Eni lets contract for crude export terminal upgrade

Eni SPA let a contract to ABB for the upgrade of its export terminal at the 120,000-b/d refinery in Taranto in anticipation of crude exports from onshore Tempa Rossa oil field.

The upgrade plan includes extension and expansion of the refinery’s existing pier. The pier will have five loading arms transferring a total of 3,000 cu m/hr of crude. ABB will provide new electrical systems as well as mechanical equipment and automation systems to ensure the secure mooring of vessels and loading of crude oil.

Eni expects the $40-million export terminal upgrade will be completed by August 2015. ABB will be responsible for the engineering, procurement, and construction of the new installation, including project management and pre-commissioning, and will supply all electrical equipment.

Tempa Rossa has an estimated 200 million bbl of heavy oil reserves. The Taranto refinery includes a two-stage thermal conversion plant (visbreaking-thermal cracking) and a residual hydrotreating unit.

Total made the final investment decision for Tempa Rossa field in July 2012. Tempa Rossa is in the southern Apennines (OGJ Newsletter, Feb. 23, 2009).

Operated by Total (75%) with Shell (25%), Tempa Rossa is scheduled to come on stream early 2016, producing 50,000 b/d at plateau, along with 230,000 cu m/day natural gas, and 240 tonnes/day LPG.