Michael Wau Executive Director of CEPA’s Non-Renewable Resources, Environmental Protection Wing presented the permits and stated that the permits issued by CEPA are living documents and must be constantly reviewed and amended to enhance protection of the environment, water resource management and biodiversity conservation.
“And that is exactly what TotalEnergies EP PNG Limited and ExxonMobil PNG Antelope Limited have done – to review and request for CEPA to make amendments to the environment permits.”
The original Environmental Permits for the Papua LNG Project EP–L3(1008) and EP-L3 (1030) were issued in March and September 2025, covering a range of planned activities, including the construction and operation of a Catenary Anchor Leg Mooring (CALM) buoy system and associated marine infrastructure.
Since then, changes were made to both the Upstream and Downstream project designs.
As a result, some of the originally planned activities related to the CALM buoy system, the marine exclusion zones, and associated infrastructure, are no longer required.
“There will be minimal environmental impact as the condensate pipeline which was initially permitted to transverse Caution Bay will connect with the Santos owned Kumul Marine Terminal floating storage and offloading facility.” said Mr. Wau.
These amendments will result in multiple positive outcomes, including:
●Communities will not face extended travel times around marine exclusion zones
●There will be no disruption to artisanal and subsistence fishing activities
●Sensitive marine and coastal habitats like mangroves, intertidal zones, and benthic environments, will not be affected
“This is a great win for the environment and the people”, Mr. Wau concluded.
Overall Operator TotalEnergies EP Limited’s said they looked forward to continued collaboration with CEPA and other government agencies to ensure that Papua LNG is executed in a sustainable, responsible and efficient manner.
“We are committed to delivering Papua LNG to the highest environmental standards in close partnership with CEPA”.
EMPNG Chairman and Managing Director Dinesh Sivasamboo, following the signing event, expressed his thanks and appreciation to CEPA for their review and approval of this amendment.
“We greatly value this collaboration and the constructive engagement throughout the process to ensure that the Papua LNG Downstream Project is delivered responsibly and in full compliance with the amended environment permit”, said Mr. Sivasamboo.