Planned shutdown of Forties Pipeline postponed by Ineos due to COVID-19

Ineos Grangemouth site

ENERGY giant Ineos has announced it is to postpone the planned shutdown of its Forties Pipeline due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The pipeline system, which has a maximum capacity is 600,000 barrels of oil per day, was due to shutdown on June 16 2020.

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However, Ineos, which has an office based in Aberdeen’s Kingwells, said the shutdown will not now start before August 2020 at the earliest.

The firm said the decision was taken due to concerns around bringing workers together due to the coronavirus outbreak.

It added that it was also “responding to requests from customers”.

A spokesman for the firm said: “Ineos FPS has today responded to requests from customers and delayed its planned summer shut down of the Forties Pipeline System

“The decision has been taken in the face of the growing Corona Virus pandemic and the need to avoid bringing together large numbers of people

“Ineos will continue to work with our Government and customers to provide more information as soon as is practical.

“INEOS is also mindful of the benefits of completing this project work to the future operation of FPS and the risks of not going ahead.  However, it recognises the importance of maintain a flow of oil and gas through FPS during the current situation.  The company found that there was an overwhelming desire to delay the shutdown by its customers which it is responding to.”

The spokesman added INEOS will continue to have discussions with its customers and other stakeholders to define the best dates to plan these projects.

 

 

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