UK oil pipeline network

UK oil pipeline network

The United Kingdom pipeline network is principally made up of three pipelines systems: the former Government Pipeline and Storage System (GPSS) now the CLH-PS; the Esso pipelines (principally the mainline and midlines), and the United Kingdom Oil Pipelines (UKOP) and associated pipelines. There is also the Fina line built around 1990 that runs from Humberside to the Buncefield depot near Hemel Hempstead. [1]

The GPSS was originally constructed during between 1941 and 1944 and then extended after the war, most notably during the 1950s, 1970s and 1980s. [2] The first commercial pipeline to be constructed in the United Kingdom was built in 1959 by Shell-Mex and BP from the GPSS depot at Walton on Thames to Heathrow Airport. This pipeline now forms part of UKOP (West London). In 1963 Esso built their own pipeline from their Fawley refinery to London Heathrow. [3] The Esso Main and Midlines constructed in the 1970s and 1980s respectively. The Esso pipeline from Fawley to London is due to be replaced, with the preferred routes G and J - North and South of Alton Pumping station being announced in June 2018.[4]

The United Kingdom Oil Pipeline (UKOP) is an oil products pipeline opened in 1969 and connecting the two (then) Shell refineries of Stanlow (Cheshire) and Shell Haven (Thames Estuary). It is administered and operated by the British Pipeline Agency (BPA),[5] which is jointly owned by Shell and BP.[6] As part of the UKOP network, in 1982 BPA began work a pipeline from Walton to Gatwick and this was substantively complete by the end of the year. However, in 1983 the pipeline had to be shutdown and was not brought back into operation until 1984. [7] In 1985 the UKOP pipeline from Kingsbury to Buncefield was commissioned. [8]

UKOP transports 7.5 million tonnes of mixed products each year distributed to major oil terminals at Buncefield and Kingsbury with spurs to Northampton and Nottingham. UKOP now draws its products from Essar Stanlow[9] in the north and Petroplus Coryton[10] in the south, with smaller volumes from tankage at Shell Haven. UKOP carries two grades of petrol, two grades of kerosene (including Jet A-1) and two grades of gas oil-diesel.

To ensure safety and integrity, the pipeline is patrolled by helicopter every two weeks.

References

  1. ↑ Tim Whittle: Fuelling the Wars - PLUTO and the Secret Pipeline Network 1936 to 2015 published 2017. ISBN 9780992855468
  2. ↑ Tim Whittle: Fuelling the Wars - PLUTO and the Secret Pipeline Network 1936 to 2015 published 2017. ISBN 9780992855468
  3. ↑ A.L.Adams: The Development and Use of the Department of Energy's Oil Pipelines and Storages p8 (Paper 1980).
  4. ↑ "Esso Southampton to London Pipeline Project". 2018-06-28. Retrieved 2018-06-28.
  5. ↑ British Pipeline Agency website
  6. ↑ "Parliamentary Debates (Official Report - Unrevised) Dáil Éireann". Oireachtas. 2005-06-02. Retrieved 2007-03-15.
  7. ↑ BPA: Annual Report and Accounts 1981 to 1984
  8. ↑ Tim Whittle: Fuelling the Wars - PLUTO and the Secret Pipeline Network 1936 to 2015 page 140 published 2017. ISBN 9780992855468
  9. ↑ Shell Stanlow Manufacturing Complex
  10. ↑ Coryton Refinery

Further reading

  • Tim Whittle: Fuelling the Wars - PLUTO and the Secret Pipeline Network 1936 to 2015 published 2017. ISBN 9780992855468


See also

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