On 15.04.2013, contractor Thiess started construction of the 4.3 km-long, 3.4 m internal diameter segmentally-lined tunnel underneath the Narrows Crossing in Gladstone Harbour, Queensland, Australia that will encase the Santos underground gas transmission pipeline. In September, 2012 Thiess was awarded the $134 million, 20 month contract by Saipem Australia Pty Ltd.

The tunnel is part of the EUR12.5 billion Santos GLNG project to convert coal seam gas into LNG for export as part of Santos’ clean energy drive. The project sources CSG (Coal Natural Gas) from the Bowen and Surat basins, then transports it via a 420 km-long underground pipeline to a two-train LNG (Liquified Natural Gas) plant on Curtis Island.

The Santos GLNG is a joint venture between Santos (30 percent), one of Australia’s leading gas producers, and the three energy companies Petronas (27.5 percent), Total (27.5 percent) and Kogas (15 percent).

Santos GLNG have chosen to partner with Saipem for the construction of the 420 km underground gas transmission pipeline; Fluor for developing gas fields in the Bowen and Surat Basins; and Bechtel for constructing the LNG Plant on Curtis Island. Saipem will install the pipeline in the tunnel. Visit www.santosglng.com, www.saipem.com and www.thiess.com.au. 19/13.