South Africa authorizes 13.2-million bbl Oiltanking crude terminal

The government of South Africa has granted Oiltanking MOGS Saldanha RF Pty. Ltd. (OTMS), a joint venture of OTGC Holdings Pty. Ltd. and MOGS Pty. Ltd., environmental authorization for a 13.2-million bbl commercial crude oil blending and storage terminal, comprising twelve in-ground concrete tanks, at Saldanha Bay. Eight specialist studies occurred over 2 years as part of the environmental impact assessment.

OTMS also conducted a marine oil pollution control study to ensure any and all environmental risks are adequately understood and addressed. This study was not required as part of environmental approval.

The 12 tanks have a layer underneath them that will collect oil in the event of a leak and relay it to an underground collection point for redirection to a nonleaking tank. OTMS says this layer will be continuously monitored.