The world’s newest liquefaction plant is scheduled to come on stream in the next few days.

The $34bn Wheatstone LNG project off the northern coast of Western Australia marks the latest in a series of mega schemes over recent years.

Ramping up new export volumes will alleviate the sector’s dependence on pipelines, long-term contracts and distinct regional markets.

Wheatstone LNG and others are part of a new maritime-based industry that can serve a growing global market with spot cargoes.