On the Hook

Bringing in the heavy weights at Pluto 2

Written by Communications | 29 Mar 2023

Under the newly secured contract with Bechtel to deliver heavy haul and heavy lift services at Woodside’s Pluto Train 2 Project in Karratha, WA, Alevro will lift and shift some of the largest modules to ever arrive on Australian shores, weighing in at a whopping 4,500 tonnes! 

Alevro, our specialist heavy lift and shift joint venture with Fagioli, secured the contract recently which will see the team not only receive, transport and lift the largest modules for the project, but also undertake alternative lifting techniques to support the installation of modules using a bespoke tower system and jacking system, not typically used for such projects in Australia.  

 “A project of this magnitude requires unique capability, and Alevro has been called upon to deliver just that. Our approach reimagines the way construction is undertaken and integrated with heavy lifting, incorporating global methodologies for the delivery of Pluto Train 2,” said Alevro Joint Venture Manager, Rod Stribley.    

“Early engineering, mobilisation of people and equipment, and all preliminary support and scheduling is currently in full swing. With the team focussed on integrating and becoming embedded with Bechtel, who are managing the construction delivery for Woodside, to ensure we work in partnership to deliver optimal outcomes for everyone.” 

Alevro will deliver the heavy haul program, including all associated engineering, receival of modules from ships and barges at port, alternative transport solutions utilising more than 150 axle lines of self-propelled modular trailers (SPMT) and alternative lifting techniques to support the installation of modules. 

The first movement will take place in early April, with the larger modules beginning to arrive from November. The full scope of work is expected to be completed at the end of 2024. 

“We look forward to working with the Alevro team to safely deliver the Pluto Train 2 heavy haul program. Alevro’s approach to safety and quality closely align with our vison, values and commitments, which made the decision to partner with Alevro on this critical scope of work a simple one,” said Terry Klowss, Bechtel’s site manager.    

Pluto Train 2 includes the expansion of the existing Pluto LNG facility, enabling gas to be processed from the Scarborough gas fields through a second processing train, as well as plant modifications and additional domestic gas infrastructure. 

The combined construction expertise of Monadelphous with Fagioli’s global heavy lifting and shift capability position the Alevro joint venture uniquely to deliver superior outcomes for the Pluto Train 2 Project. 

 

Rendered image of proposed tower system setup to execute major lifts for the Pluto Train 2 project. 

Woodside-operated Pluto LNG plant, Karratha