Aussies win $20 million Varanus project

The $20 million Varanus Gas Expansion Project (VGEP) contract won by a consortium of Western Australian owned companies comprising PCT Engineers (PCT), HPS Technology Pty Ltd, and Civmec Construction and Engineering Pty Ltd is under way with construction already beginning on the third gas processing train on the Varanus Island.

The design, construction and installation of the VGEP 120TJ/Day gas processing train will complement two existing Harriet Joint Venture processing trains on the island.

Apache Energy Ltd awarded the contract on Varanus Island, located in the north west of Western Australia, to the three Australian companies following a four month selection process in which a cross section of global engineering and Australian construction firms submitted tenders. PCT's Mark Sawyer explained that the Australian team's long experience in engineering and construction in fragile environments had assisted the consortium in securing the project ahead of its international counterparts. "Our knowledge of and work in Class A nature reserves such as Barrow Island makes us well equipped to operate within the parameters of a fragile area such as Varanus Island," said Sawyer.

Gas from the new VGEP Train 3 project will supply a multi-million dollar development in Burrup, which is planned to be the world's biggest ammonia plant. The consortium will work as an integrated team on the project, which is scheduled for completion before February 2005.