Arup wins CSG tunnel award in Brisbane

Global infrastructure consultant Arup has been awarded the tender for the concept design of a 6km tunnel which will transport liquefied natural gas in Queensland, Australia.

The 4m-internal diameter tunnel, which will house a high pressure gas pipeline and other utility services, will transport liquid coal seam gas (CSG) from Gladstone to the Arrow LNG plant on Curtis island.

The contract, awarded by Arrow Energy, will be handled by ARUP’s Brisbane office which has extensive design experience that includes Brisbane’s Airport Link tunnel. Arup will prepare concept design and tender documentation, which will lead to the tender process for the tunnel’s construction contract.

Andrew Faulkner, Arrow Energy CEO, said design work would begin immediately on the tunnel’s design and specifications. “The tunnel will have a smaller footprint than if we were to construct a pipeline on the seafloor. There will be entrance and exit points, but no overwater construction.”

Excavated approximately 35m beneath the Gladstone Harbour seabed, the tunnel entrance will be located in Gladstone’s Yarwun area, with the exit at Hamilton Point on the southern end of Curtis Island. The entire route runs through stable rock.
The tunnel to Curtis Island will be one of the longest offshore tunnels in Queensland and will take approximately three and a half years to build and fit out.
“Australia has a number of experienced tunnelling contractors so we are confident the tunnel will be built to the highest standard,” said Mr Faulkner.
Tender details for construction services to build the tunnel are expected to be released shortly.