Ichthys LNG project offshore and onshore pipelines connected

Joining the 882 km offshore pipeline with the 8 km onshore pipeline means that gas can now be delivered from the offshore Ichthys field to the onshore facilities, which are located at Bladin Point (near Darwin) for processing. The pipeline measures 42 in. dia. and is the longest subsea pipeline in the southern hemisphere, as well as the third longest subsea pipeline worldwide. The company used innovative automated lifting equipment at the pipe fabrication and coating yards in order to protect workers from lifting-related injuries. Offshore installation vessels also utilised state-of-the-art pipe joint handling systems.

The Ichthys Project Managing Director, Mr Bon, said: “We are very pleased with the overall safety performance during the pipeline manufacturing, construction and installation processes spanning more than four years.

“Building the pipeline involved multiple movements of 73 000 individual 42 in. dia., concrete coated pipe joints, with each pipe joint weighing approximately 26 t.”

“Today’s milestone means we are one step closer to physically connecting our onshore plant near Darwin to our offshore facilities which will be permanently moored in the Ichthys Field for the 40-year life of the project.”

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/liquefaction/09112016/ichthys-lng-project-offshore-and-onshore-pipelines-connected/