Woqod (Qatar Fuel Company) is all set to complete the final phase of connecting a new pipeline from Mesaieed refinery to transport jet fuel to Hamad International Airport (HIA), the timing of which has been set for the opening of the new airport.
This was disclosed by the company's directors to the shareholders at the annual general assembly, presided over by Woqod Chairman HE Abdullah bin Hamad al-Attiyah.
The project is being implemented in two phases. The first phase of linking the current 12-inch pipeline with the 16-inch pipeline has been completed, following the successful technical testing.
Q-Jet, a Woqod subsidiary, is proceeding with the construction of 16-inch pipeline network with a potential operational capacity of 850 cu m per hour, to meet the daily consumption rates of jet fuel in the new airport.
Qatar Petroleum (QP) will be executing the project.
The second phase of the project involves the completion of the 16-inch pipeline linking the refinery to HIA and operating it at its fullest potential. The project is currently in the tendering process where bids have been submitted and QP is vetting them.
This project is of high significance, as it supplies jet A-1 fuel directly from the refinery to the new Doha airport, without going through the Doha depot, according to the company's directors.
"The project is projected to be completed by the opening date of HIA during this year," it said.
Woqod has undertaken an 18-inch pipeline, spanning 43km, to transport petroleum products; whose first phase has been completed to provide the Doha depot with all kinds of petroleum products, including aviation fuel.
In the light of increased demand for diesel and gasoline products and the capacity of the pipeline to supply all petroleum products simultaneously, the aviation line has been diverted to a 12-inch pipeline, while further works have been continued at the Mesaieed refinery.
Woqod established Q-Jet for Aviation Fuel in 1990 to supply jet fuel to airplanes. It is increasing the storage capacity at the new airport through the addition of five tanks with a capacity of 4.5mn liters.
About its bitumen sales, which saw a 26% fall in 2012, Woqod is confident that this year will witness a "remarkable" increase in demand with Ashghal is all set to start implementing its upcoming plan for road works.
© Gulf Times 2013
