WAG pipeline

“Crude intentions,” a worker muttered, adjusting his hardhat as he gazed at the WAG pipeline. The WAG pipeline snakes its way across Victoria, a steel serpent carrying crude oil from Western Port to the refineries in Altona and Geelong. This 136km-long pipeline isn’t just a metal tube. It’s a vital artery pumping the lifeblood of industry, fueling Victoria since 1972. Originally operated by Viva Energy Australia, a subsidiary of the Vitol Group, this pipeline has witnessed the evolution of Australia’s energy landscape. The WAG pipeline boasts a maximum diameter of 24 inches, a testament to its capacity to move vast quantities of crude. The pipeline begins its journey in Western Port and ends in Victoria. It’s connected to the 55km Geelong-Newport Product (Black Oil) pipeline and the 55km Geelong-Newport Product (White Oil) pipeline, forming a network that distributes crude oil across the state. Imagine the journey of a single drop of crude oil, traveling from the Bass Strait, brought ashore to Esso’s treatment plant at Longford. From there, it embarks on an 82.5km journey through a 600mm diameter section of the WAG pipeline to the Altona Metering Terminal. Part of the crude is delivered to the Mobil Altona Refinery, while the rest continues on a 52.8km stretch through a 400mm diameter pipeline, finally reaching the Geelong Metering Terminal and the Shell Geelong Refinery. The WAG pipeline doesn’t shy away from the urban hustle. It stretches through Melbourne suburbs like Moorabbin and Brighton, hugging Port Phillip Bay through Elwood, St Kilda, and South Melbourne before reaching its final destinations. This proximity to residential areas highlights the importance of constant monitoring and maintenance, ensuring the safety and smooth operation of this critical infrastructure. The WAG pipeline, a silent giant, continues to play a crucial role in powering Victoria, its steady flow a symbol of the energy that drives the state.