The contract will be supervised and managed by the Phase 5 LNG expansion engineering, procurement and construction management company Foster Wheeler WA and Worley Parsons Services, known as Foster Wheeler Worley.

The scope of work for Macmahon’s 12-month contract includes:

• Earthworks to prepare the foundation for the fifth LNG train;

• Relocation of transportable buildings;

• Drainage, piping and electrical and instrumentation services;

• Design and construction of potable water, sewer and structural steelwork;

• Installation of temporary facilities including security and safety infrastructure, offices, crib rooms and ablution areas;

• Production of quarry products;

• Road rerouting and construction; and

• Removal of redundant process plant and structures on the project site.

Works on site will begin next month and will involve a workforce of up to 150, according to Macmahon chief executive officer Nick Bowen.

“This contract provides Macmahon the opportunity to develop a working relationship with a significant new client in the oil and gas industry,” Bowen said.

“It adds to our existing strong order book, which now includes over A$625 million of secured work for the 2006 year.”

Macmahon Contractors is a division of Macmahon Holdings Ltd, a listed Australian specialist contracting and services group with an annual turnover of more than A$650 million.

The six equal participants (16.67% each) in the NWS Project are: Woodside Energy Ltd (operator); BHP Billiton (North West Shelf) Pty Ltd; BP Developments Australia Pty Ltd; Chevron Australia Pty Ltd; Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) Pty Ltd; and Shell Development (Australia) Pty Ltd.

CNOOC NWS Private Limited is also a member of the North West Shelf Venture but does not have an interest in North West Shelf Venture infrastructure.