In Croatia, theZabok–Lučko LNG transmission pipeline project is underway. As a new natural gas pipeline, this project is considered one of the biggest infrastructure projects in the nation's history, which will change the country's energy future. What's even more remarkable than its size is its speed: the project is now set to finish a whole seven months ahead of schedule, thanks to smart construction technology from FJDynamics.
This project involves a 2 km-long and 1 km-wide pipeline. It has become a real-world example of how FJD technology is transforming construction. By using the FJD G31 PRO 3D Excavator Guidance Systems, the team on the ground has boosted their efficiency by an incredible 35%. Started in March 2025, this project was originally scheduled for completion in May 2026, but now it is expected to be delivered by October 2025—seven months earlier than planned. This is the story of how a challenging project found a smart solution.
The Challenge of Building a National LNG Pipeline
Building a natural gas pipeline is a huge job that requires extreme precision. Every part of the process, from digging the trenches to moving the earth, has to be precise. On such a big project, even a small mistake can lead to costly delays, more rework, and higher fuel and labor costs.Traditionally, construction workers rely on survey stakes, tape measures, and their own experience. This "old way" of doing things means they have to stop constantly to check their work, which slows everything down. For a project as important as Croatia's LNG pipeline, those delays were not an option. Dozens of companies were involved, and they needed a way to work with world-class accuracy from day one.
The Smart Construction Solution with the FJD G31 PRO
To meet this challenge, the project team turned to FJD smart machine control technology. They equipped their machines with four FJD G31 PRO 3D Excavator Guidance Systems. They used three of our standard G31 PRO systems and one underwater version for tasks near the coast and in the water.
These systems were widely used for pipeline trenching, foundation work, and some underwater construction tasks. According to the construction screws, they frequently used the design drawing import function, which helped them kick off the project quickly. With the design file imported and displayed inside the cab, they could see exactly where to dig and how deep to go. They could also see the correct slope and alignment for every part of the pipeline.
By using GNSS for precise positioning, these systems gave the operators a major improvement in construction precision. They didn't have to make extensive manual measurements and checks. This way, they could work continuously with total confidence. With real-time 3D guidance, the operators excavated precisely and reduced mistakes. The systems even helped less experienced operators perform like seasoned pros, ensuring consistent results across the entire team. This was very helpful since this project involved tens of companies for collaboration and coordination.
Real Results: A Faster, Cheaper, and Better Way to Build
By bringing the FJD G31 PRO systems into the project, the Croatia LNG pipeline team saw immediate and powerful results:- ±3cm Accuracy: The excavation perfectly matched the digital plans, eliminating the need for costly rework. The systems worked precisely and stably from common excavation to underwater digging.
- 35% Faster Work: Thanks to the increased efficiency, the project is now set to finish seven months early. That’s a huge win for everyone involved and for the country as a whole.
- Lower Costs: With less time spent on repeated checks and more efficient digging, the project saved significant money on fuel and labor.
- A National Impact: This project is a powerful showcase of how smart construction technology can drive progress on a national level. It proves that digital solutions aren't just for small jobs—they are essential for building the future.
FAQs About 3D Excavator Guidance and LNG Construction
Q1: How does a 3D excavator guidance system help in LNG pipeline construction?It ensures accurate excavation by showing real-time depth, slope, and design models. This reduces rework, improves safety, and speeds up project delivery.
Q2: Why was the FJD G31 PRO chosen for Croatia’s LNG pipeline project?
The G31 PRO offered ±3cm accuracy, design drawing import, and underwater excavation capability—features essential for complex and large-scale projects.
Q3: Can the G31 PRO be used outside of LNG projects?
Yes. The system is versatile and suitable for road building, mining, trenching, dam construction, and coastal defense.
Q4: How much time can be saved with FJD's 3D guidance systems?
In this case, the project timeline improved by 7 months, equal to about 35% faster excavation efficiency.
Q5: Do operators need special training to use the system?
No. The FJD G31 PRO features an intuitive display, making it easy for both experienced and new operators to achieve precise results.