In 2014, Woodside Energy Limited commissioned AECOM to undertake a study into the condition of the North West Shelf Joint Venture’s liquid petroleum gas export jetty at the Karratha Gas Plant in Mermaid Sound, near Dampier, WA.

Woodside follow a strict process, which includes Assess, Select, Develop and Execute phases. This eight-year programme of refurbishment, called the Karratha Life Extension, will see all assets refurbished to enable continued production to 2040.

From the initial visual inspection, the Assess phase study report displayed the need for the refurbishment of the jetty and associated structural assets. High-level capital expenditure cost estimates were provided for the structural refurbishment works.

The works also included specific studies into dolphin rope rail (a mooring guard) refurbishment/replacement and inspecting and testing the jetty, scope of works and pricing schedules for the next stages.

Following the completion of the Assess phase, AECOM was further engaged by Woodside in the Select and Develop stages to:

  • Undertake studies such as catwalk analysis, refurbishment, replacement and determination of component utilisation
  • Provide engineering technical/supervision support during inspection and testing
  • Review and analyse test results and an additional unmanned aerial vehicle photographic survey to determine the remaining service life of the jetty
  • Provide recommendations on refurbishment requirements to maximise the jetty’s remaining life
  • Undertake a risk-based approach to minimise refurbishment work based on the remaining service life
  • Produce detailed scopes of work for refurbishment and additional testing
  • Produce a guideline document determining further inspection, testing, refurbishment, and strengthening requirements for selected components.

The works are currently pending the Execute phase.