Ecuador readying fuel pipeline overhaul call

Ecuador’s state oil company Petroecuador is in the final planning phase for a project to revamp a multipurpose derivatives pipeline in the north of the country.

The 147km, 16-inch duct transports gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel from Esmeraldas on the coast to Santo Domingo in the interior (see map below).

The project would replace piping, improve pumping groups, and implement an automatic valve block and leak detection systems, among other actions.

According to the NOC, the overhaul would increase maximum operational flow to at least 108,000b/d and cover fuel demand through 2044.

The duct’s current pumping capacity and maximum flow is 60,504b/d and 2,521b/hour, respectively.

Latest information from Petroecuador shows that reference terms were being prepared to carry out the basic and detailed engineering, and that a response was pending from the environmental ministry regarding the scope of planned work.

Also Read Ecuador steps up refinery storage overhaul

Source: Petroecuador

COVID-19 IMPACT

Petroecuador metrics show that the country’s average monthly consumption of derivatives in the first half was 181,195b/d, down 27% year on year which the state operator attributes to lockdown measures on account of COVID-19.

Demand, however, increased in May and June to 4.28Mb (million barrels) and 5.58Mb, respectively, after hitting a low of 3.23Mb in April. Offtake in January, February, and March totaled 7.34Mb, 7.04Mb and 5.51Mb, respectively.

In the case of the Esmeraldas-Santo Domingo pipeline, transport in 1H20 slid 25% year on year to 9.76Mb, but transport along this duct also has been recovering, totaling 1.51Mb in June after a low of 729,969b in April. 

In January, February and March, this duct dispatched 2.39Mb, 2.27Mb and 1.63Mb.