Volvo supplies 133 machines to PNG LNG project

by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Jun 14, 2011 10:22 AM

In 2010 Volvo Construction Equipment signed a deal to provide 125 machines to the Papua New Guinea Liquid Natural Gas Project (PNG LNG). Now, almost a year on, Volvo has delivered 133 units and the machines have started work.

   

An A30E articulated hauler is loaded with rubble prior to transportation

"We have been involved with this industry in the past, but never on this scale," said Thomas Stemper, key customer director for Volvo's international region. "The project represents a significant sale as well as service turnover, which is expected for the next three years.

 

"This deal shows that customers consider us to be one of the global players now. The door is open for Volvo in this segment and we are on the move."

 

Volvo Construction Equipment is heavily involved in two sub projects: construction of the onshore pipeline and an airfield to provide access to a gas conditioning plant. The airfield is located at Komo, approximately 10 km South East of the Hides Gas Conditioning Plant (HGCP). The sub project is run by MCJV –a joint venture between Australian company MacDow and Greek company CCC.

 

 Around 55 Volvo machines are working to build the airfield as well as 21 km of new road, road upgrades and bridges, between the airfield and the HGCP. The fleet of Volvo machines include A40E and A35E articulated haulers, EC460B crawler excavators, andL180F and L150F wheel loaders –as well as motor graders and backhoe loaders.

 

The second sub project, the onshore pipeline, is located at Kopi. A further 70 Volvo units –mostly A30E articulated haulers andPL4611 pipe layers –have been signed to Spiecapag for this project as well as wheel loaders and backhoes.

 

"Much of the work is taking place in the wilderness, far from civilization, so there are many challenges for the men and the machines," said Thomas. "One of the major issues is the climate. The country experiences very heavy rain at certain times, so flooding is common and the machines will often have to operate in very testing conditions."

(http://www.theajmonline.com.au/mining_news)