BP and Flinders Ports announced today that they are investing close to $8 million in infrastructure to establish a state-of-the-art fuel bunkering facility in Port Adelaide’s Inner Harbour.
Connected directly via pipelines from the nearby Largs North Terminal, the new fuel bunkering facility will support the day-to-day operations of BP’s planned Great Australian Bight programme. It will enable safe, efficient and simultaneous refuelling of vessels and receipt of fuel into the terminal.
“BP is proud to lead the development and execution of a unique, custom-built fuel bunkering system in Port Adelaide,” said Andy Holmes, BP’s COO Fuels AsPac & Air BP. This is highly valuable infrastructure for South Australia and will exist well beyond the life of BP’s exploration drilling programme in the Great Australian Bight.”
Flinders Ports will work closely with local contractors including Maritime Constructions to fully rebuild and reinforce the existing berth structure at the facility and manage day-to-day berth operations.
“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.”
More than 20 local job opportunities have been generated to support various stages of the overall project from engineering and pipeline design to the berth upgrade.
About BP in Australia:
BP is engaged in the exploration and production of oil, natural gas and liquefied natural gas and the refining and marketing of petroleum and lubricant products. BP, as operator, and Statoil, with a 30 per cent equity interest, are the titleholders to four exploration permits in the Great Australian Bight. Subject to regulatory approvals, the first two wells are planned to be drilled from late 2016. Visit: http://www.bpgabproject.com.au/.
About Flinders Ports:
Flinders Ports is South Australia’s leading port operator with seven ports located at Port Adelaide, Port Lincoln, Port Pirie, Thevenard, Port Giles, Wallaroo and Klein Point. Prioritising safety and environmental management, Flinders Ports offers a range of port and port related services including pilotage, mooring, survey and marine control. It is part of the Flinders Port Holdings Group, which is led by Chief Executive Officer, Vincent Tremaine. Visit www.flindersports.com.au.
