SAPREF to take action on eThekwini Pipeline Study

11 October 2004

SAPREF, the 50/50 joint venture between Shell SA Energy and BP Southern Africa, supports the findings of the independent study carried out on its underground transfer lines by Pipeline Performance Technologies (PPT) saying it allows them to take action and move forward in two significant ways.

"Now we can fulfil our commitment to the recommendations of the report as well as our commitment to engaging widely with the community and other stakeholders," explained managing director, Wayne Pearce.

Sapref estimates that the recommendations contained in the report will cost between R300 and R400 million. "Our first priority is to install the new cathodic protection system as this will immediately enhance the protection on the lines in readiness for future work to be done," said Pearce. The steel pipelines are each covered in a specially developed wrapping that protects the lines from external corrosion. Cathodic protection (CP) protects the pipelines from corrosion in the event that the wrapping is damaged.

"We have released R6,5 million to upgrade the cathodic protection system. We have also appointed British Pipeline Association (BPA) to carry out the redesign work. The situation in south Durban with stray currents that can cause corrosion on pipelines presents unique challenges and BPA's world wide experience will provide the expertise required," said Pearce.

While the cathodic protection system is being upgraded, Sapref will continue with its rigorous programme of inspecting and testing its pipelines and focus on its operational performance.

Throughout the project of upgrading the lines Sapref will engage with communities living along their pipeline servitude and other interested stakeholders. "Our initial engagement programme spans the next few weeks," said Pearce. "Beyond that we will be contracting community liaison officers to help with our ongoing community interaction."

Sapref believes there is scope to go further than the report suggests in sharing of information between all interested parties and by continuing the best international practices that Sapref is already applying in inspecting its lines. "This is a model of partnership between the city, industry and the community similar to the Multi-Point Plan which is clearly amongst the best in the world," explained Pearce.

In line with the thinking of the City, Sapref has initiated an integrity survey of its interconnecting pipelines within the Island View complex. Said Pearce "We have approached external consultants for a review of our pipelines at Island View. This will inform our future management plans and build on our own internal reviews. We would be happy to join with the city in this review."

Since 2001 Sapref has spent more than R160 million in upgrading its pipelines. This has included replacing and rewrapping sections of lines, conducting a thorough investigation into the condition of the lines, their wrapping and the cathodic protection system, and undertaking a survey of stray electrical currents in the soil.

Notes :
   1. Sapref has seven underground pipelines that run about 12 km from the refinery at Prospecton to the harbour at Island View.
   2. The pipeline study was commissioned by eThekwini Health following a leak on Sapref's petrol pipeline in July 2001. The leak was caused by external corrosion