Aster invests $161.25m for single buoy mooring upgrade

The upgrades will enable greater capacity for energy imports.

Aster is investing $161.25m (US$125m) to enhance its single buoy mooring (SBM) and SBM pipeline infrastructure.

In a statement, the company said the overall multi-phase investment programme will support high-volume energy imports, helping ensure the reliability and competitiveness of Singapore’s refining and petrochemical sectors.

The infrastructure is an offshore facility around 5.1 kilometres in sea away from Aster’s assets on Bukom.

The SBM enables large tankers to safely and efficiently transfer crude oil directly to Aster’s onshore refinery and storage facilities via a subsea pipeline.

Aster said this move aims to improve operational efficiency by streamlining logistics through relieving existing jetty capacity demand, which will enable the future growth plans of Aster to rejuvenate its refinery and condensate splitter unit.

Aster director for Projects & Technology Mashhad Dohadwala said the upgraded SBM pipeline is projected to provide more than 20 years of service.

The contracts will be awarded to global partners, including ALLSEAS and DOF, who will be responsible for building, installing, and commissioning the SBM and pipeline infrastructure.

US$1 = SG$1.29