$1.55bn fuel pipeline planned for Horn of Africa

30th September 2015 By: Megan van Wyngaardt - Creamer Media Contributing Editor Online

$1.55bn fuel pipeline planned for Horn of Africa

Photo by: Bloomberg

Energy infrastructure companies Black Rhino and Mogs Oil & Gas Services, together with the governments of Djibouti and Ethiopia, have signed framework agreements for the construction of a $1.55-billion 550 km fuel pipeline system running through the two countries in the Horn of Africa.

The multiproduct pipeline would transport diesel, gasoline and jet fuel from Damerjog, Djibouti, to Awash, in central Ethiopia, as well as supporting economic growth across the region.

“We are pleased to be working in a partnership that will be transformative for the region. The pipeline will increase energy security, aid economic development and reduce harmful emissions,” Black Rhino CEO Brian Herlihy said.

Scheduled for completion in 2018, the development was expected to increase the efficiency and safety of Ethiopia’s fuel import supply chain by aiding in the reduction of fuel transportation costs, increasing scalability of fuel imports and significantly decreasing the carbon output from importing fuel. The project would also reinforce Djibouti as a regional shipping hub by expanding the port’s capacity.

“The Horn of Africa project will sustain the momentum of economic growth and growing fuel demand in both Djibouti and Ethiopia by enabling high-quality, consistent energy supply at reasonable cost points for the two regions,” Mogs Oil & Gas Services CEO Errol Gregor stated.