In a statement to the market, Woodside said Thiess has been awarded a $10 million contract to supply gravity anchors to secure the trunkline to the sea-bed while Bos Australia was awarded a $2 million contract to fabricate a structural steel skid structure containing isolation and commissioning valves.

Thiess will construct about 900, 32-tonne pre-cast concrete gravity anchors for installation over the deepwater section of the trunkline. The gravity anchors will be placed over the trunkline at intervals varying from 50 to 150 metres.

The gravity anchors, which use high-density concrete mixed with iron ore aggregate, will be constructed at the Venture's King Bay Supply Base, near Dampier and will involve a workforce of approximately 50 people.

Bos will fabricate and system-test the skid structure at its Kwinana workshop. The skid structure will weigh more than 300 tonnes and is scheduled for installation in July 2003 on the seabed next to the North Rankin A gas production platform.

The second trunkline, which is scheduled to be completed in the first quarter of 2004, will link the Venture's offshore gas production facilities and its onshore gas processing facilities, near Karratha.

The second trunkline is an integral part of current expansion of the Venture's gas production and liquefaction facilities, which includes the construction of a fourth liquefied natural gas processing train and associated infrastructure.

Woodside said the second trunkline will provide extra capacity to supply existing Japanese and Western Australian customers, as well as for prospective gas-related projects on the Burrup.

The six equal participants in the North West Shelf Venture are Woodside Energy -operator, BHP Billiton Petroleum, BP Developments Australia, Chevron Australia, Japan Australia LNG and Shell Development (Australia).