Figure 4. When complete the pipeline will supply Bulgaria with low-carbon natural gas.
period for the new PL4809 before its global release in late 2014. The close collaboration between the two partners was further demonstrated by the recommendations and remarks from AVAX which informed the final touches to the PL4809 before it was released to the market. Now in its latest iteration, the versatile PL4809E pipelayer not only displays stability and safety no matter the conditions, but if required can also be converted into a standard excavator, thereby offering the benefits of two machines in one. While the digging kits for machine conversation were not required for this particular job with AVAX, hydraulics perfectly matched for both pipelaying and digging applications means there is no loss of power in either configuration.
Built on decades of engineering excellence
Figure 5. Kostas Plainos, Mechanical Engineer of AVAX Group, (left) with Haris Bailas of Sigma Bulgaria.
considered among the best and highest quality machines in the industry. We have been very satisfied with the way they have performed for the implementation of this demanding pipeline. We don’t face major breakdowns and the response of the service team is prompt when required. And according to our operators, the machines run smoothly and exhibit no difficulties in movement and pipe lifting. The controllers also have a very good response and are easy to use.” This is not the first time AVAX has worked with Volvo CE. The company also used Volvo pipelayers in the construction of the high pressure natural gas pipeline between Theodori and the Public Power Corporation’s Plant (PPC) at Megalopolis in South Greece, back in 2014. At the time deemed one of the most challenging pipeline projects in Europe, due to the mountainous terrain, extremely steep slopes and hard rock, it was important that the work for this megaproject was carried out with the utmost safety. So for this 24 in. and 30 in. pipeline measuring a total length of 158 km, AVAX acquired seven Volvo PL3005Ds, five Volvo PL4608s and the Volvo PL4809. Thanks to the machines’ capability of placing the boom uphill to stabilise the machine on steep slopes, single grousers to provide the right grip and traction, a cab riser for better visiability and easy to control and smooth hydraulics, safety always came first. Volvo CE also chose the project as a final test
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Volvo’s E-Series pipelayers are built to deliver equal measures of productivity and safety – starting with the Volvo cab. From the adjustable air-suspended seat, the operator is in total control of his comfort. The spacious, noise and climate-controlled environment is further enhanced by controls that fall easily to hand. The hydraulically-elevated ROPS-safety certified cab delivers a commanding view of the job site and trench and features the Intelligent Load Management System (LMS), which monitors the load and alerts the operator when the limit is reached, for optimum safety and efficiency. The sale of the machines for the ICGB project was completed through the Sigma Bulgaria dealership, a member of the Greek multinational group Saracakis, whose team of highly qualified specialists pride themselves on finding the right service and projects for its customers with guaranteed speed and reliability. Haris Bailas, Executive Director at Sigma Bulgaria, says: “As the first project that AVAX has won in the region of Bulgaria, it was important that we at Sigma Bulgaria delivered the best for the job and we are proud to have performed our best efforts to support the Greek company. The support of Volvo CE is invaluable during this process and I consider that all parties are not only committed, but also aligned, in order to perform to the highest possible global standards.” AVAX Group regularly participates in tender procedures for major projects and is a major contributor to the Greek economy with an acclaimed status in international markets. Furthermore, it is one of the few companies with specialised know-how and experience in mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) works in the Middle East region. The group is also the only Greek construction company certified to implement high pressure large diameter pipeline projects – having successfully delivered 365 km of 48 in. pipeline for the Greek section of the mega pipeline project Trans Adriatic Pipeline Project (TAP) in 2019, as well as delivering 158 km of DESFA’s demanding high pressure natural gas pipeline from Theodori to Megalopolis in South Greece in 2014. Thanks to a strong collaboration across all parties, this latest ICGB project is yet another challenging pipeline project for AVAX that is being completed to the highest possible standards in safety, innovation and environmental issues.
