Plans are being made to avoid a fuel shortage at OR Tambo airport following a refinery fire
The Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has reported that it has received assurances from the Fuels Industry Association of South Africa (FIASA) that risk mitigation measures are being implemented, by the National Petroleum Refiners of South Africa (Natref), to ensure the uninterrupted supply of jet fuel to OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA). This followed a fire at the Natref refinery on January 4.
The fire damaged the refinery’s Crude Distillation Unit. This is expected to be operational again by February 21.
ORTIA, east of Johannesburg, is the country’s number one airport and the main gateway to the country for international air travellers. ACSA stated that it currently had sufficient fuel reserves to ensure the required supply of jet fuel, up to January 20.
FIASA has reported that 31 000 m3 of jet fuel will be transported from Durban, via pipeline, on Tuesday. But that fuel will only be delivered to ORTIA on January 27.
Action will be needed to ensure ORTIA’s jet fuel supply for the period from January 20 to January 27. ACSA, FIASA, Natref and industry partners are working together to develop the necessary measures to ensure the airport’s jet fuel supply over this period. The target is to have developed the required solutions by Tuesday.
Meanwhile, increasing the supply of jet fuel via railway is already being prioritised, with deliveries to come from both Durban and Matola in Mozambique. And fuel will be sourced from other airports, along with direct injections into Natref.
“Airlines, passengers, and all stakeholders are assured that all necessary steps are being taken to maintain normal airport operations and guarantee a secure and uninterrupted fuel supply,” assured ACSA. The company also assured that it was committed to transparency and would issue an update on the situation on Tuesday. “We appreciate your understanding and cooperation,” ACSA also assured.
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