An Esso Australia spokesperson told PPO News that the company is currently in the process of securing a contractor to construct the pipeline on Esso’s behalf.
Pending regulatory approval, the construction of the replacement pipeline is expected to begin in late 2015.
Once complete, the pipeline will allow the continued safe delivery of crude oil and condensate, and ensure the delivery of natural gas from the offshore Gippsland Basin to domestic consumers.
The new pipeline will replace the existing 700 mm pipeline, which was constructed in 1969 and underwent a partial replacement in 1980 but is approaching the end of its operational life.