Delays hit Maui gas development

Construction of platforms at New Zealand's Maui gas-condensate field have been delayed by bad weather and poor seabed conditions. A status report is given on the $1 billion (New Zealand) two-phase project expected by the participating companies to recover 150 billion cubic meters of gas and 75 million barrels of gas condensate. Onshore and offshore progress of the project is reviewed and plans for rail transport described. Because of the high cost of exporting liquefied natural gas, the field's reserves will have to be used domestically, primarily for power generation in the vicinity. The field will also supply 16 to 18 percent of oil refinery feedstock and provide a backup for hydroelectric plants during times of drought.