BRITISH Petroleum has signalled its commitment to Australia by announcing a multi-million dollar investment in infrastructure establishing a new fuel bunkering facility in Port Adelaide’s inner harbour.
BP and Flinders Ports said the $8 million facility would support operations for BP’s planned $1 billion Great Australian Bight program which, subject to approval will see the first two wells drilled from late 2016, by providing 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.”
