Port Taranaki and BP Invest in Terminal Facility

Port Taranaki today announced it has acquired a terminal located at 283 Centennial Drive in New Plymouth and has initiated a new operating agreement with BP New Zealand.

Last operated in 2010, the terminal has a pipeline connected to the Newton King wharf and will be refurbished and modernised to comply with current legal and industry standards.

Port Taranaki Chief Executive Guy Roper said the decision to invest in this fuel hub was vitally important for continuity of supply and distribution across the Taranaki region.

“The upgraded facility will result in larger parcels of fuel being delivered into Taranaki via vessel rather than via “As the area is currently serviced by trucks that bring petrol in from other North Island terminals, the upgraded facility will reduce road traffic by up to eight trucks per week.

“We have confidence that this long-term investment will benefit the region and are pleased to have secured BP’s commitment to operate out of New Plymouth.”

BP Managing Director Matt Elliott said he was pleased to continue a long-standing association with Port Taranaki and the city of New Plymouth and he believed the move would continue to support Taranaki’s growth.

“Ongoing fuel supply is really important to enable the region to function effectively and while others may have left, BP is committed to operating here,” he said.

“A number of important regional customers will continue to be supplied out of the new facility so it’s great that we can provide them with the assurance that we are here to stay.”

The new terminal is much larger than the current BP facility at 30 Centennial Drive, and this will enable BP to store and distribute both petrol and diesel to the region.

Mr Roper said detailed planning for the refurbishment of the new facility will commence early in the New Year.

“There is significant expenditure required for the upgrade works and a range of contracts will be let to enable an expected completion date of July 2017.

“It is pleasing to bring this work to the region over the coming 18 months.”

BP’s current terminal will be decommissioned following the opening of the new facility and the land will be returned to the land owner, Taranaki Regional Council.

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