Asia/Pacific News
BP and Flinders Ports to Invest AUS$8 million in Ex-Pipe Bunkering Facility for Port Adelaide
BP and Flinders Ports are set to invest AUS$8 million ($6 million) in a new ex-pipe bunkering facility at Port Adelaide, Australia, local media reported on Sunday.
The "state-of-the-art" bunkering facility in Port Adelaide's Inner Harbour will see a pipeline connection to the nearby Largs North Terminal, and will allow simultaneous bunkering and receipt of fuel into the terminal from vessels up to 120 meters in length.
At present, bunkers are supplied ex-truck only.
The upgrades come as part of BP's proposal to drill four exploration wells in the Great Australian Bight (GAB), an area approximately 400 km west of Port Lincoln and 300 km southwest of Ceduna in South Australia (SA).
"BP is proud to lead the development and execution of a unique, custom-built fuel bunkering system. This is highly valuable infrastructure for SA and will exist well beyond the life of BP's exploration drilling program in the Great Australian Bight," said Andy Holmes, BP's chief operating officer, Fuels AsPac and Air.
Two new pipelines have already been installed, and are said to have a flow rate of 2,400 litres per minute.
The upgrades are expected to be completed later this year.
"New contracts are scarce so the upgrade of this berth is an exciting development and provides a welcome boost for local suppliers and business confidence," said Stewart Lammin, general manager, Flinders Ports.
"There is potential for several new vessel calls into Port Adelaide each week and the positive flow-on benefits for the economy are much needed."
