Penspen builds on aviation fuelling track record with TotalEnergies Colnbrook contract award

Colnbrook terminal feeds London Heathrow Airport, building on Penspen’s long-term experience at Manchester International Airport

Penspen, a leading international energy consultancy dedicated to improving access to secure and sustainable energy for communities worldwide, has been awarded a multimillion-pound contract by TotalEnergies in the UK for the operation, maintenance and management services for the Colnbrook Rail Terminal and Colnbrook Pipeline.

Commencing in September 2024, the contact award sees 22 employees transfer to Penspen from British Pipeline Agency Ltd (BPA).

Peter O’Sullivan, chief executive officer at Penspen said: “The award from TotalEnergies is testament to the track record we have built in the aviation sector, providing integrated fuelling systems, including pipelines, fuel depots, hydrant distribution networks and associated facilities, to ensure uninterrupted, cost-effective operations.

“Our extensive experience, commitment and quality of services ensures that aviation pipeline operators, whether commercial or government, trust Penspen to deliver fuel transportation and storage services safely and reliably from concept to completion, and beyond.”

Servicing London Heathrow Airport

The Colnbrook Rail terminal incorporates a rail offloading facility and a 1.9km 12in pipeline feeding the Northern Fuel Receipt facility at London Heathrow Airport. The terminal receives Jet A-1 product by freight train from storage terminals in the UK. The fuel is then transported onwards to Heathrow’s Northern Fuel receipt facility via the Colnbrook Pipeline for which Penspen will become Statutory Operator duty holders under the Pipeline Safety Regulations (PSR).

Following contract commencement, Penspen will be responsible for: railcar receipt, management and off-loading; receipt and dispatch of fuel; fuel sampling; instrumentation inspection and calibration services; the inspection and maintenance regime for the site facilities including pump and switchgear; management of the pipeline integrity through inspection and maintenance; cathodic protection (CP) system management, and general site maintenance including lands management.

Penspen’s Aviation Experience

Penspen has extensive global airport fuelling experience, including maintenance of 55km of pipelines and facilities collectively known as Manchester Airport’s Pipeline System (MAPS) on behalf of Manchester Jetline (MJL). MAPS is the sole supply of aviation fuel to Manchester International Airport, and having designed and constructed the original pipeline, Penspen now oversees the safety and integrity management, and the day-to-day maintenance of the system, ensuring its continued integrity by drawing on the company’s specialist technical consultancy services.

For media enquiries, please contact:

• Louise Findlay-Wilson, Energy PR: Louise@energypr.co.uk