As the debate goes on in Australia regarding the country’s fuel security and the merits of refining compared with importing, Puma Energy, which now has a local footprint, has taken steps to create efficiencies in Africa.
In April, Puma Energy opened one of the world’s largest conventional buoy-mooring systems (CBMs) in Luanda, capital of Angola.
The fuel-loading buoy anchored offshore serves as a strategic mooring point for Africa and will allow a wide range of carriers to berth while loading or offloading oil product. The new CBM is next to Puma Energy’s Fishing Port Terminal in Luanda Bay, which is being extended and will have a total storage capacity of 276,000 cubic metres.
The CBM meets Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) standards and can accommodate vessels up to 225,000 DWT (dead weight tonnes) with a draught restriction of 19.3m. It has bi-directional flow and a nominal product transfer rate of 4,000 cubic metres an hour on both lines.
The mooring buoys are fitted with navigational aids to assist with effective, safer and environmentally friendly tanker loading and berthing.
Puma Energy applied its extensive infrastructure experience in constructing this facility – the result of which will make Angola’s Fishing Port Terminal a key site, securing the supply of energy to and from Angola and Africa during a period of high demand for energy products.
The CBM is part of Angola’s long-term strategic objectives to improve the country’s infrastructure endowment.
In Australia, Puma Energy has consolidated its operations after entering the market via acquisition of a number of state and regional-based operations. It has embarked on a program of converting service stations to the attractive Puma livery and has added competition to the independent sector of the market.
