Gasco Energy Ltd, a sister company of Liquigas, has completed the installation of six large and purposely built LPG storage tanks as part of its €20 million investment in a new LPG facility at Bengħajsa. This was announced by Gasco Energy's chief executive officer Roberto Capelluto.
After summer 2012, the company's total storage capacity of liquefied petroleum gas will increase to more than double its current capacity to further ensure security of supply to its customers. In fact, the company's total storage capacity will increase from the present 2,300 tons to 4,800 tons.
Measuring 42 metre long and 7.5 meters in diameter, the six huge tanks were built by a leading LPG storage tanks producer, Tanko S.p.A. These storage tanks form an integral part of the new LPG facility that will be fully certified and will incorporate the latest safety features.
"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 Mr Capelluto.
"We believe that the LPG demand 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."
The Bengħajsa plant is being constructed according to the highest international standards to ensure a consistently reliable, safe and environmentally-friendly supply of LPG in Malta.
Fully respecting the stringent EU criteria as established in the Seveso II Directives, the plant includes - 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.
Once Gasco's Bengħajsa facility is commissioned, the old Qajjenza plant will be immediately closed down, eliminating any risk the Qajjenza plant currently has due to its present location.
Gasco Energy Ltd is a joint venture between Multigas Limited and Liquigas S.p.A. of Italy.