• GLOBAL NEWS
Global news the very start the equipment and expertise we would need to best carry out the work .”
Mammoet utilised a specially built trailer type to minimise the weight of the transport equipment itself and therefore increase the size of module that could be carried .
Overall weight limitations on Australian highways meant a lighter alternative to the traditionally utilised 4-file platform trailer was needed to avoid reducing the size of the modules themselves .
The possibilities for what could be transported on this stretch of tarmac were pushed to new limits as Mammoet delivered a 349t module comprising the train load out bin gate and HPU module . This was the heaviest load ever carried along this stretch of Western Australia ’ s Great Northern Highway .
Early planning creates new possibilities Restrictions were also placed on when modules could be transported , which varied depending on their size : those wider than 8.5m needed to travel at night , so that the transport had the lowest economic impact on the surrounding community , and public road users .
A rolling roadblock was set up to shut down the highway in sections , minimising the transport ’ s impact further still . To achieve this required skilled logistics planning and early engagement with the project ’ s Construction Contractors - to identify precisely what could be transported and how .
According to Pete O ’ Connell , senior project manager at Mammoet engagement at the planning stage with EPCs can help to optimise how our package of work integrates with other workflows .
It was particularly critical in this case - given the size and volume of components that needed to be on site in a specific order and timeframe for construction to proceed smoothly .
Tightening timeframe Delivery of such a large scale of transport work was already a significant challenge within the planned 15-month timescale , but due to delays earlier in the project schedule this cargo needed to be transported in a shorter timeframe .
This meant that resources needed to double – and fast . A tough task in this desolate and sparsely populated part of the world , but with its global reach and standardised learning systems Mammoet was able to source and train more operatives from within Australia to quickly step up the pace .
Despite ongoing travel restrictions due to Covid-19 , Mammoet was able to mobilise a team of more than 90 people – half of whom came from outside the state or abroad . Before long , crews were working across day and night shifts at Port Hedland , keeping things on schedule .
“ We were able to advise the modularisation engineers on how to get maximum benefit from the load sizes possible on the route , in terms of their overall dimensions and the maximum weights to cross structures such as bridges . We were then able to plan from
8 • African Mining • January 2022
Smaller module sizes , of course , mean more transportations - and in turn additional transport and integration costs . Mammoet ’ s extensive equipment inventory was put to good use in devising a 3-file trailer solution . This allowed the desired size of module to be transported within local regulations .
Another important part of this solution was to increase the number of trailers being used , avoiding the need for them to be reconfigured between journeys , hence achieving a faster turnaround . With the industry ’ s biggest equipment fleet , Mammoet was able to redeploy trailers from across Australia and the wider region . O ’ Connell continues :
“ Flexibility is always key in large projects such as this , as changes in project schedules are to be expected . As the largest supplier in our industry , the talent pool , training capabilities and equipment inventory that we have access to prove invaluable in making sure we can react quickly and adapt to client requirements - avoiding delays even if there is a change to the plan .”
A productive new asset A key development in driving economic growth for the Pilbara region and the State of Western Australia , BHP ’ s USD3.6-billion South Flank mine has created more than 2500 construction jobs and 600 ongoing operational roles . It is set to provide a profitable asset for BHP and secure employment for the Pilbara population for decades to come .
According to Wouter Mink , managing director of Mammoet Australia this project helps to continue our commitment to the Pilbara region .
“ The transport package was always going to play a key role in achieving this , and we were extremely pleased to have delivered this successfully despite the challenges we faced - including a global pandemic impacting on how , when and where we could source our team ,” says Mink .
Construction of this 21 st century facility using modern modularised techniques was aided significantly by Mammoet ’ s expertise in getting over 1000 oversized items to site safely and on time ; and also , by providing critical guidance to optimise the size of cargo and ensure the most efficient project .
It is a sentiment echoed by Heath Tyler , BHP South Flank Area Project Manager who says : “ The South Flank project represents a major investment by BHP and a key element in our strategy for the region . With the transport package playing such a critical part in achieving a successful build , we needed a partner that had the proven expertise , equipment , and boots on the ground to deliver . Mammoet has proven a great fit for these criteria .” •
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