Barrow Island is a Class A nature reserve off the north-west coast of Australia. Chevron Australia operates an LNG processing plant on the island. Ertech was awarded the head contract for the installation of cabling from the processing plant to the west coast of the island (Cross Island Trench, XIT). The cable was then spliced to an underwater umbilical that will increase power capacity to one of the subsea wells (Jansz well).
A second scope of work was introduced early in the trenching machine preparation period. This was the trenching scope for the CO2 line, a carbon sequestration trial, in line with Chevron’s aim to demonstrate environmental sustainability in the energy sector, particularly in this high profile Class A nature reserve.
The task contracted to DM Civil was to provide trenching services for electrical and communications cabling for the XIT scope, while simultaneously providing a separate trench for the CO2 line in another location. Due to the timing of construction for the processing plant, the second scope of the CO2 line became the priority during mobilisation and the need to clear that area.
From initial discussions prior to award of contract, DM Civil was required to attend ongoing meetings with Ertech and Chevron to help develop a trenching methodology to satisfy environmental and construction constraints.
