DrillTec have recently completed the detailed engineering for the crossing, which will take place at the Port Campbell Rifle Range. The construction phase has been awarded to DrillTec by Woodside Energy Ltd and work has commenced on the planning and construction engineering. Site works will commence in October 2004 followed by the drilling activities in December.
The crossing is set to be a first in Australia due to its unique nature and will see DrillTec carry through what will undoubtedly be a ground-breaking project.
DrillTec Australia Pty Ltd is a subsidiary of German based DrillTec GUT GmbH. DrillTec GUT GmbH is owned by the Max Streicher Group which is a multi-disciplinary contractor, whose expertise includes pipeline construction.
Worldwide the DrillTec group works in South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Middle East and is also involved in vertical geothermal and oil and gas drilling as well as hydraulic well fracturing.
DrillTec’s previous Australian experience includes two shore crossings on the Tasmanian Gas Pipeline (one in Tasmania and one in Victoria) and the shore approach on the Bream A Project.
The Tasmanian Gas Pipeline crossings, completed in 2002, saw DrillTec utilise two 250 tonne rigs at the Seaspray (Victoria) and Five Mile Bluff (Tasmania) sites. Both sites were subject to strong environmental protection commitments with the experience gained in those drills being invaluable for the Otway Gas Project which will involve a high level of commitment to environmental issues.
The 860 metre Five Mile Bluff crossing saw DrillTec install the 350 mm pipeline at depths of up to 85 metres and develop new methods to deal with difficult ground that was encountered. The 1,200 metre Seaspray crossing required over 140 tonnes of pull force to break the pipe suction on the seabed for pullback through the drilled hole in a soft sand formation.
DrillTec Project Manager Aaron McPhee, who managed the Tasmanian Gas Pipeline crossings, is again taking the lead for the Otway Gas Project. Having recently spent some time overseas Aaron is keen to put into practice the additional experience he has gained.