Control System World

Oman, Spanish firms launch JV for $200m pipeline

Reuters: Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries Company (ORPIC) and Spanish company Compania Logistica de Hidrocarburos, have launched a joint venture to build a 280km pipeline project.

"This is a significant project on a number of levels," said Musab al- Mahrouqi, ORPIC CEO.

"As a multi-product pipeline it is a first for Oman, a complex transportation system that will have a positive impact for the business overall and specifically in environmental issues."

The Orpic Logistics Company (OLC) has been established to construct the Muscat-Sohar Product Pipeline (MSPP) which also includes a terminal and a direct pipeline link from Jifnain to Musc at International Airport. A total of $200m will be invested in the project. MSPP will be one of three major projects to be started - the others being the Sohar Refinery Improvement Project and the Liwa Plastics Project, a statement carried by Oman Press Agency said.

"The Jifnain terminal is a strategic storage facility, capable of responding to emergency situations should it be necessary. And the direct link to the new airport will mean that aircraft will be refuelled through a closed system, guaranteeing a continuous flow 24 hours a day, rather than having to use fuel tankers.

"We strongly believe that this project is strategically important for Oman."

The pipeline will transport four types of fuel, premium and regular gasoline, diesel and jet A1 for aircraft, using a computer controlled buffering system to separate product streams.

New Arrivals