DUBAI -Fuel supply logistics into Dubai International Airport have improved dramatically as Emirates National Oil Co. (Enoc) launches a new pipeline carrying jet fuel from its storage facilities at the Jebel Ali Free Zone. Enoc funded the $250 million project, which includes a 58 km pipeline and stateof-the-art storage tanks that were completed last year with capacity to hold 140,000 cubic meters of jet fuel (JFI Apr.28’14). As an interim measure, tanker trucks have been delivering supplies from the new storage facility to the airport. Enoc’s new 16 inch pipeline pumps at a rate of 850 cubic meters per hour and can supply 55% of the airport’s fuel requirements, which are expected to reach 2.2 billion gallons (143,510 b/d) this year as flag carrier Emirates expands its operations. The pipeline will be extended to serve the needs of Dubai’s Al-Maktoum International Airport within the next two years. The line complements Enoc’s existing pipeline, which has been operating at capacity, as well as state-owned Emarat’s own pipeline to the airport, which is also used by BP and Royal Dutch Shell. “The new pipeline eliminates the constraints of road trucking of jet fuel that would have serious limitations for meeting the airport demand in future years,” said Enoc Group CEO Saif al-Falasi. Dubai has surpassed London’s Heathrow to become the world’s busiest international airport, handling 70 million passengers last year.
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