Gas storage set to double

Gasco Energy Ltd, a sister company of Liquigas Malta Ltd, has completed the installation of six large, purposely-built LPG storage tanks as part of a €20 million investment in a new LPG facility at Bengħajsa.

After summer 2012, the company’s total storage capacity of liquefied petroleum gas will be more than double its current capacity, thus ensuring security of supply to customers. Total storage capacity will rise from the present 2,300 tons to 4,800 tons.

Measuring 42 metres long and 7.5metres in diameter, the six tanks were built by Tanko SpA.

“By significantly increasing its LPG storage facilities, Gasco Energy Ltd is securing Malta’s present and future gas requirements. Apart from maximising the efficiency of gas bottling and storage operations through the application of modern technology, we shall be introducing efficient work practices while ensuring that appropriate quality, environmental and health standards are maintained at all times,” said the company’s chief executive officer Roberto Capelluto.

He said that Gasco believed that demand for LPG would increase due to its advantage of being a cleaner and more efficient fuel. “For this purpose, Malta needs to be well prepared for the coming decades,” he added.

Gasco said the Bengħajsa plant was being built according to the highest international standards to ensure a consistently reliable, safe and environmentally-friendly supply of LPG. Respecting the stringent EU criteria as established in the Seveso II Directives, the plant included – apart from the new LPG storage tanks – the pipeline from the importation terminal to the facility, a cylinder filling plant, a road tanker filling point to deliver bulk LPG to its clients and an administration building, the company explained.

Once Gasco’s Bengħajsa facility is commissioned, the old Qajjenza plant will be immediately closed down.

Gasco Energy Ltd is a joint venture between Multigas Ltd and Liquigas SpA. of Italy.