Americas News
New Chilean Oil Dock to Improve Fuel Delivery
A new oil dock at Chile's Bay of San Vicente will help provide "reliable and continuous delivery of fuels" to the country, Minister of Energy Jorge Bunster said at a ceremony officially opening the $140 million facility, according to a press release from Empresa Nacional del Petrolea (ENAP).
The ENAP oil dock was described as one of the most modern in Latin America, replacing existing facilities with an improved site for loading and unloading oil and fuel.
During a trial run of the dock that began in November, the facility has received more than 100 ships, loading and unloading 3.3 million cubic meters of cargo.
The oil dock includes a new control room with online controls for all dock activities and more than 500 meters of pipes, suitable for all types of products, to allow for transportation to and from the Bio-Bio Refinery in Hualpén.
The dock allows for easier maintenance and inspection, better fire detection and control systems, and faster loading and unloading.
A report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) last year noted that Chile is a large net importer of crude oil and oil products and the long, thin shape of its land mass makes the supply of energy particularly difficult.
