Petrol storage expansion planned for Cutler Complex
ISLAND View on the Bluff is set to have a multi-million rand petrol storage expansion by global independent tank storage provider, Vopak, in response to an increase in demand for petroleum products.
Work on the New Multi Product Pipeline (NMPP), which was developed due to the Moerane Commission Report on fuel shortages in 2005, began last year and is set to increase pipeline volume and create better transport facilities from the coast to the central parts of the country.
From the Moerane Report, the Department of Minerals and Energy (DME) created the Energy Security Master Plan for Liquid Fuels. This plan determined that the petrol-handling facilities at the Durban Port must be enhanced. In response to this and with the development of the NMPP, Vopak developed its multi-million rand expansion programme for Island View.
Due to a lack of land availability at the Durban port, expansion of Vopak’s facilities was not feasible, therefore itsr existing infrastructure is set to be upgraded. The present 19 storage tanks with a capacity of 19,000m3 will be replaced with eight larger tanks built to international standards with a capacity of 64,000m3. Supplementary infrastructure throughout will also be improved.
Tanks at Vopak’s Fynn site in Island View will also be replaced, increasing capacity to 60,000m3 from the existing 9,000m3. “The project will enhance Vopak’s ability to service the changing petroleum market demands by increasing the handling and storage capacities of the terminals within the boundaries of the current sites,” said Erik Kleine, managing director of Vopak South Africa.
About 150 jobs will be created during the project preparation and construction phases. According to Kleine, Vopak undertook an extensive risk assessment in preparation for the expansion project, with strict compliance to all safety, security and environmental regulations and procedures.
– erinh@dbn.caxton.co.za
