UK consultant Turner & Townsend (T&T) is to project manage a 550km pipeline that will transport jet fuel, diesel and gasoline from the port of Djibouti to central Ethiopia.
The $1.5bn Horn of Africa Pipeline, is being developed by Black Rhino MOGS, a joint venture between the infrastructure investment company Black Rhino Group and South African-based Mining, Oil & Gas Services.
T&T will be providing full project services including estimating, cost, schedule and risk management, in addition to contracts administration and procurement management. Â
The project is currently in the set-up phase, with detailed design and procurement due to take place over the coming months. Â
The project includes the creation of an import facility and a buffer storage tank farm in Damerjog, Djibouti.
Typical landscape in Ethiopia along the pipeline route (Turner & Townsend)
This will be linked to a storage terminal and truck loading facility in Awash, near the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa. Â
The 20-inch steel pipeline will be capable of transporting more than 240,000 barrels of fuel daily.
The current route which requires 500 tanker trucks per day to travel along an 800km, narrow two-lane highway. Â
Mark Haselau, director at T&T, said: "The challenge lies in overcoming the logistical, infrastructural and regulatory issues presented on the African continent, including the physical importation and transportation of materials to the many sites and laydown areas along the pipeline’s route. Â
"However, once completed the project will play an essential role in meeting the rising demand for fuel from Ethiopia’s fast-growing economy, as well as increasing energy security and reducing harmful emissions across the region."
Top image: Trial pits on the pipeline route (Turner & Townsend)
