ONTRAS constructs new pipelines

ONTRAS is constructing two new, long-distance gas pipelines. The estimated cost of the project is €44 million. The company is responsible for Germany’s second largest, high-pressure pipeline network covering over 7000 km. These new lines will cover a distance of 35 km between Senftenberg in Brandenburg (district of Großkoschen) and Spreewitz in the Spreetal district in Saxony and will allow the company, in the long term, to secure the natural gas supply in the regions of Freiberg, Dresden, Bautzen, Zittau and Görlitz.

To support this project, contractor EAS uses two Volvo PL3005D pipelayers, as well as two of the more recently launched PL4809D models.Work began in November on the first line, with the Volvo pipelayers used initially to support the bending and welding teams prior to the winter break. The 360° upper structure swing enables pipes to be swung to the bending station with no disruption from underfoot conditions. At the start of the welding process, the hydro-mechanical swing lock holds the pipe as steady as rock. Laying-in started in January, the pipelayers working in perfect harmony.

“I am very pleased with the performance of the pipelayers,” said company owner Detlef Einhaus. “They performed exactly to my expectations. With a special challenge of lowering in a 400 m long pipe string with a 45° bend, the versatility of the Volvo pipelayers’ rotating upper structure fully paid off.”

Edited from press release by Angharad Lock

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/product-news/18032016/ontras-constructs-new-pipelines-2802/