BPCL-Kochi Refinery has commissioned the aviation turbine fuel (ATF) pipeline at the Cochin International Airport to transport ATF from the refinery to the airport.

The ATF used to be earlier supplied from the refinery to the airport by tanker trucks.

The company has laid 33 km underground pipeline from the refinery to the airport to ensure smooth supply at an investment of Rs 41 crore. With this dedicated facility, aviation fuel will be transported through underground pipeline to the international airport apron.

This is situated about 1 km away from the airport hydrant system, and transferred to aircraft by a mobile dispenser. The existing hydrant system which is owned and operated by BPCL can refuel at 16 bays at a time and has tankage of about 10,000 KL.

Senior officials in the BPCL-KR said that transport of ATF by pipeline is a safer than tanker lorry delivery. It is also environment-friendly and cost efficient in the long run.

BPCL has already earmarked an amount of Rs 23.25 crore for expansion of hydrant at the new apron on new terminal building proposed to be built by CIAL.

sajeevkumar.v@thehindu.co.in