Government Pipelines and Storage System

GPSS pipeline marker near Heydon, Cambridgeshire

The Government Pipeline and Storage System (GPSS) is a United Kingdom pipeline system run by the Compañía Logística de Hidrocarburos (CLH) for the Ministry of Defence (MoD).[1] The network consists of some 2,500 kilometres of pipeline and 46 other facilities. The network is interconnected with several private networks. The network was built during World War II and was used to supply fuel for Operation Pluto.

The locations of these pipelines are marked with identification posts with bright yellow roofs with a thick black line. Even so, in March 2000 at Furness Vale near Whaley Bridge, High Peak, Derbyshire one of the lines was cut by workmen.[1]

Private-sector usage is encouraged, but limited; the OPA's task is to provide "maximum development of private sector usage of the GPSS, provided this does not impinge upon its primary purpose of supplying the required fuel for defence purposes and does not require capital investment from public funds."

Locations served by the GPSS include RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall.

In May 2012 the UK Government announced plans to sell all or part of the GPSS[2] and legislation to enable it to do so was included in the Energy Act 2013.

Three years after announcing the plan to sell GPSS, on 20 March 2015, GPSS was acquired by Spanish oil network operator Compañía Logística de Hidrocarburos (CLH).[3] The GPSS sale does not include the six UK Oil Fuel Depots owned by the MOD, which will continue to be operated and maintained by the residual Oil and Pipelines Agency.[4]

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Susie Thomson (April 2009). "Fuelling the front line". desider (Ministry of Defence) (12): 12–13.
  2. ↑ "UK considers sale of aviation fuel network". Reuters. 22 May 2012.
  3. ↑ "CLH acquires UK oil distribution network". Compañía Logística de Hidrocarburos. Retrieved 31 March 2015.
  4. ↑ "Government Pipeline and Storage System Sale - HCWS434". UK Parliament. Retrieved 31 March 2015.

External links

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