Two Volvo pipelayers used for Archipelago project

Two of Volvo Construction Equipment’s PL3005D pipelayers are being used for the construction of a 48 mile pipeline that will transport gas from an offshore platform to a processing plant in Tierra del Fuego.

The Tierra del Fuego project

Tierra del Fuego is located offshore South America and its territory is shared by Chile and Argentina. The area is set to produce large quantities of shale gas as a result of Argentinian investment. This will allow for a much-needed boost in the country’s economy.

Engineering and construction company, EDVSA has embarked on a project in Tierra del Fuego for Total Austral – a subsidiary of Total. The company has contracted to lay 2.5 miles of 24 in. wide pipes in order to transport gas extracted from an offshore platform on the Atlantic coast to its processing plant in Tierra del Fuego.

Two Volvo Construction Equipment’s PL3005D pipelayers are being used to assist with the construction of the onshore part of the pipeline. The PL3005D’s unload the pipes from trucks and position them alongside the trench, in preparation for welding.

The most southerly located machines of their kind

“Tierra del Fuego is so remote and far south that it’s safe to say Volvo’s pipelayers are the most southerly located machines of their kind on earth,” says Federico Lazaroni, Escandinavia del Plata’s Marketing and Communications Manager. Escandinavia del Plata is Volvo’s dealer and has been providing on site machine support in Tierra del Fuego.

Supporting EDVSA

Lazaroni added: “It’s very important to have a good support network in place for parts replacement and routine maintenance, so we can guarantee the project runs on schedule and on budget. Fortunately, we’ve been able to provide EDVSA with all the support they need. The machines are so efficient and reliable that they do not need to work extended shifts. They’re so easy to maneuver and competent at what they do.”

Edited from source by Elizabeth Corner

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/equipment-and-safety/27072015/two-volvo-pipelayers-used-for-archipelago-project/