LDD Install first PNG LNG Piles
Marine piling works have successfully commenced on the ExxonMobil (Esso Highlands) PNG Upstream Infrastructure works. Wednesday 31st March 2010 saw the first pile successfully installed with over 4 piles now in place to date.
The extensive LDD piling spread has been proven through several piling cycles quickly adapting to the varying ground conditions and soil/rock levels encountered across the first Kopi wharf site. LDD’s specialist equipment allows for a drive – drill – drive (3D technique) which can be tailored to each pile location as the ground conditions dictate. LDD’s specialist geotechnical investigation core drill is first used to sample the ground conditions at the pile location. The piling procedure and equipment can then be immediately adapted for expedient pile installation. The special LDD designed and built under reaming drill bit, allows for infinite variation on drill bit diameter and this coupled with up to date pile driving information from the CIS S90 data loggers allows the piling system to be further evaluated and refined.
Amidst the 40 C heat and high humidity in the PNG jungle, careful and highly skilled marine operations are required to conquer the fast flowing Kikori river where currents up to 8 knots and flash floods can be experienced.