Australia's biggest construction vessel berths for maintenance at Perth's AMC

16/9/03
Australia's biggest construction vessel, the Semac Barge, has berthed at the Australian Marine Complex for maintenance after working on the North-West Shelf's second trunk line.
State Development Minister Clive Brown said the 200-metre semi-submersible pipe-laying barge was the largest vessel to have berthed at the AMC for maintenance. It demonstrated the significant contribution Western Australia's gas and gas processing industries were making to economic and employment growth in Perth.
The Minister said the expansion of the North-West Shelf project, the emerging gas processing hub on the Burrup Peninsula and the $11billion Gorgon gas project had the potential to turn the Australian Marine Complex into one of the region's leading fabrication and marine construction precincts.
"WA's gas and gas processing industries are restoring the State's reputation as the engine room of the national economy," Mr Brown said.
"The Gallop Government is committed to the ongoing development of our gas and gas processing industries because they create jobs and opportunities throughout WA.
"Not only do they create jobs in the Pilbara, they create highly skilled and highly paid jobs in Perth."
The Minister said the strong local content requirements of the Gorgon State Agreement created significant opportunities for contractors at the Australian Marine Complex.
"The Government has required the Gorgon Joint Venture to give proper consideration and, where possible, preference to WA suppliers, manufacturers and contractors when letting contracts or placing contracts," Mr Brown said.
"Given the size of the Gorgon project, this represents enormous opportunities for the AMC and should ensure that WA continues to lead the nation in economic and employment growth."
The Gorgon State Agreement will be introduced into Parliament today as a schedule to the Barrow Island Bill. The Bill will set aside 300 hectares (1.3 per cent) of the island for gas processing purposes.
The State agreement will secure important commitments from the Gorgon JV on the environment, gas supplies to the mainland, carbon dioxide sequestration and local content.
Minister's office: 9222 9699