Caltex opened its new $100 million fuel storage terminal at Outer Harbour today.

The opening of the 85 million litre Pelican Point facility – owned and operated by Terminals Pty Ltd – represents a 50 per cent increase in South Australia’s storage capacity.

Caltex officials said the new facility will ease constraints that have led to past fuel shortages.

Caltex Australia’s General Manager for Supply Chain, Andrew Brewer, said more than 900 people were employed and 32 contracts issued to finish the project.

“This investment adds significant new storage to the Adelaide fuel supply chain and the deeper berthing facilities we need to accommodate larger ships,” he said.

“Storage and shipping capacity constraints have contributed to a number of fuel shortages across Adelaide and South Australia over recent years, especially following weather-related disruptions to shipping movements into Port Adelaide.

“This facility is a very clear demonstration of our commitment to South Australia as it grows. We’re investing alongside our customers so that industries such as mining, transport and agriculture can invest in the confidence that they have a safe and reliable supply of fuel.”

Caltex, through its 25-year lease with the facility’s owner, Terminals Pty Ltd, will supply South Australia with products including regular petrol and diesel, biodiesel and the popular Vortex range of premium petrol and diesel products.

The project includes a new bulk liquids berth and two pipelines to collectively deliver fuel to the terminal at a rate of 2.6 million litres an hour.

The facility is designed for further potential expansion in storage capacity, which could reach 135 million litres in stage two and more in any future stages.