Radical in concept, the move towards FLNG production has stirred opposing views in Australia because the giant barges will probably never enter a local port, and perhaps not even employ local crews.

FORBES: ExxonMobil Joins LNG Rush With Barge 6X Bigger Than An Aircraft Carrier

If approved, and ExxonMobil can build the barge as planned, it could be in production by the year 2020, about four years after Royal Dutch Shell commissions its FLNG vessel atop the Prelude gas field, also off the west Australian coast.

FORBES: ExxonMobil Joins LNG Rush With Barge 6X Bigger Than An Aircraft Carrier