Gladstone LNG Operations Pty Ltd. has awarded Saipem the EPC contract for a 42 in. diameter, 435 km long gas pipeline. The USD 1 billion project will connect the gas fields in the Bowen and Surat Basins to the Gladstone State Development Area where a LNG liquefaction and export facility is to be built. The pipeline is to be completely buried to minimize environmental impact. Completion is expected in the third quarter of 2013.