CAT
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PROJECTS WITH A VALUE OF BETWEEN $5 MILLION AND $20 MILLION
Protecting gas supply from coastal erosion PROJECT: Maui Gas Pipeline Realignment CLIENT: First Gas VALUE: $7.5m
First Gas, in collaboration with specialised contractors, has achieved the first-ever replacement of a section of the Maui gas pipeline. Crossing over Gilbert Stream in North Taranaki, the 370-metre section sat close to the sea, owing to coastal erosion. Mission-critical for the continued, safe supply of gas to New Zealanders, this was a highly challenging and technical project. Key to the project’s success were I&D George Contracting, Energyworks, Whitaker Civil Engineering, and Plant and Platform, OSD Pipelines, and BTW Company. Earthworks began in September 2019 but meticulous planning began two years prior. Firstgas set the objective that stakeholders and customers should
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be better off than they were before the project commenced. Through outstanding collaboration and innovation, they achieved that and more. In January 2022, during a planned, 55-hour gas outage, the new and existing pipelines were connected 25 hours earlier than expected, avoiding major interruption of the nation’s gas supply. The project team has created a bank of knowledge that can be leveraged by gas pipeline operators anywhere in the world. Health and safety performance targets were exceeded. Outstanding cultural engagement has established a harmonious relationship between Firstgas and local Iwi, Ngati Tama; a relationship that focuses on empowerment and open communication.
CCNZ / HIREPOOL CONSTRUCTION EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2022
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