Anglo-Dutch supermajor Shell finally started initial production at its landmark 3.6 million tonnes per annum Prelude floating liquefied natural gas project off Australia, just ahead of its latest stated plans to achieve start-up before the end of 2018, writes Amanda Battersby.

The operator said on Christmas Day that the wells had recently been opened at the Prelude FLNG facility. Gas was introduced into the facility in June last year and then offshore testing and commissioning work began before the start of LNG exports, now expected this year.