BP officially opened three new bulk fuel storage tanks at the Port of Lyttleton today, representing a $15 million investment.
The three 8 million litre tanks will increase the Port's fuel capacity by over 30 per cent and will be used to store petrol, diesel and jet fuel.
BP Managing Director
Peter Griffiths said the new tanks would provide South Island customers with greater security of fuel supply into the future.
"The new tanks will increase the capacity to service growing customer demand for petrol and diesel across the Canterbury area, and for aviation customers at South Island airports."
The tanks took 18 months to build. Each is supported on 211 14-metre stone columns.
"We have installed a floating blanket in the petrol tank to further reduce vapour emissions," Mr Griffiths said.
A new pipeline from the wharf will transfer fuel into the new tanks. The tanks are also connected by a new underground transfer pipeline, via a pumping station, to Mobil's Lyttelton to Woolston pipeline.
