Journey back to 1965. The Rhein-Main-Rohrleitung Hessen began with a vision. It aimed to secure mineral oil product transport. This transport was needed for the Frankfurt am Main and Ludwigshafen am Rhein consumer centers.
The Deutsche Shell AG founded the Rhein-Main-Rohrleitungstransportgesellschaft. Soon after, Deutsche BP AG joined. This doubled the number of supplied tank farms and petrochemical plants. By 1967, the pipeline stretched to Hünxe.
In 1968, the company extended the pipeline to Rotterdam. A 50 km connection from Dinslaken linked to the RRP-Pipeline in the Netherlands. The Rhein-Main-Rohrleitung grew.
Today, the Rhein-Main-Rohrleitung Hessen is impressive. It spans 525 km from Venlo to Frankfurt and Ludwigshafen. The pipeline splits at the Udenheim pump station. Annually, it transports around 15 million cubic meters of mineral oil products.
Nine pump stations maintain pressure along the line. These stations boast a total installed capacity of 32,000 kW. They are located in Herongen, Dinslaken, and other key points. Six branch-off points and 13 feed-in/out points serve refineries and chemical plants. Thirty-seven line valves ensure operational control.
Tank farms connect to the Rhein-Main-Rohrleitung Hessen. These are in Homberg, Dinslaken, Gustavsburg and other strategic locations. Petrochemical plants and refineries also benefit. These include plants in Bottrop, Dormagen, and Köln-Godorf.
Not all history is smooth. In 1991, a land subsidence caused a pipeline failure. Around 280 cubic meters of gasoline leaked near Dinslaken-Nord. Some seeped into the soil. It caused fish mortality in Hiesfeld via the Rotbach. Remediation required removing 5,000 cubic meters of soil and felling trees.
The Rhein-Main-Rohrleitungstransportgesellschaft GmbH operates this vital system. Shell holds 63% of the shares. BP holds 35%. Exxon Mobil holds the remaining 2%. This partnership ensures a steady flow of resources.
The Rhein-Main-Rohrleitung transports various products. These include super gasoline and diesel fuel. Heating oil and kerosene are also moved. Raw gasoline or naphtha is part of the cargo too. This diverse capability underscores its importance.
Modernization is continuous. In 2006, the pipeline’s control system was upgraded. This ensures greater safety and efficiency. The Rhein-Main-Rohrleitung remains a crucial artery. It fuels industry and transport in the region.
The Rhein-Main-Rohrleitung Hessen stands as a testament to engineering. It highlights the constant demand for resources. Its story is one of growth, adaptation, and continuous improvement. Next time you fill your car, remember this pipeline.