BP to fuel industry growth in the Hunter Region
Release date:
24 August 2009
Energy security for the Hunter region was today significantly strengthened with the official opening of BP Australia’s new liquid fuels import facility in the Port of Newcastle.
The $40 million facility enables BP to directly import diesel and petrol into the Port of Newcastle, providing an alternative and reliable source of fuel to meet future demand growth from the region’s industry and motorists.
The official opening of the facility was conducted by Hon Martin Ferguson, Minister for Resources and Energy, and represents a major upgrade to energy infrastructure in the region.
BP Australasia President, Gerry Hueston, said “When BP opened the Newcastle Terminal in 1955 we established the means to supply fuel that was essential to helping the region establish itself as an industry hub. Now more than 50 years later, the sustained growth of the Hunter economy and its matching growth in energy consumption demands not only growing supplies of fuel but more secure supplies.
The $40 million facility enables BP to directly import diesel and petrol into the Port of Newcastle, providing an alternative and reliable source of fuel to meet future demand growth from the region’s industry and motorists.
The official opening of the facility was conducted by Hon Martin Ferguson, Minister for Resources and Energy, and represents a major upgrade to energy infrastructure in the region.
BP Australasia President, Gerry Hueston, said “When BP opened the Newcastle Terminal in 1955 we established the means to supply fuel that was essential to helping the region establish itself as an industry hub. Now more than 50 years later, the sustained growth of the Hunter economy and its matching growth in energy consumption demands not only growing supplies of fuel but more secure supplies.
“Greater energy security requires an investment in the future. Outside of Sydney the result of BP’s investment is the first alternative import facility for diesel and petroleum products not only in Newcastle but in New South Wales.
“This is an investment that demonstrates BP’s willingness to help communities meet their current energy challenges and one that looks to the region’s future with confidence,” said Gerry Hueston.
Central to the development is a new liquid fuels berth and wharf line constructed at Dyke Berth Number 1 at the Port of Newcastle, allowing BP to discharge fuel directly from vessels arriving from either Australian or overseas ports. The fuel will be transported through a new underground pipeline running from the wharf to the BP Newcastle Terminal in Carrington.
As part of the infrastructure upgrade BP has created 40 million litres of new fuel storage capacity. This includes a new 31 million litre diesel storage tank, and capacity for increased storage of petrol and ethanol.
“This is an investment that demonstrates BP’s willingness to help communities meet their current energy challenges and one that looks to the region’s future with confidence,” said Gerry Hueston.
Central to the development is a new liquid fuels berth and wharf line constructed at Dyke Berth Number 1 at the Port of Newcastle, allowing BP to discharge fuel directly from vessels arriving from either Australian or overseas ports. The fuel will be transported through a new underground pipeline running from the wharf to the BP Newcastle Terminal in Carrington.
As part of the infrastructure upgrade BP has created 40 million litres of new fuel storage capacity. This includes a new 31 million litre diesel storage tank, and capacity for increased storage of petrol and ethanol.
For further media information contact:
Chandran VigneswaranPh: +61 (0) 3 9268 3534
Mob: +61 (0) 410 479 002
Notes to Editors:
About BP in Australia- We are engaged in the exploration for and production of oil, natural gas and liquefied natural gas and the refining, transportation and marketing of petroleum and lubricant products, as well as power trading and the supply of solar photovoltaic products.
- We supply fuel to approximately 1,400 service stations around Australia.
- For more information about BP in Australia please visit www.bp.com.au
