LNG primed for US$200bn capex boom

The liquefied natural gas (LNG) boom is back. Over the next two years, almost 90 million tonnes per annum (mmtpa) of LNG is expected to take final investment decision (FID) and start construction.

New research from Wood Mackenzie shows that capital expenditure - for both LNG plant and upstream infrastructure - will total more than US$200 billion between 2019 and 2025. This will provide a major boost to engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractors and other providers along the supply chain.

However, the LNG industry is notorious for cost overruns and project delays - just 10% of all LNG projects have been constructed under budget, while 60% have experienced delays.

Delays likely

Liam Kelleher, senior global LNG research analyst, said: “The many projects jostling for FID right now have low headline costs, but in light of the historical reality of LNG construction, some project delays are likely.  

“While there is a risk that current low LNG prices may see some proposed projects cancelled, Wood Mackenzie believes the risk to new LNG supply development is low and we see considerable upside supply potential.”

He added: “In our high case, we anticipate that a further 70 mmtpa could be sanctioned in the next three years. Should even some of this materialise, construction would be stretched beyond the height of the 2010-14 boom.”

But that does not mean the upcoming cycle is destined to be a replay of the last. There are a number of key differences this time round, Kelleher said.

“Firstly, the global spread of projects will mean that the local inflation pressure, particularly in terms of manpower, which hit Australia and the US in previous cycles, is lessened.

Limiting cost inflation

“Secondly, developers are also being more cautious about LNG development solutions, opting for modularisation and capex phasing. This, coupled with renewed caution with investment programmes across the upstream sector, should help limit global upstream inflation.”

Lower raw materials costs should also help keep a cap on expenditure, as global steel prices are set to ease from their 2018 peak. 

He added that new players entering the EPC market mean that competition for construction contracts is strong.

Kelleher said: “While LNG operators have enjoyed a return to profits in recent years, many LNG EPC contractors remain firmly in the red.

Potential for recovery

"Tough times bring tough contract conditions and EPC contractors have taken financial hits from project cost overruns as seen at Ichthys, Cameron and Freeport. 

"With an increase in workload, there is the potential for a recovery in project revenues for EPC contractors.”

Other parts of the value chain are also likely to see an increase in workload and with it, costs. A lean time for upstream subcontractors has resulted in a 25% drop of workload capacity across the sector. An uptick in activity is expected to bring higher rig rates and subsea costs, a risk for major integrated projects in Mozambique and Qatar.

He added: “Cost overruns in the previous boom averaged 33%, with Australian projects overrunning by 40%. While Wood Mackenzie does not expect similar increases this time, the potential for operators and contractors to drop the ball on project delivery remains.

“This risk will only be heightened if more projects go ahead than our base case forecast. Only time will tell whether LNG will start to shrug off its difficult delivery reputation.”