IEnova to invest in new fuel terminal

Mexican energy infrastructure developer IEnova will develop, build and operate a marine terminal at the La Jovita Energy Hub in Ensenada, parent company Sempra Energy said in a Thursday press release.

IEnova’s USD 130-million Baja Refinados terminal will be able to store up to 1 million barrels of petrol and diesel once it comes on line in H2 2020. The marine facility will also be equipped with fuel reception and dispatch infrastructure.

“IEnova will be responsible for the development of the liquid fuels terminal project, including obtaining permits, engineering, procurement, construction and financing, as well as maintenance and operations,” the statement read.

The company has already entered a deal with Chevron Combustibles de México to assign 50% of Baja Refinados’ storage and dispatch capacity, allowing Chevron stations and other clients across Baja California to maintain a steady fuel supply. Additionally, the super-major retains the option to acquire a 20% stake in the terminal once it becomes operational.

Meanwhile, Grupo Garcel director of operations José Ángel García Elizondo on Thursday told the audience at the EnerTam 2018 exhibition that the company would partner with three others to build the largest fuel terminal in Tamaulipas. That Huasteca marine terminal will be located at the Port of Altamira and have a 2-million-barrel capacity.

García did not disclose the required investment, but said that construction would begin in summer 2019.