Logistical masterpiece unfolds at Marsden Point

Logistical masterpiece unfolds at Marsden Point

Over 32,000 cubic metres of equipment required for the biggest upgrade of the Marsden Point Refinery in over 25 years will arrive at the port around September 19 in what is being described as a ‘logistical masterpiece’.

Over 1,850 tonnes of equipment has been loaded onto the heavy-lift vessel, the Happy Buccaneer. The Buccaneer, which is 146 metres long, contains two 500 tonne on-board cranes and has a deadweight of 13,740 metric tonnes, set sail from Thailand for Marsden Point on September 2.

Prior to berthing in Thailand the ship picked up heavy equipment from Japan and Indonesia.

The equipment is required for the $180 million ‘Future Fuels’ upgrade, which will allow the Refinery to produce cleaner fuels from 2006, including reducing the benzene content in petrol from three to one per cent and the sulphur content in diesel from 500 to 50 parts per million.

The project is one of the biggest single industrial projects currently underway in New Zealand. More than 300 additional people will work on the Marsden Point site during the construction phase of the project. The upgraded Refinery will be fully operational by 1 October 2005.

A new road has been built for the transportation of the heavy equipment from the port to the Refinery site and a heavy lift crane has been installed at the Refinery for the erection of the new process plants.

The landing of the shipment marks a critical milestone for this project.

What: Unloading of 1,850 tonnes of Refinery upgrade equipment involving two cranes, 40 crew and three transporters When: Estimated arrival September 19 – lasting three to five days (any changes will be advised three days before). Media briefing and tour September 20, 11am Where: NorthPort, Marsden Point

A media briefing will take place at the Refinery at Marsden Point on 20 September at 11am followed by a tour of the construction site and the port.

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