How often do you think about the fuel that powers our lives? Here at the LPG Terminal in Auckland, we’re at the heart of that process. This 2,300 mt installation plays a vital role in New Zealand’s energy supply. It’s located in Wiri.
The LPG Terminal is next to the Wiri Oil Services installation. A pipeline stretches five kilometres from here. It runs to a Liquigas-owned marine terminal. This terminal sits in the Papakura Channel. It’s at the southern end of the Manukau Harbour.
The LPG Terminal first came online in February 1988. It’s been working hard ever since. The first shipment of LPG arrived on March 1, 1988. The ship “Tarihiko” delivered it.
“Tarihiko” was purpose-built for this job. She visited the LPG Terminal 176 times by June 1992. Records stopped being kept after that. Built in Scotland, “Tarihiko” could carry 1,176 tons of gas. She had three pressurised tanks. The ship played a role in rescuing 356 passengers. This was from the “Mikhail Lermontov” ship when it sank in the Marlborough Sounds in 1986.
“Tarihiko” was retired at the end of 1998. Now, chartered LPG carriers handle the deliveries. These ships come from overseas.
Since 1999, many tankers have visited the LPG Terminal. Pilots board in New Plymouth to guide them. They navigate through the Manukau Heads. Then, they move down the Papakura Channel. They discharge their cargo here at the LPG Terminal. After unloading, they head back to New Plymouth. They reload for other terminals.
These include Lyttelton and Dunedin. These are also part of the Liquigas network. There have only been two shipping incidents in the terminal’s 28 years.
Liquigas has other important locations around New Zealand. In New Plymouth, they have storage at Oaonui and Port Taranaki. A 50-kilometre pipeline connects these two. Taranaki facilities have operated since 1984. That’s when the first bulk LPG was shipped to Dunedin.
The Christchurch installation is supplied by a pipeline. This pipeline runs from Lyttleton. It was commissioned in 1985. Bulk tankers supply the Lyttleton pipeline. They come from Port Taranaki and Australia. Dunedin’s installation became operational in 1984. Bulk tankers also supply it. They arrive from Port Taranaki and Australia. The Dunedin facility is very important. Almost all LPG sales south of Timaru pass through it.
Bulk tankers deliver LPG to Liquigas depots. Shipments are sized to meet demand. They typically range from 1,800 to 2,400 mt. They are delivered to Christchurch and Dunedin regularly.
The LPG Terminal in Auckland is a key part of this network. It helps ensure a reliable LPG supply. So the next time you use LPG, remember this facility. It plays a crucial role in powering homes and businesses.