BP are partnering with Flinders Ports to establish a state-of the-art fuel bunkering facility in Port Adelaide’s inner harbour.
The $8 million project will connect the facility to the nearby Largs North Terminal directly via pipelines to support the day-to-day operations of BP’s planned Great Australian Bight program.
The facility will enable safe, efficient and simultaneous refuelling of vessels and receipt of fuel into the terminal.
BP’s Chief Operating Officer, Fuels AsPac and Air BP, Andy Holmes said, “BP is proud to lead the development and execution of a unique, custom-built fuel bunkering system in Port Adelaide.
“This is highly valuable infrastructure for South Australia and will exist well beyond the life of BP’s exploration drilling program 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.
Flinders Ports General Manager Stewart Lammin said, “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.
“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 created to support various stages of the overall project from engineering and pipeline design to the berth upgrade.