The Abu Dhabi Crude Oil Pipeline (ADCOP), which runs from the Emirate’s onshore fields to an export terminal in Fujairah some 230 miles away, is being inaugurated today, having begun operation two weeks ago.
The project comprises the pipeline, pumping stations, a 12 million barrel oil terminal at Fujairah, offshore loading single-point mooring systems and associated facilities. China Petroleum Engineering & Construction Corp. was ADCOP’s main engineering, procurement, and construction contractor.
The importance of the pipeline, which was originally slated for commissioning in 2010, was thrown into relief earlier this year as sanctions against Iran provoked the possibility of disruptions to marine traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
The Oil & Gas Journal puts initial flows at 1 million barrels of oil a day, leaving a further 500,000 bpd capacity for the time being. The line is upgradeable to 2 million bpd.
In addition to security benefits, the pipeline saves tanker time and risk by keeping them out of the Strait, reducing shipping cost and improving the attractiveness of Abu Dhabi’s onshore crude on international markets.
Before the pipeline was commissioned, almost all the Emirate’s onshore oil was loaded at the Jebel Dhanna port, while its offshore crude is loaded for export at Das Island.
Efforts to develop alternative outlets for Persian Gulf crude, avoiding the Strait of Hormuz, were reinvigorated earlier this year when Iran threatened closure of the waterway.
