May 26 2006
Laing O'Rourke (the new owner of Barclay Mowlem) is one of four constructors working in an alliance on a world-class integrated project team to deliver one of Australia's largest industrial projects and one of the biggest investments ever undertaken in the Northern Territory's history.
The A$2 billion Alcan Gove Third Stage Expansion - known as the G3 project - taking place on the Gove Peninsula in east Arnhem Land, will see the Alcan Gove alumina refinery increase in production capacity from 2 to 3.8 million tonnes per annum by 2007.
Central to ensuring the project remains on schedule and on budget is Alcan's pre-assembled module (PAM) strategy. Project Manager, Garry Martens, and his team are currently preparing for the arrival of the new Boiler 7 Super PAM weighing 2400t and 20m wide x 30m high and arriving on site in June.
Their scope of works also includes the Balance of Plant, which comprises two 38 megawatt turbines, feed pumps, condensate lines and associated pipe work, as well as the construction of the turbine house.
The team is also undertaking the materials handling component of the project. By the end of May, the upgrade of the 19 km overland conveyor and conveyor system will be completed in addition to the refurbishment of the existing stacker.
Also due for completion in May is the refurbishment of the existing Boiler 2 on site to an 'as new' condition, complete with a new air heater, FD fan unit and replacement of the wall, tubes, super heater elements and the refurbishment of the boiler drum as well as structural steel modification. A major milestone achieved during this stage was the boiler squeeze which passed successfully with no re-work required.
Garry Martens praised the cooperative on-site environment, which was being proactively fostered by Alcan.
'The G3 project is being run with a 'one team / one objective' philosophy and I believe this is working exceptionally well for all contractors on site.
"We're playing a vital part in this can-do team'.
"Our approach has resulted in the company being awarded additional work, including a civil component involving new building, foundations, the construction of 15 new substation foundations, block walls and the cutting of sea lashings, removal of grillage of all PAM shipping.
The main objective for the G3 project team is to deliver the project on schedule and on budget without compromising environment, health and safety or quality. Despite dealing with extreme weather issues and a harsh working environment, the company has undertaken 300,000 man hours to date with a team of 180 people with no loss time injuries to help achieve 75 percent project completion to date.
