Vopak South Africa has commenced with the first phase of its expansion programme in Durban which, apart from adding fuel storage capacity, aims to facilitate the supply of petroleum products, improve the security of fuel supply and promote cleaner fuels importation.

The decision to increase fuel storage capacity was made in 2012, following Transnet’s move to realise its New Multi-Product Pipeline (NMPP) between Durban and Gauteng, which services the transport needs of refined petroleum products – petrol, diesel and jet fuel – along the Durban-Gauteng corridor.

Total storage capacity in Durban will be increased, in phases, to 234 200 cbm as 19 small tanks are removed and are replaced with eight larger units. The company is planning to replace 9 000 cbm storage tanks with 64 000 cbm tanks at its Fynn site at Island View.

It is also conducting feasibility studies in Lesedi and Richard’s Bay, for a new terminus and a multiproduct chemicals terminal and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) storage facility, respectively.

“This facility will allow us to import cleaner low sulphur product into the country to meet customer demand and will contribute to de-bottlenecking the Durban berth area,” comments Nischal Sancho, products manager, Shell South Africa.