Works are underway at Sydney’s new airport, which is due to open in 2026. Duratec’s delivery of fuel transformation infrastructure to the airport is expected to further reinforce its capabilities in the energy sector.
On the back of the successful delivery of multiple fuel infrastructure projects for Defence, Duratec recently secured its largest ever project – the $110 million aviation fuel farm at RAAF Base Tindal in the Northern Territory (see pages 4 and 5). The company is also gaining a reputation for its energy-sector capabilities – on the other side of the country, construction giant Multiplex selected Duratec to undertake the aviation fuel hydrant main package of the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) construction project. This is the first stage of the new airport’s fuel infrastructure.
WSI will be a full-service airport, catering to both domestic and international passengers, while also offering air cargo services.
Multiplex will deliver the main terminal, apron and facilities to accommodate up to 10 million passengers per year. It will design and construct all structures within the Terminal precinct, including a plaza and connections to the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport station, bus station, taxi ranks and car parks. Works will also incorporate roads, footpaths and external ancillary buildings.
Duratec’s role is to provide initial fuel infrastructure between the aviation fuel farm boundary and the phase one terminal apron. The proposed fuel hydrant main pipeline, which is approximately 10 kilometres in length, is to form a single-line loop from the fuel farm pump station, reticulating around the runway and returning to the pump station.
The scope of works for the fuel hydrant main covers provision of:
- Buried steel pipes between the aviation fuel farm boundary and the apron;
- Valves for venting and draining water;
- Valves, pits and chambers for isolation and control;
- A leak detection system;
- A corrosion protection system; and
- A control and safety system.
Duratec commenced on site in April and works on three of the nine concrete pits – designed to support the new fuel infrastructure – are well underway.
Additionally, 1.6 kilometres of pipeline has been delivered to site, ready for installation.
Duratec’s involvement with this prestigious project is a seminal moment for the company as it represents its careful and strategic expansion into the energy sector. By leveraging the skills, experience and capabilities developed from works undertaken on various Defence fuel transformation projects, Duratec plans to deliver infrastructure that is fit-for-purpose and meets industry operational standards.
Western Sydney International is on track to open in late 2026. As well as meeting Sydney’s growing aviation needs, WSI is already creating jobs and economic opportunities across Western Sydney and is the catalyst for the transformation of the region.
