Image is an artist's impression only.
Viva Energy has committed to upgrading its Geelong Refinery to produce Ultra-Low Sulphur Gasoline (ULSG) as part of the Federal Government’s Fuel Security Package (FSP).
This investment will further improve the quality of petrol produced at the refinery by reducing the maximum sulphur content to 10ppm, which will enable the introduction of new engine technology and help reduce vehicle emissions.
Making these sulphur reductions in petrol more closely aligns Australia’s fuel quality with international standards and provides Australians with health, environmental and vehicle benefits.
The total project cost is expected to be approximately $350 million, with a $125 million contribution from the Federal Government through its Refinery Upgrade Program, which is part of the Fuel Security Package.
As with all Viva Energy projects, the ULSG project will be developed and delivered with a primary focus on safety and the environment that meets or exceeds regulatory requirements.
The project is scheduled for completion in the second half of 2025, with up to 300 people employed during peak construction.
Road closures
Shell Parade
As part of the ULSG project, Shell Parade will be closed to all traffic in late November 2024 and in mid-January 2025 to allow large prefabricated modules to be transported on to site.
Upgrades to Shell Parade will accommodate the safe and efficient movement of the modules. A traffic management plan has been approved and roadside signage and active traffic management will be in place as appropriate.
We understand that the closure of Shell Parade is an inconvenience for regular Shell Parade traffic and we appreciate motorists’ cooperation and patience during these periods.
The closing and reopening times for Shell Parade are subject to external factors, including weather.
Closure 1: 26 November – 5 December (TBC)
Shell Parade will be closed to general traffic between the Refinery Jetty and the School Road roundabout.
Traffic management will control local traffic to Foreshore Road with Shell Parade closed to all traffic south of Foreshore Road.
Heavy vehicles may detour via Princes Highway and St Georges Road.
Closure 2: 15 January – 26 January (TBC)
Shell Parade will be closed to general traffic between the Refinery Jetty and the School Road roundabout.
Traffic management will control local traffic to Foreshore Road with Shell Parade closed to all traffic south of Foreshore Road.
Heavy vehicles may detour via Princes Highway and St Georges Road.
All road furniture and signage will be reinstated prior to the reopening of Shell Parade.
Refinery Road
Refinery Road will be closed at the railway viaduct from Monday, November 25, 2024.
The road is expected to reopen on December 20, 2024, then close again January 12, 2025, to February 3, 2025.
With the closure of Refinery Road, the main administration and south car parks will be inaccessible to vehicles.
Visitors car parking will be available at the contractors car park and people will be required to walk to the administration building.
Refinery Rd closure FAQ
Project Overview
There are five main elements to this project.
As part of this process
- Regulatory approvals will be supported by studies including sediment sampling and analysis, environmental emissions modelling, noise, and safety risk assessments. Safety studies and risk assessments have been completed and found that the unit can operate safely. The Gasoline Treatment Unit will be integrated into existing safety systems and processes, regular reviews and training for employees
- Firefighting response equipment will be established in accordance with statutory and Viva Energy requirements
- The Gasoline Treatment Unit will be incorporated into existing refinery operating licences including the Major Hazard Facility (MHF) licence supported by the Safety Case (WorkSafe Victoria), and the EPA Operating Licence (Environment Protection Authority Victoria).
Siting and Construction
The Gasoline Treatment Unit will be constructed north of the refinery flare and be situated fully within the boundary of the refinery, approximately 60 metres from the railway line, on refinery land which is largely vacant.
The new unit comprises a number of large modules. It is not feasible to deliver these via road due to their size and weight so it is proposed that the modules will be transported by barge to the existing access way next to Refinery Pier. To ensure module unloading can be undertaken safely, a small marine offloading facility on the rock revetment has been constructed, extending up to 25m from the existing access way.
The site and area
Timeline
Procurement
Viva Energy proudly supports Australian industry at every opportunity. We actively seek Australian vendors and use Australian materials wherever possible. For the Ultra-Low Sulphur Gasoline project, at least $150m will be spent in Australia on site construction, engineering, fabrication, commissioning and goods and materials.