Refinery Auckland Pipeline (RAP)

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Refinery Auckland Pipeline (RAP), also known as Marsden Point to Auckland Pipeline, is an operating oil products pipeline in New Zealand.

Location

The pipeline runs from the Marsden Point Refinery (now Marsden Point import fuel Terminal) to Auckland.

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Project details

• Operator: Channel Infrastructure (previously Refining NZ)
• Capacity: 60000 barrels per day
• Length: 170 kilometers
• Diameter: 250 mm
• Status: Operating
• Start year: 1985

Background

The pipeline is owned and operated by Channel Infrastructure, previously Refining NZ. The pipeline used to transport about half of the Marsden Point refinery's products to the Wiri Terminal in Auckland, supplying about 95% of the area's requirements. At that time, the pipeline carried diesel, petrol, and jet fuel from the Marsden Point Refinery to the Wiri fuel terminal in South Auckland. In 2022, the Marsden Point refinery was shut down and converted to a fuel import only terminal. As of 2024, the pipeline carries exclusively imported fuels. In 2024, the government began studying the possibility of re-opening the Marsden Point refinery.

Accident

In September 2017, the pipeline was ruptured and closed down for repairs, leading to widespread fuel shortages in Auckland and the cancellation of more than 100 flights.