Gas storage study (From Western Telegraph)

Gas storage study

THE Dutch-owned company Petroplus is to carry out a feasibility study into the storage of liquified natural gas at the former Gulf Oil Refinery at Waterston.

Refining stopped on the site in December 1997 with the loss of 400 jobs. The site remained idle until the following year when it was purchased by Petroplus.

The company uses the 100 tanks on site for the storage of crude oil and petroleum products. Customers include oil companies and major traders who lease the tanks for weeks, months or even years. All products are brought in and distributed by oil tankers using Petropluss three jetties.

A gas-powered co-generation plant on site has been shut down since last year because the economics of purchasing gas and selling electricity were not attractive enough to warrant its continued operation. It remains mothballed.

Although refusing to comment on the feasibility study, Petroplus spokesman Ashley Warlow, said: We are essentially a third party storage terminal for customers who want additional storage facilities. Petroplus is an entrepreneurial company and is always looking at its assets and conducting studies into the use of the site.

q An unleaded diesel unit at the site is currently being dismantled by 100 workmen and will be re-erected at Petropluss Antwerp refinery.