SMJV is one of six contractors set to help build this major and important infrastructure project for client Kinder Morgan Canada Limited, after signing a memorandum of understanding. Mick Fitzpatrick, president of SMJV, said: “This is brilliant news for our joint venture and the indigenous and local people we will be employing to work on this project. We have vast experience in this field and have already been working on pipelines across Canada, so we understand how important this expansion is for the country. The new pipeline will benefit people across Canada and we look forward to working on this important project.” Work is expected to begin later this month on the $7.4bn expansion project – subject to final contract approvals – with the 980-kilometre-long system to transport crude oil stretching from Edmonton in Alberta to Burnaby in British Columbia (B.C.). The pipeline and associated terminal expansions are expected to be in service by the end of 2019, with the work distributed among several sections, known as spreads, along the route. SMJV will be responsible for ‘Spread 5A’, a section of the pipeline stretching 185km from Black Pines to south of Merritt, B.C. Murphy’s COO, John B. Murphy, said: “We have exciting times ahead and this win is another sign that our experienced and talented teams are central to reaching the company’s ambitious goals. This scheme is a great achievement for the Surerus Murphy Joint Venture and we look forward to working with the Trans Mountain team on this project. This project is another positive step towards achieving the vision of our business, which is to improve people’s lives by delivering world-class infrastructure.” SMJV is currently building pipeline projects in north-east B.C. and in Alberta. Ian Anderson, president of Kinder Morgan Canada Limited, said: “Getting the construction contractors on board represents a significant milestone for Trans Mountain and demonstrates our commitment to delivering the project in a timely, cost-effective manner. We’re pleased with the calibre and experience of the contractors. Each contractor was chosen for its expertise in delivering quality work, and the individual needs and complexities of each portion of the project.”
