Rights Managed > Historic England > Industry > Engineering and Construction > Pipelines
Pipelaying JLP01_10_00159
Filename: jlp01_10_00159.jpg
Size: 6764 x 5253 (4.5MB)
Date: 19th November 2021
Source: Historic England
Credit: A© Historic England Archive. Joh
Copyright Status: Copyrighted Work
Source: Historic England Archive
Owner URL: https://images.historicenglandservices.org.uk/
© Historic England Archive. John Laing Photographic Collection
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Historic England
Pipelaying JLP01_10_00159
NORFOLK. A row of Caterpillar 583 pipelayers with side booms, lifting the Fens gas pipeline into a recently dug trench.
Work on laying the Fens gas pipeline started in June 1967 and was a joint venture between Laing Civil Engineering and French companies Entrepose and Grands Travaux de Marseille (GTM) for the Gas Council. Over 600 men worked on the project to lay 36 inch diameter steel pipes starting at West Winch in Norfolk and running to where it linked up with the next contract at Woodcroft Castle in Cambridgeshire. The pipeline crossed four rivers and numerous dykes and ditches
Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places
Media ID 24091101
© Historic England Archive. John Laing Photographic Collection
1960s Engineering Gas Supply Machinery North Sea Gas Pipeline
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Industry
> Engineering and Construction
> Pipelines
> Industry
> Extraction
> Oil and gas
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the remarkable engineering feat of pipelaying in Norfolk during the 1960s. The image showcases a row of powerful Caterpillar 583 pipelayers with side booms, diligently lifting sections of the Fens gas pipeline into a freshly dug trench. The Fens gas pipeline project, initiated in June 1967, was an impressive collaboration between Laing Civil Engineering and French companies Entrepose and Grands Travaux de Marseille (GTM), commissioned by the Gas Council. Over 600 skilled workers dedicated their efforts to lay massive 36-inch diameter steel pipes along its route, commencing from West Winch in Norfolk and extending to Woodcroft Castle in Cambridgeshire. Spanning across four rivers as well as numerous dykes and ditches, this ambitious undertaking required meticulous planning and unwavering determination. The photograph serves as a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance in conquering challenging terrains for vital infrastructure development. In addition to showcasing the machinery involved in this monumental task, this image also provides a glimpse into the significant role played by these pipelines in supplying North Sea gas to communities during that era. It is a poignant reminder of how technological advancements have shaped our lives over time. Preserved within Historic England Archive's collection, this print not only documents an important chapter in engineering history but also pays homage to all those who contributed their skills and labor towards building essential energy networks for future generations.
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