By: Basant El-Farmawy
Woodside Energy has suspended operations at a floating production unit that is a key hub for the Scarborough LNG project off the coast of Western Australia, following a protest by activists from an environmental organization.
Four activists from Greenpeace Australia Pacific climbed the approximately 70,000-ton semi-submersible production platform after departing from a vessel belonging to the organization. Two of the activists remained on the platform overnight using temporary hanging tents, confirming their intention to continue the protest for as long as possible.
Temporary suspension of Scarborough project works
Woodside confirmed the disruption, noting that operations at the floating production unit have been safely and temporarily suspended as a result of this unauthorized access which temporarily halted pre-commissioning activities. This incident comes as the Scarborough energy project nears over 98 percent completion, with preparations continuing to deliver the first shipment of liquefied natural gas during the fourth quarter of 2026.
Environmental concerns linked to the Browse project
The demonstration focused primarily on the separate Browse project proposed by the company, rather than the Scarborough project itself. The environmental organization warns that the Browse project poses a direct threat to the remote Scott Reef, which is Australia's largest stand-alone oceanic reef and provides a vital habitat for pygmy blue whales and endangered green sea turtles. For its part, the company asserts that it does not expect any physical contact with the coral reef, and continues to develop its investment and operational plans in the Australian energy sector.
