JTC seeks operator for Jurong Rock Caverns

2-step selection process for operator of country's first underground hydrocarbon storage site
Esther Teo Straits Times 14 Dec 11;

THE landmark Jurong Rock Caverns project, one of Singapore's biggest infrastructure developments, is taking another step towards completion.

Industrial player JTC Corporation wants proposals from firms keen to operate the first phase of the project on Jurong Island.

JTC will launch a two-stage selection process on Friday to engage an operator for Phase One of Singapore's first underground hydrocarbon storage facility.

It hopes to have the operator in place by the second half of next year.

Applicants will be evaluated on financial stability, experience, capability and track record in the first cut.

Those who make the shortlist will be invited to submit business proposals within two months.

These will be evaluated based on individual merits, with emphasis placed on factors such as fees, technical propositions and proposed commercial activities, JTC added in a statement.

Chief executive Manohar Khiatani said: 'The two-stage request... is to ensure rigour in our selection process so that a capable and qualified operator is engaged to operate and manage the caverns.'

Phase One of the caverns will be completed in stages between 2013 and 2014. The contract for the operator is scheduled to commence in 2013 and will be for a period of 15 years.

JTC's search for an operator began in 2007 when it pre-qualified some players, including terminal operators like Vopak and Horizon Terminals, in preparation for a qualifying tender at the end of that year.

But the global financial crisis in 2008 and 2009 forced JTC to call off the search.

The Jurong Rock Caverns project was conceived in 2001 and construction started in 2007.

At a cost of about $890 million, the first phase will offer storage for 1.47 million cubic m, or about nine million barrels, of liquid hydrocarbons such as crude oil, condensate, and products like naphtha.

The development has already found its first customer in Jurong Aromatics Corporation, which is building a US$2.4 billion (S$3.1 billion) petrochemical complex on the island.

The caverns are made up of storage galleries, each with average dimensions of 20m in width, 27m in height - equivalent to a nine-storey building - and 340m in length.

Underground caverns were pioneered about 40 to 50 years ago, and more than 200 are in use around the world today.

JTC's other projects include wafer fabrication parks, business parks, Biopolis and Fusionopolis at one-north, a chemicals hub on Jurong Island, biomedical parks and logistics hubs for various industries.

Applications for the operator's contract must be in by Jan 13. Further details are available on the Singapore Government's e-procurement portal www.gebiz.gov.sg

JTC to launch 2-stage tender for Jurong Rock Caverns
Channel NewsAsia 13 Dec 11;

SINGAPORE : JTC Corporation is launching a two-stage tender this Friday to engage an operator for Jurong Rock Caverns, Singapore's first underground hydrocarbon storage facility.

The tender is for an operator to manage and operate the first phase of the Caverns.

Located at Jurong Island, Phase One of the Caverns will be completed in stages between 2013 and 2014. The operatorship contract is scheduled to commence in 2013, and will be for a period of 15 years.

Shortlisted participants from the first stage will be invited to submit their business proposals within two months.

Chief executive officer of JTC, Manohar Khiatani, said the two-stage request for proposal is to ensure rigour in the selection process so that a capable and qualified operator is engaged to operate and manage the Caverns.

He said the target was to get an operator on board by the second half of next year.

The Caverns project is the first underground rock cavern for hydrocarbon storage in Singapore and Southeast Asia.

Located at a depth of 130 metres beneath Selat Banyan at Jurong Island, it is expected to provide infrastructural support to manufacturers on Jurong Island, and meet the storage needs for liquid hydrocarbons such as crude oil, condensate, naphtha and gas oil.

Applications must be submitted by January 13 next year.

- CNA/ms