A significant addition to Viva Energy’s fuel and lubricants supply network in Australia will streamline customer interactions in the minerals and energy rich Pilbara region and produce wider environmental benefits, according to the company*.
Viva, macro distributor of Shell lubricants in Australia, has invested more than A$25 million ($16.5 million) in its newly commissioned Karratha lubricant storage and purpose-built grease facility, which supports regional mining, oil and gas, construction and other industrial businesses.
The facility, storing more than 2.4 million litres of lubricant shipped directly to Dampier from Singapore, cuts over 1,000 km of sea and 1,500 km of road transportation of product via the previous circuitous journey from Singapore to Fremantle and then up to Karratha.
Viva Energy says the new route eliminates more than 450,000 km of annual road freight alone.
The company’s General Manager of Resources and Lubricants, Kerry Watson, said the change improved the efficiency of lubricant delivery and reduced carbon emissions.
“By shortening the supply chain and reducing the kilometres travelled, we are implementing a much more efficient supply chain for us and our customers,” she said at the official opening of the facility in Karratha. “As an added bonus Viva Energy is also reducing associated transport emissions by cutting the distance travelled by around 30%.
“This initiative contributes to lowering the environmental impact of our logistics operations and supports the company’s commitment to operational efficiency. It also reflects sustainability priorities shared by Viva Energy and many of our regional customers.”
Steve Quila, General Manager Lubricants, Macro Distributor, Shell SEA, said the terminal investment reflected Viva Energy’s commitment to strengthening the Shell Lubricants brand in a critical mining region.
“Having a dedicated lubricants facility enables direct shipping from Shell’s regional lubricant blend plants to the Pilbara mining region, streamlining logistics by offering reduced transit times, enhanced supply certainty and the ability to rapidly respond to customer demand,” Quila said.
Carbon Solutions Manager, Robert Cavicchiolo, will be speaking at the upcoming International Mining and Resources Conference + Expo (IMARC) 2025 event at ICC Sydney from October 21-23, tackling the subject of the evolution of renewable diesel supply in Australia. Viva Energy Australia’s Head of Future Fuels and Decarbonisation, Vanessa Lenihan, will also speak at the conference. She will be on a panel probing the challenges involved in making circularity “business as usual”.
International Mining is a Media Sponsor of IMARC.
*Story written by Richard Roberts, Editorial Director, Beacon Events
