Dynamic improvement at Long Island Point

“We have upgraded and optimised the DMC and conducted a comprehensive review of the model settings to ensure we are maximising the value of the molecules that pass through our plant,” said Engineer James Curry.

“As a result we have reduced our energy use and greenhouse gas emissions per litre of product.”

The DMC upgrade is just one of many diverse projects that help to set the plant up for improved operations well into the future.

The new Plant Manager David McCord said he was impressed by what had been achieved by his predecessor, Kim Hahn, and the LIP team over the past year.

“There has been a tremendous amount of work high-grading equipment and facilities from the gate to the quay,” he said.

“We have seen well over 3000 work orders completed across our operations.”

He said that recent works included:

• 250 pressure safety valves tested and overhauled
• New radio tower installed eliminating communication black spots
• The new Longford 350 liquids pipeline filled with crude and the old 700 pipeline purged of crude
• Redundant pipes and loading arms removed from the jetty
• More than 1300 bolts have been replaced
• Pipes and vessels have been inspected and, where necessary, sand-blasted, repaired and recoated 
• High voltage equipment upgraded to new technology
• New personal protection equipment and procedures in H2S areas
• Increased hearing protection in high-exposure areas
• Two major (KVGR) compressors overhauled
• Critical Operating Parameter (COP) elimination through replacement of reboiler with upgraded materials
• Propane storage tanks deluge system has been successfully tested
• Traffic control lines repainted around the site.

“The team here successfully completed two major shutdowns in the past 12 months and work is progressing on our tank farm refurbishment project,” said David.

“Our Major Hazard Facility license has been renewed for another five years and I have to congratulate the team for getting the plant into such great shape for the future.”

David said he was really looking forward to working with the LIP team to build on the excellent work that has been achieved.

“For me, being a good manager is not just maintaining projected benchmarks and production levels – it’s about constant communication with the wider team and challenging the status quo to discover how things can be done better,” he said.

“Taking an inquisitive approach to your job helps to keep people motivated, engaged and happy. There is nothing like solving a problem and celebrating as a team. That’s what gets me out of bed in the morning.”