The Hindu : Business : Kochi Refinery plans capacity expansion

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Friday, Dec 03, 2010
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Kochi Refinery plans capacity expansion

Special Correspondent

KOCHI: Kochi Refinery, a unit of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, is undertaking the second phase of capacity expansion-cum-modernisation project in the State. Facilities for producing auto fuels, complying with Euro-III specifications, will be set up under the project. The refining capacity will be increased from 7.5 million metric tons per annum (mmtpa) to 9.5 mmtpa.

The auto fuels project is almost complete and is expected to be commissioned shortly. Auto fuels produced at the refinery are Euro-III compliant and small quantities of Euro-IV can also be produced using the same facilities. The total cost of the project is Rs.3,941 crore.

An integrated refinery expansion project envisaging a 6 mmtpa capacity expansion with the effective utilisation of available infrastructure is planed.

The project aims at modernisation to produce auto fuels conforming to Euro-IV specifications.

A 33-km pipeline is being laid from the refinery to the Cochin International airport at a cost of Rs.40.5 crore to ensure uninterrupted aircraft turbine fuel supply. The project is to be completed by March 2011.

The first phase of the capacity expansion-cum-modernisation project was aimed at meeting Bharat Stage II (BS II) product specifications.

The supply of auto fuels conforming to BS II specifications had begun in 2005. The investment for the project was Rs.273 crore.

The crude oil receipt facilities project was undertaken to assist the refinery in its future growth.

It consists of single-point mooring for berthing of very large crude carriers, sub-sea pipeline, shore tank farm for storage of crude oil and associated pipelines and facilities. The project was completed in November 2007.

The advantages of the project include direct savings through reduced freight charges and increased flexibility in crude oil selection.

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