Submarine and Overland Natural Gas Pipeline

Initially selected for engineering consulting by Petroleum Authority of Thailand (PTT), Fluor played a major role in Thailand's natural gas development project. Fluor designed, engineered and managed construction of 360 miles of offshore and onshore pipeline.

The 34-inch diameter pipeline originates at the Union Oil Company of Thailand's offshore gas production in the Gulf of Thailand and extends 260 mile north. Onshore, the 28-inch diameter pipeline stretches 100 miles to the Bang Pakong and South Bangkok power plants. At the time of construction, it was the longest submarine pipeline in the world.

Client's Challenge

PTT is a fully integrated petroleum company with activities in exploration, production, logistics, transportation, refining, distribution and other petroleum related industries. The significant capital investment to develop Thailand's natural gas industry will reduce the country's dependence on foreign oil. It will also support and foster growth in its internal chemical and petrochemical industries.

Fluor's Solution

In the early study phase, Fluor developed feasibility and optimization studies which established the master plan for the pipeline and onshore pipeline distribution systems.

Construction began with the establishment of a massive pipeline at Sattahip. Pipe laying for both the offshore and onshore lines began the following year. The offshore work was accomplished at an average rate of one and a half miles per day.

Conclusion

In subsequent projects, Fluor continued to support PTT in its development and expansion of Thailand's energy processing and production infrastructure.