The upstream and downstream operators of the Papua LNG Project have been issued amended environmental permits by the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA), following more than seven months of consultation between the regulator and project operators.
The amended permits were presented on May 29, 2026, following extensive discussions involving CEPA, upstream operator TotalEnergies EP PNG Limited and downstream operator ExxonMobil PNG Antelope Limited.
According to CEPA, the amendments reflect changes to both the upstream and downstream project designs and are expected to reduce potential environmental and community impacts associated with the development.
Michael Wau, executive director of CEPA's Non-Renewable Resources Environmental Protection Wing, said environmental permits are living documents that must be reviewed and updated to strengthen environmental protection, water resource management and biodiversity conservation.
"That is exactly what TotalEnergies EP PNG Limited and ExxonMobil PNG Antelope Limited have done by reviewing the project and requesting amendments to the environmental permits," Wau said.
The original environmental permits, EP-L3 (1008) and EP-L3 (1030), were issued in March and September 2025. They covered a range of planned activities, including the construction and operation of a Catenary Anchor Leg Mooring (CALM) buoy system and associated marine infrastructure.
Since the permits were issued, revisions to the project design have eliminated the need for several originally planned components, including the CALM buoy system, marine exclusion zones and related infrastructure.
Wau said the changes would significantly reduce environmental impacts, particularly in Caution Bay.
"There will be minimal environmental impact as the condensate pipeline, which was initially permitted to traverse Caution Bay, will instead connect with the Santos-owned Kumul Marine Terminal floating storage and offloading facility," he said.
According to CEPA, the amendments will deliver several environmental and community benefits, including:
• Avoiding extended travel times for local communities caused by marine exclusion zones;
• Preventing disruptions to artisanal and subsistence fishing activities; and
• Protecting sensitive marine and coastal habitats, including mangroves, intertidal zones and benthic environments.
"This is a great win for the environment and the people," Wau said.
TotalEnergies EP PNG Limited said it looks forward to continuing its collaboration with CEPA and other government agencies to ensure the Papua LNG Project is delivered in a sustainable, responsible and efficient manner.
"We are committed to delivering Papua LNG to the highest environmental standards in close partnership with CEPA," the company said.
ExxonMobil PNG Antelope Limited Chairman and Managing Director Dinesh Sivasamboo thanked CEPA for its review and approval of the amendments.
"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 environmental permit," Sivasamboo said.
The amended permits are expected to support the continued development of the Papua LNG Project while reducing environmental impacts and preserving access to marine resources for surrounding communities.
