Bilfinger UK has been awarded a significant contract with National Gas to ensure the continuous flow of gas through National Transmission System (NTS) pipelines.
This project is expected to generate up to 100 employment opportunities, with Bilfinger UK serving as the principal designer and contractor at crucial sites.
Strategically placed compressor stations along the NTS are essential for maintaining gas flow. These stations, equipped with multiple compressor units, pressurise and propel the gas through the network at speeds reaching 25mph (40km/h).
The Control System Refurbishment project, backed by the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem), will see Bilfinger UK executing a comprehensive design and construction programme, including panel design and manufacturing, while also fulfilling the role of principal contractor to ensure top-tier safety and performance standards.
Following a two-year engagement in front end engineering design works, Bilfinger UK will now embark on a subsequent three-year programme of works. The contract involves a two-stage approach, emphasising early contractor involvement.
Bilfinger's Engineering, Automation and Production divisions will contribute their expertise to deliver holistic solutions.
Bilfinger Engineering & Maintenance UK Gas Framework director Ben Hill said: “This contract is a testament to our successful collaboration with National Gas and our readiness to take the project forward into detailed design, build and commissioning. By utilising resources from our Engineering, Automation and Production teams, we are well-equipped to deliver comprehensive solutions that meet the highest standards of safety and performance.
“Our partnership with National Gas reflects our commitment to innovation, efficiency and sustainability and we look forward to continuing our collaboration to meet the challenges of net zero.”
The primary design team, stationed at the Bilfinger UK headquarters in Warrington, will collaborate with colleagues in Chesterfield, St. Helens and on-site.
During the design phase, the team will comprise 40–50 individuals, expanding to as many as 100 during the peak construction period.
In February 2024, Bilfinger secured a similar contract with INEOS FPS, spanning three-years, to provide maintenance services for the Forties Pipeline System (FPS) in Scotland, with an option to extend for two additional years.
This agreement, effective from January 2024, continues a partnership spanning more than ten years, aiming to ensure the FPS' reliability and longevity, which is vital for North Sea oil and gas transportation and processing.
The contract will support both onshore and offshore facilities within the 169km pipeline system.
