Highlights

  • Scarborough was more than 96% complete by July 2026, excluding Pluto Train 1 modifications.
  • Woodside is targeting the first LNG cargo from the project in Q4 2026.
  • The project links the offshore Scarborough field to Pluto LNG through an approximately 430 km pipeline.
  • Pluto Train 2 is designed to process about 5 million tonnes of LNG per annum from Scarborough gas.
  • Commissioning and start-up work has shifted the project focus from construction toward operational readiness.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX:WDS) is a global energy company founded in Australia, with operations and growth projects spanning oil, gas and new energy. In 2026, the company’s Scarborough Energy Project moved into its final delivery phase, with commissioning activity at Pluto Train 2 and offshore readiness work supporting the planned transition from construction to first LNG production.

Scarborough Project Enters Final Delivery Phase

Woodside reported that the Scarborough Energy Project was more than 96% complete by July 2026, excluding modifications to Pluto Train 1. The development connects the Scarborough gas field, located about 375 km off the Pilbara coast, to the existing Pluto LNG Facility in Western Australia. The project includes offshore production infrastructure, an approximately 430 km export pipeline, Pluto Train 2, modifications to Pluto Train 1 and an integrated remote operations capability in Perth.

The company continues to target the first LNG cargo in Q4 2026. As construction nears completion, the operational focus has moved toward commissioning systems, preparing Pluto Train 2 for start-up and completing the remaining integration work required before commercial production begins.

Pluto Train 2 and Offshore Systems Progress

Pluto Train 2 is expected to process approximately 5 million tonnes of LNG per annum from Scarborough gas, while additional Scarborough volumes can also be processed through Pluto Train 1 following planned modifications. During 2026, Woodside progressed commissioning and start-up activities for the new train, while the offshore facilities and subsea infrastructure advanced toward production readiness.

Woodside also reported the completion of the 433 km subsea pipeline system and the installation of key offshore infrastructure supporting the field. The company’s August 2026 project update indicated that offshore systems had reached an advanced readiness stage, shifting attention increasingly toward the safe commissioning of the onshore LNG facilities.

Operational Readiness Becomes the Main Focus

The transition from construction to start-up introduces a different set of execution priorities. Commissioning requires coordinated testing across LNG processing equipment, utilities, control systems and gas-handling infrastructure. The timing of first LNG depends on the completion of these activities and the orderly integration of offshore production with the Pluto facilities.

For Woodside, Scarborough is one of its major growth projects and is intended to add long-life LNG Supply to its portfolio. The project is also designed to support additional domestic gas capacity in Western Australia through infrastructure being added at Pluto LNG.

Key Insights

The central 2026 development for Woodside is the Scarborough project’s progression from late-stage construction into commissioning and start-up. With the project more than 96% complete by July and first LNG targeted for Q4 2026, attention is now concentrated on operational readiness, safe integration and delivery of the remaining Pluto Train 1 modifications. These milestones will determine how smoothly the project transitions into commercial LNG production.