MPK is putting its fleet of Vermeer trenchers to the test in Queensland’s Surat Basin.
MPK is a key delivery partner on some of Australia’s largest LNG and renewable energy networks. With more than 10,000km of pipeline networks constructed for the nation’s energy and water resource sectors, the company has become a strong and constant presence in the pipeline industry.
Some of Australia’s largest oil and gas producers rely on MPK for its end-to-end facility solutions – from concept and development to transmission and distribution.
MPK delivers a broad scope of works, including the development of hundreds of kilometres of gathering networks in the Surat Basin.
Facing such scale, having the ability to move quickly, cut trenches consistently, and maintain output across dispersed sites has become central to its success in gathering network delivery. At the centre of that capability are the Vermeer T1055III and T1155III pipeline trenchers – machines that have become deeply embedded in the contractor’s operating model.
“Vermeer machines are our preferred trenching technology,” MPK Project Manager Joshua Amos told The Australian Pipeliner.
“The use of trenchers is perfect for our operations. In addition to trenching, it allows us to backfill trenches more efficiently by producing a fine spoil next to the trench.”
The company currently has a fleet of six T1055’s and two T1155’s, with the former preferred for its versatility.
“We do packages anywhere in the Surat Basin, so we’re always on the move,” Amos said. “That’s why we favour the T1055 – for its versatility.
“We’re able to easily move it around on our trucks with minimal dismantling.”
While the T1055 has become the workhorse of gathering operations, the heavier T1155 is deployed more selectively, particularly as ground conditions become more demanding. This machine is a heavy-duty, high-production trencher suited for more aggressive ground conditions.
MPK has been using Vermeer trenchers for over a decade. Over that time, Plant and Maintenance Superintendent Ciaran Ennis has learned how to keep these machines at the top of their game.
“Our crew of fitters is heavily experienced. They’ve all been in pipelines for over a decade, so we know trenchers inside and out,” he said.
“Dealing with trenchers, the spare parts requirements are ongoing by nature, and Vermeer’s customer service is second to none.
“We go with Vermeer for a reason – they’re a proven and reliable brand. The T1055 and T1155 are solid machines, and you know exactly what you’re getting.”
For operators on site, machine performance is measured in practical terms: handling, ease of operation, and daily production. Machine Operator Russell ‘Rooster’ Mackay shared his experience with the trenchers.
“The T1055 is a great all-round machine – very good in the soft ground and in rock as well,” he said.
“The T1155 packs extra power and is great for hard ground.”
When he spoke to The Australian Pipeliner, Rooster said he had completed 600m of trenching on the T1055 on the previous day alone.
“We give them a good workout, that’s for sure,” he said.
When considering project management, maintenance and operation, it’s clear that Vermeer trenchers are an important part of MPK’s pipeline portfolio.
The T1055III delivers the mobility and flexibility required to service a fast-moving, multi-site program, while the T1155III provides the additional power needed to maintain productivity in harder ground. This combination of disciplined maintenance and operational experience underpins the performance of both machines, maximising uptime and overall productivity.
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