The Directors of Portland Gas plans to commence construction of the Portland Project on 31st July 2009. The initial works on the wellpad will be performed by Hydrock Group Limited.

In parallel the Company will launch a formal process shortly to secure full funding for the project. An Information Memorandum, process timetable and the project construction programme are currently being finalised.

Dr Andrew Hindle, CEO of Portland Gas said, “Following discharge of the pre-start planning conditions, we are pleased to be able to start construction whilst continuing to seek full funding for the Portland Project. This is an exciting milestone in the development of what will be the largest gas storage facility onshore UK.”

“Hydrock has already proved themselves on the Portland project through the successful completion of a ground investigation programme and design of the ground engineering works on the Portland site in 2007 and is the preferred contractor to undertake the initial site construction work. Hydrock has an excellent reputation and has been placed in the top 100 companies to work for by the Sunday Times for the past three years.”

Managing Director of Hydrock, Brian McConnell said, “We recognise the importance of the Portland Project to securing energy supplies to the UK for the future and look forward to working with Portland Gas to ensure its successful development.”

Tags: Portland Gas plc