Ascension : PETROL PROVISION ON ASCENSION ISLAND
Submitted by The Islander (Islander Editors) 01.04.2010 (Article Archived on 15.04.2010)

The UK MOD had previously encouraged the US DoD and the AIG to cease their use of Petrol (otherwise known as F67, ULGAS, Gosoline, Auto, Unleaded 95 RON) by converting to Diesel (MT DIESO).

PETROL PROVISION ON ASCENSION ISLAND

The UK MOD had previously encouraged the US DoD and the AIG to cease their use of Petrol (otherwise known as F67, ULGAS, Gosoline, Auto, Unleaded 95 RON) by converting to Diesel (MT DIESO). However, a viable plan for migrating away from using petrol is currently a long way off, whilst the existing Petrol bulk storage remains in urgent need of repair work to ensure its safe storage and distribution. A review was therefore called to consider the best way forward, taking into account the impact on USAF operations, AIG operations and the impact on the Ascension Island community.

I am pleased to say that the ‘Participants’ have agreed to continue supplying and storing petrol for as long as it remains technically and financially reasonable. The next Petrol delivery order has been placed by Ascension Island Base and will be delivered on time in Jul. This will allow adequate time for the urgent refurbishment of the existing infrastructure. UK PJHQ is now carrying out detailed estimate costs for this refurbishment to include 3 timeline options: Apr 2012; April 2015; at least Apr 2020. The US has agreed to consider funding the longest of these 3 extensions which it can afford. The detailed estimates for all 3 options will be passed to USAF mid-Jun to allow the final decision to be made and work to begin.

So, petrol provision is secured for now (2, 5, 10+ years), but all users need to plan how they will migrate to using a different fuel in the timescale set by the US. There is much more work to come, when we all know exactly how much time we have. This plan will then require involvement of all Ascension Island users to ensure the future plan is affordable, sustainable and environmentally friendly. 

Wing Commander Rod Duguid

Ascension Island Base Commander