Powerco Tasmanian project manager Barry Parsons said the contracts were subject to final agreement and signing off by all parties.
"However, Powerco was pleased with the response to tenders and we look forward to working with the successful companies as we rollout the first stage of the natural gas project in Tasmania,” he added.
Details of the contracts - to connect major industrial and commercial customers to the Duke Energy pipeline - are as follows:
• All steel high pressure pipelines in Hobart, Launceston and Devonport will be constructed by Western Australia-based KT Pty Ltd. Work on the steel network is expected to start late next month.
• Construction of the polyethylene (PE) low pressure mains in Launceston, Devonport and Burnie will be undertaken by Agility Management Pty Ltd. Work will start late this month. Powerco is currently constructing the PE gas network in Hobart.
• Cathodic Protection Services, a division of ABI Group Asset Services Pty Ltd, has been awarded the design and construction contract for the cathodic protection systems on all buried steel pipelines across the state.
• Coe Drilling Australia Pty Ltd will undertake the specialist horizontal directional drilling contracts for the crossings of the Derwent, Mersey and South Esk Rivers. This work is expected to start midway through 2004.
Parsons said each specialist pipeline construction company would be using Tasmanian sub-contractors where possible and, where appropriate, local plant and equipment hire companies.
