Shell has shut down one of its two LNG trains, or production units, at its Queensland Curtis LNG (QCLNG) plant since Dec. 7 after finding a "minor issue" with a pipe, a spokeswoman for the global energy major said.

"During a recent inspection, Shell found a minor issue with a pipe. This was investigated immediately and reported to regulators in accordance with our obligations," she said in an emailed statement on Jan. 4.

As a precaution, Shell QGC commenced a safety critical shutdown of work on one of the two production trains, she said, adding that one train would remain operational, referring to Shell's QGC arm which operates the 8.5 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) capacity liquefaction plant.

The QCLNG export plant has been undergoing maintenance since Dec. 7, according to statements from the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO). Its maintenance period has been extended three times, most recently to Jan. 16.