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Prelude FLNG Project

Shell Shocked: The Prelude to Utter Corporate Indifference and Offshore Worker Abuse

Posted by John Donovan: 15 Nov 2024

Shell. The “shining” beacon of fossil-fueled ambition and unparalleled disregard for basic humanity. While the world scrambles to mitigate climate catastrophe, Shell’s Prelude FLNG facility, a floating natural gas disaster masquerading as innovation, proves that cutting corners is the only thing this oil giant seems to excel at. And now, surprise! Shell faces yet another worker rebellion on this colossal misfire. Honestly, at this point, we should just call it the Touch Fuck All facility.

Prelude FLNG: A Masterclass in Corporate Hubris

Prelude, Shell’s floating liquefied natural gas platform, was touted as a technological marvel—a 3.6-million-tonnes-per-annum cash cow set to redefine the energy sector. Instead, it has become a floating cautionary tale, plagued by mechanical failures, safety violations, and enough worker dissatisfaction to make any HR department spontaneously combust. Since shipping its first cargo in June 2019, this engineering “wonder” has spent more time offline than a dial-up modem in the ‘90s.

Now, the logistics workers from Qube Offshore, who keep this floating disaster operational, have had enough. They’ve voted for protected industrial action, citing the same negligence that Shell so lovingly slathers across all its projects. Who could blame them? Shell’s track record with offshore worker safety is so abysmal that even the term “safety” starts feeling like satire. read more

This website and sisters royaldutchshellgroup.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, and shellnews.net, are owned by John Donovan. There is also a Wikipedia segment.

From the House of Lords to the Den of Iniquity: Shell’s Prelude Nemesis Calls for Real Whistleblower Protections

BY IRINA WOODHEAD

Reflections from Addressing the UK House of Lords

I recently had the profound honor of addressing a meeting at The House of Lords, particularly Lord Berkeley, about an issue that is very important to me: the urgent need for a dedicated Office of the Whistleblower. My name is Irina Woodhead, and I have been advocating for stronger whistleblower protections to ensure fair investigations and accountability.

Whistleblowers play a crucial role in exposing fraud and corruption, yet current legislation fails us. read more

This website and sisters royaldutchshellgroup.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, and shellnews.net, are owned by John Donovan. There is also a Wikipedia segment.

Shell Whistleblower Irina Woodhead Exposes the Prelude Fire Prone FLNG Project

21 Oct 2024

Meet Irina Woodhead, the brave whistleblower who dared to speak out against the greedy, ruthless, and incompetent oil giant we know as Shell. For those not keeping track of Shell’s ever-expanding portfolio of environmental disasters and corporate scandals, Irina was employed by the company as a technical and process safety advisor from July 2019 to May 2023. And boy, did she have a front-row seat to Shell’s handling of one of its most embarrassing failures: the Prelude FLNG project. read more

This website and sisters royaldutchshellgroup.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, and shellnews.net, are owned by John Donovan. There is also a Wikipedia segment.

Shell’s Newest Environmental Circus Act: Prelude FLNG in Western Australia

Posted by John Donovan: 9 July 2024

In the latest chapter of “Shell’s Ever-Expanding Environmental Impact,” John Wood Group PLC has snagged a massive engineering contract for Shell’s Prelude Floating Liquified Natural Gas (FLNG) facility in Western Australia. Because clearly, the world’s largest floating offshore gas facility is exactly what we need right now.

Brownfield Engineering Extravaganza:

This shiny new contract has Wood providing brownfield engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCm) solutions for Prelude. In other words, they’ll be making sure this gigantic floating gas factory operates smoothly while Shell continues its legacy of prioritizing profits over the planet. read more

This website and sisters royaldutchshellgroup.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, and shellnews.net, are owned by John Donovan. There is also a Wikipedia segment.

Shell to Save Asia with More Pollution and Broken Promises

Posted by JOHN DONOVAN: 22 May 2024

In the latest episode of “How to Ruin the Planet While Making Billions,” Shell, the infamous oil behemoth, has announced that it will generously provide more liquefied natural gas (LNG) to emerging Asian markets. Because what could be better for countries like the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and Bangladesh than a hefty dose of fossil fuels?

Asian spot LNG prices hit their highest levels since January last week, thanks to scorching weather that left everyone sweltering and clamoring for that sweet, sweet “super-chilled fuel.” Shell’s Country Chair in Australia, Cecile Wake, beamed with pride as she revealed this grand plan at the Australian Energy Producers Conference. According to her, “That combination of decarbonisation, and declining domestic production (will drive LNG demand growth).” Yes, nothing screams decarbonization like ramping up fossil fuel production. read more

This website and sisters royaldutchshellgroup.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, and shellnews.net, are owned by John Donovan. There is also a Wikipedia segment.

Shell Down Under: Prelude of Profits or Prelude to Disaster?

Posted by John Donovan: 19 April 2024

Well, folks, gather ’round for another riveting episode of “Shell’s Great Aussie Adventure,” where the profits are plummeting faster than a kangaroo on a trampoline! In the latest saga, our beloved oil behemoth, Shell, has taken yet another hefty blow on its floating Prelude LNG project in sunny north-west WA. But fear not, mates, because the real kicker? They still managed to ship a cool $4 billion back to their global parent! Talk about priorities, right? read more

This website and sisters royaldutchshellgroup.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, and shellnews.net, are owned by John Donovan. There is also a Wikipedia segment.

Shell’s Prelude FLNG: Now With More Delays and Suspense!

Posted by John Donovan: 27 Dec 2023

Shell’s gargantuan Prelude FLNG, floating off Western Australia like a beached whale, has finally seen a new LNG tanker grace its presence since its ‘scheduled’ maintenance started in August. This grand piece of engineering wizardry shut down for a few months of TLC, but, in true Shell style, they found a few extra chores and extended their spa break.

Reports have been floating around that the Prelude’s makeover is complete, but Shell plays coy, not confirming if their floating giant is ready for the ball. As of now, the Orion Bohemia, a sprightly 174,000-cbm LNG carrier, is hanging out at the FLNG, probably asking, ‘Are we there yet?’ read more

This website and sisters royaldutchshellgroup.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, and shellnews.net, are owned by John Donovan. There is also a Wikipedia segment.

Shell’s Floating Money Machine Back in Action Just in Time for Winter Profits

…let’s take a stroll down memory lane. The Prelude, a name that surely suggests a grand beginning, has had a few… let’s call them hiccups, since its 2019 debut. A fire here, a full power loss there – just the usual teething problems for the world’s largest floating LNG facility. The Prelude’s track record reads a bit like a soap opera plot – halted production, union strikes for higher wages, and let’s not forget the cozy little fire…

Posted by John Donovan:  18 Dec 2023

Ah, the wonders of modern technology and impeccable timing! Shell, ever the paragon of environmental stewardship and operational smoothness, has graced the world with the news that its Prelude LNG facility is back up and running. This floating marvel, which stretches longer than four soccer fields (because size matters in the world of fossil fuels), is conveniently revving up just as the northern hemisphere enters its peak gas-guzzling season. Talk about timing! read more

This website and sisters royaldutchshellgroup.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, and shellnews.net, are owned by John Donovan. There is also a Wikipedia segment.

Shell’s Floating Marvel, Prelude LNG, Set to Make a Splashy Comeback Amidst Winter Demand Surge

There was talk of shutting down Prelude for a year to fix issues, but Shell opted for a shorter maintenance stint. There was a fire, a trade union dispute, a shutdown, a cyclone season – it’s like Mother Nature herself was questioning the wisdom of this floating giant.

Posted by John Donovan: 27 November 2023

Ah, the ever-so-grandiose Shell is at it again with their floating behemoth, the Prelude LNG facility. After what feels like an eternity of tinkering, adjusting, and possibly duct-taping, Shell is almost ready to flaunt this colossal floaty once more. Set adrift 300 miles off the West Coast of Australia (probably to keep it away from any prying eyes), Prelude is more than just a giant on the waves; it’s a floating testament to Shell’s love for big, expensive toys. read more

This website and sisters royaldutchshellgroup.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, and shellnews.net, are owned by John Donovan. There is also a Wikipedia segment.

Shell’s Prelude Extended Vacation

Floating off the coast of Western Australia like a lost whale, the UK-based behemoth initially planned a few months of spa time for the FLNG starting in August. But, as with all things Shell, it’s not that simple.

Posted by John Donovan: 14 November 2023

Shell, the ever-so-efficient energy giant, has extended the maintenance of its colossal Prelude floating LNG producer. Why, you ask? Because they’ve just now noticed some extra work that needs doing. Talk about being late to the party.

A Shell spokesperson, likely spinning a globe to find where the Prelude is, commented, “Prelude is a complex facility in a remote offshore location.” Ah, the old ‘it’s complex and far away’ line – a classic! They added, “We continue to work through the process methodically taking as much time as required to ensure safe execution of all activities.” Translation: We’re taking our sweet time. read more

This website and sisters royaldutchshellgroup.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, and shellnews.net, are owned by John Donovan. There is also a Wikipedia segment.

Shell’s Never-Ending Maintenance Adventure Down Under: Prelude LNG Facility to Restart in Mid-November!

Posted 18 October 2023 by John Donovan.

Oh, the suspense! Shell’s Prelude liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility off the picturesque Australian coast is set for yet another grand reopening – it’s like a never-ending carnival of maintenance and mishaps!

Our dear friends at Shell decided to kick off maintenance work at this 3.6-million metric ton a year floating LNG plant back in August. A top Shell executive, probably with a straight face, mentioned in September that it was merely a “major turnaround” work that would last roughly two months. Oh, how naïve they were! read more

This website and sisters royaldutchshellgroup.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, and shellnews.net, are owned by John Donovan. There is also a Wikipedia segment.

Prelude FLNG: a potential disaster waiting to happen? 

Is Prelude FLNG a Ship or an Upstream Production Facility? Or Both? And how such a definition may affect people and the environment.

Insider information from an anonymous expert who sees Shell International Trading and Shipping Co Ltd as an organisation run by managers who like to portray themselves as ‘simple sailors’, but who actually operate like a cult with scant respect for the health and safety of employees and their own policies.

In May 2015 Mr I.C. Blayney, MLA (a Western Australia lawmaker) laid his Report No. 5 on the Table of the Parliament of Western Australia Legislative Assembly relating to ‘FLNG Safety Matters’ 1. For those who do not know FLNG stands for ‘Floating Liquified Natural Gas’ which is normally defined as an ‘upstream production facility’ and/or a ‘ship’. Mr Blayney issued his report as part of the enquiry by the Economics and Industry Standing Committee ‘into the economic impact of projects such as Prelude’ during which ‘considerable concern was raised in relation to the safety of FLNG facilities1. These concerns have been taken very seriously by the Australian Government as the oil and gas industry is inherently dangerous, and accidents do happen at the non-reimbursable expense to life and/or damage to the environment. read more

This website and sisters royaldutchshellgroup.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, and shellnews.net, are owned by John Donovan. There is also a Wikipedia segment.

SHELL PRELUDE TOXIC HEADLINES OVER THE LAST DECADE TELL AN OMINOUS STORY 

SHELL PRELUDE FLNG OFTEN TOXIC HEADLINES OVER THE LAST DECADE TELL AN OMINOUS STORY 

Posted by John Donovan 9 Sept 2023

The links below are to a series of articles stretching back a decade, some triggered by a well-placed whistleblower directly involved in the  Prelude project. Includes articles by Mr Bill Campbell, the former distinguished HSE Group Auditor of Shell International (now sadly deceased). A good loyal friend, and regular long-term contributor to this website, who I never actually met.

ARTICLE: Voser wisely abandons an unstable ship: 28 December 2013

ARTICLE: Royal Dutch Shell Prelude to disaster?: 10 Jan 2014 read more

This website and sisters royaldutchshellgroup.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, and shellnews.net, are owned by John Donovan. There is also a Wikipedia segment.

Shell’s Ingenious Shortcut: Prioritizing Profits Over Prelude’s Persistent Problems

SHELL CANNOT SAY IT WAS NOT WARNED TIME AND AGAIN ABOUT PRELUDE SAFETY ISSUES

Posted by John Donovan

7 Sept 2023

In an act that can only be described as a masterclass in cutting corners, Shell decided against shutting down its prodigious Prelude liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility off Australia for a whole year to rectify the myriad issues plaguing its operations. Why bother with such trivial matters as design flaws and safety when there’s money to be made, am I right?

Instead, Shell opted for a shorter, two-month maintenance plan because apparently “strong gas demand” is a suitable reason to ignore the ever-persistent problems. read more

This website and sisters royaldutchshellgroup.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, and shellnews.net, are owned by John Donovan. There is also a Wikipedia segment.

Prelude workers exposed to “hydrocarbon gas fire or explosion”

Posted by JOHN DONOVAN August 1, 2023

In a groundbreaking occupational health and safety experiment, Shell’s Prelude FLNG facility in Australia has managed to expose workers to delightful levels of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) along with a tantalizing risk of fire and explosion. Who needs aromatherapy when you can work for Shell?

Australia’s offshore regulator, Nopsema, couldn’t help but appreciate Shell’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of safety regulations. According to an inspector, Shell “satisfied on reasonable grounds” the contravention of an OHS law, but fear not, it seems they are likely to contravene it again! It’s all about consistency, right? read more

This website and sisters royaldutchshellgroup.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, and shellnews.net, are owned by John Donovan. There is also a Wikipedia segment.

Shell exposes its Prelude workers to the exhilarating risk of fire and explosion

POSTED BY JOHN DONOVAN: July 24, 2023

Bravo, Shell! Your daredevil attitude towards safety is truly awe-inspiring.

Summary: Oh, isn’t it delightful to hear about Shell’s latest adventures in offshore safety? The audacious oil and gas giant, Shell, has yet again dazzled us with its impressive handling of workplace risk at the Prelude offshore LNG platform in Australia. Who needs safety standards, right? It’s much more thrilling to expose workers to the exhilarating possibility of fire or explosion! 

Article: Prepare to be amazed by Shell’s thrilling antics at the Prelude offshore LNG platform in Australia! In a daring display of audacity, Shell has managed to expose its workers to the exhilarating risk of fire and explosion. read more

This website and sisters royaldutchshellgroup.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, and shellnews.net, are owned by John Donovan. There is also a Wikipedia segment.