Economical and Efficient Fuel Transportation
The Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) reports that the underground pipeline will facilitate the transportation of 2.7 million metric tons of diesel annually in a speedy and eco-friendly manner with an annual saving of BDT 23.6 billion. The pipeline will be secured under watch by the latest technology-based computerized monitoring systems.
Present Challenges of Fuel Transportation
Now, after sea import, fuel oil is transported from Chattogram’s Patenga to the rest of the nation by waterways, tank lorries, or rail wagons. It is a time-consuming, risky process with chances of theft, procedural loss, and wastage. Political instability and navigability issues during the dry season often strangle the supply line.
Pipeline Project Delays and Schedule
To overcome these challenges, in 2018, a project was undertaken to install a 250-kilometer pipeline from Chattogram to Dhaka. The initial deadline was to complete the project by December 2020, but the deadline was prolonged twice, and four more years were added to the cost and deadline of the project. Still, even in the prolonged deadline, the project was not completed.
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Capacity and Economic Benefits
BPC reports that 16-inch diameter underground pipeline will transport 2.7 million metric tons of diesel annually. In case of increased demand in the future, the capacity can be doubled to 5.4 million metric tons. It will save time and fuel transportation cost as well as wastage, theft, and procedural loss. The BDT 23.6 billion annual saving will pay back the BDT 360 billion investment within 16 years.
Future Commercial Operations
BPC Chairman Md. Amin Ul Ahsan added that the timeline of the project will be completed in March and commercial operation will begin next month. Trial operation was already established using the pipeline for fuel transport. Small tankers are currently being utilized for importing fuel with record logistical woes. All such issues will be eliminated when the pipeline comes into operation, saving time and cost.
Advanced Security Features
But pipeline safety is a very large undertaking. For its safety to be guaranteed, very sophisticated technology-driven automatic monitoring systems such as SCADA, telecommunication, and cathodic protection will be employed.
