Pipelines, international drilling

Originally, we are ‘pipeliners’. This began as early as 1923 with the construction of large water pipes. In 1958 we constructed the first oil pipeline for NATO in France. In 1967 we built the first natural gas pipeline for Distrigas, now Fluxys; factually, we have built almost 80% of their natural gas network. In 1970 we built the first pipelines for Air Liquide; we are now virtually the only pipeliner in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Of course pipelines cross borders. While we are building a ‘gazoduc’ through France for Gaz de France, we are also building pipelines in the harbour of Rotterdam. The same goes in Ireland for Bord Gais Eireann, for SNAM in Italy, for Ruhrgas in Germany, for Sonatrach in Algeria, etc.

Tunnelling was a logical extension. We are familiar with any size of tunnel, with any technology. In 1973 we used the tunnel boring machine (120 cm diameter); since then we have drilled over 100 km, from 70 cm to 4 m diameter, in Belgium and abroad.

We consider ourselves the proud ambassadors of our country: we have technological know-how, the means and an internationally oriented entrepreneurship.