McMahon Services deliver extensive structural, mechanical and piping works as part of the new Port Bonython Fuel Storage Terminal.
Port Bonython Fuels Ltd have developed a new diesel storage terminal that receives diesel via a shipping pipeline from tanker ships berthed at the existing Santos Fuel Berth in Port Bonython, South Australia.
The state-of-the-art fuel terminal located approximately 25 kilometres North of Whyalla and 80 kilometres South of Port Augusta is the largest diesel fuel storage facility in South
Australia. The $80 million project was commissioned in May 2016 and employed over 130 people at peak construction time.
The terminal features three 27ML diesel storage tanks, two bay gantry, each bay with three arms (2,400 LPM per arm), vehicle access for up to triple road trains, access to deep water port via existing uncongested jetty, modern driver and administration facilities.
The new modern fuel storage facility incorporates high environmental controls with full operational and support infrastructure. The construction of the new plant also includes significant provisions for future growth and expansion across multiple fuels.
McMahon Services were awarded the Structural, Mechanical and Piping scope of works on the project. This included the supply of all materials where required, all skilled labour,
management and supervision of key subcontractors, set out and survey, provision of plant and equipment, tools, plant consumables, transport, crane services, temporary works, testing and commissioning to complete the works.
McMahon Services made a strong commitment to the client to utilise as much local labour and sub-contractors as possible to deliver the contract. To our advantage, we were able to engage with our local branch office in Whyalla and several of the key management
resources were very experienced working in this specific region.
PROJECT CHALLENGES
The site is very exposed to the sea and is notorious for strong winds. McMahon Services tailored our execution strategy to ensure the works could be progressed in accordance with the schedule. This included the use of smaller articulated mobile cranes rather than hydraulic slew cranes due to the ability to safely operate at higher wind conditions.
This region is also well known for extremely hot weather during summer and exceptionally cold climates during winter. Once again we demonstrated our ability to effectively manage
and plan works in these conditions, including the execution of appropriate fatigue management systems, excellent site facilities and work environments, extensive use of mobile shade structures and wind breaks.
