ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, has won a contract worth about $40 million to extend the export terminal of the eni refinery in Taranto, located in the “Mar Grande” bay on the Ionian Sea in southern Italy. The order was booked in the fourth quarter 2012.

The contract is part of eni’s plan to improve the refinery infrastructure and to ensure a reliable connection with the onshore Tempa Rossa oil plant. The refinery is located at the export terminal and is connected to the oil field through an underground pipeline. The plan includes the extension of an existing pier.

“This new project will help to improve the local oil transportation infrastructure for eni,” said Veli-Matti Reinikkala, head of ABB’s Process Automation division. “It underscores ABB’s industry expertise, capabilities, and local resources to successfully manage, supply and execute these comprehensive projects for the oil and gas industry.”

The pier will have five loading arms, with a transfer capacity of 3,000 cubic meters per hour. To ensure the secure mooring of the vessels and the loading of crude oil, ABB will provide new electrical systems as well as the necessary mechanical equipment and automation systems. The project is scheduled for completion by August 2015.

ABB will be responsible for the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) of the new installation, including project management and pre-commissioning. ABB will also supply all the electrical equipment including low- and medium-voltage systems, control system, electrical and control room, mechanical and process equipment, diesel generator and fire-fighting system.

See the site of Taranto refinery