Over 20 million litres of hot bitumen storage capacity was gained through the deal, which Caltex believes will allow it to import and distribute bitumen throughout NSW ?for decades?.
The facility triples Caltex Australia?s storage capabilities.
The move to Port Botany comes as Caltex phases out its bitumen manufacturing facilities in Kurnell, just outside of Cronulla in Sydney?s south. The company?s propane de-asphalting unit is set to close by the end of 2012, while the refinery’s number one fluidised catalytic cracking unit will shut down by February 2013.
Caltex will be the foundation customer of Terminals? new facility, which has been granted development approval and is expected to be operational by 2012.
?This is a clear demonstration of our commitment to maintain reliable bitumen supply to NSW and service Caltex?s growing list of commercial customers across the state,? said Ken James, Caltex Australia?s general manager for supply and distribution. ?The project is just one part of our broader commitment to develop infrastructure and capability to meet Australia?s need for a diverse range of fuel and non-fuel products.?
Phil Amos, Caltex Australia?s national manager for lubricants and direct sales, said the expansion of bitumen storage capacity would help maintain a quality supply of all Roads and Traffic Authority base grades.
?Caltex is committed to a truly national supply chain that meets the product needs of our customers, wherever they are operating around Australia,? said Amos.
SOURCE: Caltex Australia