The airport operator expects a substantial year-on-year increase in jet fuel demand over the next 20 years. Existing infrastructure is approaching capacity limits and the increased demand would threaten fuel availability, particularly during high-demand periods.
The Situation
Over the last decade, the airport had experienced substantial year-on-year growth in jet fuel demand and is forecast to continue to grow into the future. Jet fuel is supplied to the airport by a combination of trucking and pipelines from the refinery and import facilities, and is stored in tanks at the airport and reticulated to the terminals through joint user hydrant infrastructure.
The operator expects a substantial year-on-year increase in jet fuel demand over the next 20 years. Existing infrastructure is approaching capacity limits and the increased demand would threaten fuel availability, particularly during high demand periods.
Long-term solutions will likely involve new terminal facilities at the airport, with increased tanks, supply pipelines and distribution infrastructure - though the long-term solution can’t be implemented in the time frame to meet the short-term shortfalls. A number of short-term solutions had been identified by the pipeline operator however a preferred solution had not been selected.
Our Approach
Advisian investigated the possible short-term and long-term expansion options for the jet fuel facilities.
The long-term solution to develop a second jet fuel terminal at the airport was identified and quantified. The challenges of routing new supply pipelines through urban and light industrial areas were addressed and a viable development concept was defined.
The proposed short-term solutions were screened and the practicalities of implementing these solutions were evaluated. None of the proposed solutions were considered practical due to the interruption to fuel supplies to implement the upgrades. As a result, Advisian identified a number of new solutions to address the challenges.
One proposed intermediate solution was to install a Mid-Point Pumping Station which would increase the capacity of the existing pipeline, while keeping the pipeline on-line. Analysis of the upgrade indicated that this would provide a viable solution for seven years, allowing the timely development of the long-term terminal facilities. Further screening identified a viable location for the mid-point pump facilities with suitable buffer distances to homes, close to road access and with a reliable power supply.
Results
We used our industry knowledge and subject matter experts to identify new solutions for our client to successfully meet their short-term supply challenges, providing enough time to develop a permanent solution to be implemented in a practical time frame.
