Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited (KPHLs) contractor and China Petroleum Pipeline Engineering, a subsidiary of China National Petroleum Company has begun construction on a Jet A1 fuel import and storage facility at a site adjacent to the Motukea wharf in Port Moresby.
Kumul Petroleum Managing Director, Wapu Sonk said, “This facility is part of the commitment we made to the Government and people of PNG earlier this year when there was a fuel supply crisis. We said that, apart from facilitating short term imports of fuel, we would ensure that we organise medium and longer term solutions so that such fuel supply crisis would not occur again in future.”
Mr. Sonk explained that KPHL had been busy dealing with other stakeholders in this important project. This included having the necessary geotechnical studies carried out, liaison with PNG Ports Corporation, CEPA, NMSA, other utilities, services providers and regulatory agencies who have to approve various aspects of the project.
“KPHL has engaged China Petroleum and Pipeline Engineering Company Limited and China Petroleum and Pipeline International Limited to carry out the construction and commissioning of these facilities.”
“This construction is Phase 1 of the project. It is a significant activity and investment for Kumul Petroleum. Once it is complete and operating, we will consider a second phase which will involve constructing additional storage tanks, pipeline and support facilities for diesel and petrol imports and storage.”
Mr. Sonk explained further, “KPHL is happy to assist the Government put in place critical infrastructure to ensure that Port Moresby and other parts of the country is never again faced with an energy crisis, which is so important for our economy and development as a country.”
Mr. Sonk further thanked the Marape-Rosso Govt, especially Minister Duma, and the management of KCH and PNG Ports for their support in making sure the project becomes a reality.
