To implement the changes required to maintain supply and safely shutdown the process units, it is expected to take around 12 months, according to the company.
The jetty aviation fuel tanks and associated pipelines will remain operational and the other storage tanks and pipelines will be placed on a care and maintenance basis, once processing has been halted.
Alternate supply arrangements have been made by the company to ensure no disruption to customers, and this comprises imports of Jet fuel and a long-term agreement with Caltex to provide motor spirit and diesel from the nearby Lytton refinery.
BP Australasia president Andy Holmes said the growth of large refineries in the Asia Pacific region has been driving structural change within the fuels supply chain in Australia and keeping commercial pressure on smaller scale plants.
"It’s against this background that we have concluded that the best option for strengthening BP’s long-term supply position in the east coast retail and commercial fuels markets is to purchase product from other refineries," Holmes added.
