Orpic’s 290-km long pipeline to be commissioned in 2017

Muscat: Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries Company (Orpic) on Monday said that the company’s 290-km-long pipeline to connect Mina Al Fahal refinery in Muscat with its Sohar refinery, will be commissioned in 2017. It is a two-way multi-product pipeline with an intermediate distribution and storage facility in Al Jifnain.
Upon commissioning in 2017, the Al Jifnain Terminal will deliver more than 50 per cent of Oman’s fuel via the state-of-the-art storage facility, said a company release.
Muscat Sohar Product Pipeline (MSPP) and Al Jifnain Terminal project is the first of its kind to be constructed in Oman – removing the need for Orpic to ship refined products, and bringing a new level of efficiency and lower costs to its business.
The Muscat Sohar Product Pipeline is an important investment for Orpic. “In addition to meeting the domestic demand for fuels, which is growing at approximately 5-10 per cent per annum, this project will deliver numerous social, economic and environmental benefits including job growth, improved road safety, increased jet fuel supply, logistic efficiencies, and reduced pollution resulting from lower truck movements,” added the press release.
Meanwhile, theMuscat Sohar Product Pipeline has achieved a milestone of 5 million man hours without Lost Time Injury (LTI). With more 2,000 personnel on board, MSPP is one of the key strategic growth projects.
“Safety is our number one priority. We have a diligent and experienced team who is committed to ensuring the construction and future operation of this project is achieved to its highest standards. We believe that all incidents can be avoided. We have a wide range of tools to help us but it all starts with our attention and commitment. We believe that tomorrow is our reward for working safely today,” said Andres Suarez, general manager ofOrpic Logistics, Orpic.
Along with this significant milestone, Orpic Logistics celebrated the first edition of the MSPP Safety Award For Excellence (SAFE) programme by recognising 15 employees from contractors and subcontractors for their observance, respect and implementation of health, safety and environment (HSE) policies across the project. This award will be celebrated each time the project achieves an additional 1 million man-hours without LTI.
Muscat Sohar Product Pipeline and Al Jifnain Terminal project is split into three sections - MAF-Jifnain Terminal: 40-kms (10 inches), Jifnain Terminal-Airport: 30-kms (10 inches), and Sohar-Jifnain Terminal: 220-kms (18 inches). The project is being delivered by Orpic Logistics – a joint venture partnership established between Orpic, and Spanish firm Compañía Logística de Hidrocarburos (CLH).