Energy News understands that the two LNG megaproject operators have been looking for ways to collaborate, acutely aware of the criticism they've copped over failing to do so during the construction phase which led to the three projects' soaring project costs.
"The construction of this new marine operations terminal is a great example of collaboration between Santos and QGC to share infrastructure and increase the value of our projects," Santos' general manager of downstream operations Brenton Hawtin told Energy News.
"It also demonstrates the value we continue to provide to the Gladstone economy through our activities."
Queensland Treasurer Curtis Pitt and Minister for Ports Mark Bailey announced last Friday that works were underway on the new terminal which is expected to support more than 100 local jobs during construction.
Local company Goldings, which also constructed the equipment and personnel offloading facility to service the QCLNG plant on Curtis Island during 2010-11, was also engaged on this latest project and is undertaking civil works.
Construction is set to be wrapped up in May next year.
Bailey said construction started once the Palaszczuk government agreed to GPC's request to lease strategic port land for the new marine terminal.
"This is another example of how the LNG industry, that represents more than $60 billion dollars' worth of investment in Queensland, continues to sustain local jobs and investment," Pitt said.
Gladstone Ports Corporation CEO Peter O'Sullivan said the port land on which the facility will be constructed provided a good location in terms of proximity to Curtis Island, with adequate protection from tides and currents that may impact transit operations.
The new marine terminal will cater for daily passenger ferries and vessels transporting materials and equipment to Curtis Island, supporting both GLNG and QCLNG operations.
Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher said it was the kind of stimulus and investment that the region needed.
"Our local economy is transitioning from the mining boom years and we need to look to the future," Butcher said.
"I know local tradies are looking for construction jobs right now and this delivers that opportunity as well as permanent employment in its ongoing operation."
