For anyone looking to work in one of Australia’s most advanced offshore LNG operations, INPEX Ichthys is a name that commands respect. Based in the Northern Territory, this Japanese-owned energy giant operates one of the largest LNG developments in the southern hemisphere, combining offshore, onshore and pipeline systems across thousands of kilometres.
This guide gives a complete overview of INPEX Ichthys FIFO jobs in 2026 — the locations, types of roles, rosters, pay ranges, lifestyle, and future outlook — to help you understand exactly what life and work are like in Australia’s northern energy frontier.
2. Overview of the Ichthys Project
The Ichthys LNG Project, operated by INPEX Australia, extracts gas from the Ichthys Field in the Browse Basin, about 220 km offshore from Western Australia’s coast. The gas is transported through an 890 km subsea pipeline to the onshore processing facilities at Bladin Point, near Darwin.
The project began production in 2018 and has since grown into a multi-billion-dollar export hub producing LNG, LPG, and condensate. With ongoing maintenance, offshore support, and onshore operations, INPEX remains a major source of FIFO employment in Australia’s north.
3. Major Work Locations
3.1 Offshore – Ichthys Explorer & Ichthys Venturer
Two massive floating facilities — a Central Processing Facility (CPF) and a Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading vessel (FPSO) — anchor the offshore side of the project.
- Roles here include process operators, marine crew, instrumentation technicians, electricians, mechanical fitters, and safety officers.
- Staff fly offshore via Darwin and live on rotation, with accommodation and catering on board.
3.2 Onshore – Bladin Point LNG Plant (Darwin)
Located about 25 km from Darwin city, the onshore facility handles gas processing, LNG storage, and export terminal operations.
- Many roles here are Darwin-based FIFO, flying in from other parts of Australia.
- Positions include process operators, electricians, mechanical fitters, laboratory technicians, and emergency response personnel.
3.3 Darwin City Operations & Support Offices
Some administrative, planning, and engineering staff are based in Darwin itself, with travel between office and plant.
4. Common FIFO Job Roles
Operations & Production
- LNG Process Operators and Control Room Technicians
- Marine Systems Operators and Deck Crew
- Offshore Area Controllers
- Process Engineers, Chemical Engineers, Marine Engineers
Trades & Maintenance
- Mechanical Fitters and Rotating Equipment Technicians
- Electricians (EEHA certification preferred)
- Instrumentation Technicians
- HVAC and Refrigeration Technicians
- Scaffolding, Rigging, and Crane Operators (offshore support)
Health, Safety, and Emergency Response
- HSE Advisors
- Offshore Medics and Safety Technicians
- Fire and Emergency Response Officers
Support, Logistics & Camp Services
- Chefs, Caterers, and Housekeepers for offshore accommodation
- Helicopter Logistics Coordinators and Marine Transport staff
- Materials Controllers, Procurement, and Administration
5. Rosters and Work Schedules
Offshore Rosters
Most offshore staff work 28 days on / 28 days off, though some technical roles operate on 21 days on / 21 days off.
Helicopter transfers occur via Darwin Airport, and crew live on board for the duration of their rotation.
Onshore Rosters
At Bladin Point, rosters typically follow 14 days on / 14 days off or 8 days on / 6 days off patterns, depending on the department and contract arrangement.
Travel & Accommodation
All FIFO workers are flown from Darwin or Perth to site, with accommodation and meals fully provided. Offshore facilities include private cabins, dining, gym, and recreation areas.
6. Pay and Benefits (2026 Estimates)
| Role Type | Typical Salary Range (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Utility / Catering Support | 90,000 – 110,000 |
| Trades & Technicians | 150,000 – 200,000 |
| Process Operators (LNG / Offshore) | 180,000 – 250,000 |
| Engineers / Supervisors | 220,000 – 300,000+ |
| HSE / Emergency Response | 160,000 – 210,000 |
Benefits
- Flights, accommodation, meals, and insurance covered.
- Access to offshore allowances and rotation loadings.
- Paid training, medicals, and certifications.
- Long-term stability backed by international partnerships (INPEX, TotalEnergies, CPC).
7. Training and Entry Requirements
Mandatory
- White Card (Construction Induction)
- Working at Heights
- Confined Space Entry
- Gas Test Atmospheres
- Offshore Survival (BOSIET / TBOSIET)
- Maritime Security ID (MSIC)
- Trade or engineering qualifications
- Medical and drug testing
Recommended or Site-Specific
- EEHA for electricians
- High Risk Work Licences (Dogging, Rigging, Crane Ops)
- First Aid / CPR, Fire Safety, and Permit to Work systems experience
- LNG or process plant experience highly regarded
8. Life Offshore and Onshore
Offshore Life
Workers live aboard modern floating facilities with high safety standards, comfortable rooms, gymnasiums, and dining areas. The lifestyle is structured — strict shift patterns, daily briefings, and adherence to international safety regulations.
Onshore Camp Life (Bladin Point)
Workers based near Darwin stay in managed accommodation villages or Darwin hotels, with regular bus transport to the LNG site. Access to the city’s amenities makes it one of the more balanced FIFO assignments in Australia.
Community and Lifestyle
INPEX has a strong presence in Darwin’s community, employing hundreds of local residents while offering national FIFO contracts for specialists.
9. Advantages and Challenges
Advantages
- High-end offshore and LNG experience.
- Strong safety culture and international best practices.
- Balanced onshore/offshore job mix.
- Premium pay and extended roster breaks.
- Excellent training and certification support.
Challenges
- Offshore isolation for several weeks at a time.
- Complex safety and operational procedures requiring discipline.
- Competition for technical and trade roles.
- Tropical weather and cyclone precautions can affect rosters.
10. Career Growth Opportunities
INPEX supports structured professional growth through training, mentorship, and global mobility within its Japan-headquartered network.
Typical career pathways include:
- Technician → Senior Technician → Area Supervisor → Maintenance Superintendent.
- Process Operator → Control Room Operator → Shift Supervisor → Operations Manager.
- Graduate Engineer → Senior Engineer → Offshore Installation Manager.
The combination of onshore and offshore operations gives professionals the chance to transition across disciplines and locations.
11. Future Outlook (2026–2030)
The Ichthys Project is entering a new phase of sustained operations and optimisation, meaning ongoing demand for skilled workers in maintenance, reliability, and safety.
Expansion plans linked to carbon capture, subsea tie-backs, and potential hydrogen development could increase employment opportunities beyond 2026.
Darwin’s position as a northern energy hub will strengthen, making INPEX a key employer for those seeking stable, well-paid FIFO work in the evolving LNG and renewables landscape.
12. Final Thoughts
A FIFO career with INPEX Ichthys offers the best of both worlds — world-class offshore engineering, modern onshore LNG facilities, and the lifestyle advantages of being connected to Darwin.
For skilled tradespeople, process operators, and engineers ready for long rotations and precision work in one of the world’s most advanced LNG systems, INPEX remains one of Australia’s most desirable FIFO employers in 2026.
