Buru Energy Limited (Buru) provides the following update in relation to the impact of exTropical Cyclone Ellie on its Ungani oil transport operations.

As advised on 5 January 2023, oil production at the Ungani Production Facility (UPF) was suspended due to the impact of the weather system on sections of the Great Northern Highway and the Fitzroy River bridge at Fitzroy Crossing which resulted in the oil transportation road route to the export facility at Wyndham Port being cut off.

Buru has been in regular contact with Main Roads WA to understand the various repair or reinstatement options under investigation or implementation by the Government, and respective timeframes to inform production restart timeframes for the UPF.

The impacted section of the Great Northern Highway (Fitzroy River Floodplains) re-opened to all vehicles on 24 February 2023, with a temporary gravel road constructed until permanent repairs can be undertaken during the 2023 dry season.

However, the river crossing at Fitzroy Crossing remains closed for heavy traffic, with current near-term plans by Main Roads WA for a light vehicle ferry service that would not be capable of transporting oil tankers. In parallel, Main Roads WA are also investigating the implementation of a barge service capable of transporting semi-trailer freight vehicles which may be suitable for Buru’s operational needs, however the timing of this remains uncertain.

Main Roads WA are progressing the option for a low-level floodway crossing to restore connectivity for all vehicles when river conditions permit which is planned to be operational by May 2023, subject to future rainfall events and river conditions.

This option remains the medium-term planning basis for a restart of production at the UPF and oil transportation from the UPF to Wyndham.

To provide a long-term solution for the river crossing, a consortium has been formed by the WA government to fast track the design and construction of a new bridge at Fitzroy Crossing, to be completed by the end of 2024, in time for the next wet season.

Buru will continue to provide updates on its plans to restart Ungani production, as progress is achieved in reinstating the river crossing at Fitzroy Crossing. 

KeyFacts Energy: Buru Energy Australia country profile