On the road with Fastflow Energy Projects
Fastflow Energy Projects (a trading division of Fastflow Pipeline Services Ltd) is keeping the nation energised after completing a pair of high profile pipeline contracts for National Grid on Britain’s road network.
The works on the A1 involved relaying 550m of 750mm diameter high pressure gas welded steel pipeline from the East side, the existing A1, to the West side of the Al(M) diversion. This relaying included the installation of two road crossings - one in an existing concrete sleeve and the other in a newly fitted pipe-jacked concrete sleeve.
Valued at £1m, the contract presented some practical and logistical challenges, with a number of parties and stakeholders to satisfy, including the Highways Agency and its road building contractor, local landowners, farmers, and English Heritage’s protected archaeology. Fastflow worked in cooperation with these groups to devise a strategy that incorporated all individual requirements, whilst also working within a tight time constraint to meet the small window available for final tie-ins.
Fastflow has also completed work on the diversion of 300m of 900mm diameter No.2 and No.4 gas transmission feeders near Peterborough, part of the A1073 road works to create a new road bypass at Eye, near Peterborough.
The scope of works included pre-construction surveying, trial holes and analysis, stripping soil and excavating pits, stringing, welding, hydrostatic testing, radiography, grouting and sealing old pipelines, and decommissioning pipelines. Fastflow also worked in conjunction with the Environment Agency and Internal Drainage Board to consider the effects on watercourses.
Based in Lichfield, Staffordshire, Fastflow Energy Projects (FEP) was awarded the contracts following competitive tendering processes against other ‘Tier 2’ pipeline contractors, joining a discreet group of approved pipeline & AGI construction companies for National Grid.
Bill Wright is the Senior Project Manager for National Grid, UK construction, and is impressed with FEP’s performance. He said: “The company draws from a vast and experienced resource pool and has a succinct understanding of the needs and requirements of the UK gas industry. The contracts have been completed to the satisfaction of all relevant stakeholders and to the highest Health and Safety and Environmental standards.”
Consistently working to meet the exacting standards of the gas industry and delivering on time and budget, Fastflow continues an excellent working relationship with National Grid. Martin Sperrink, Operations Director for FEP, said: “We were delighted to win such high profile contracts and have been working hard to impress National Grid, by controlling costs, working as a team and delivering a quality, safety and environmentally aware performance. We look forward to working with National Grid again in the near future.”
