Automation in the Baltics
The last 10 years have been an interesting period in the history of the Baltic region, with westernisation, together with the resurgence of Russia under Putin, bringing about big changes in the oil and gas industry. Increasing automation in the refineries, ports and distribution centres is one way of coping with these transformations
The changing political situation in the Baltic region has disrupted supply chains developed during the Soviet era when oil from Russia was exported from Tallinn in Estonia, Butinge in Lithuania and Ventspils in Latvia.
The latter two are connected to the Russian Druzhba pipeline, but Tallinn has always relied on rail delivery. The ports are still in business but supply from Russia to Ventspils in particular has been disrupted. Russia has made it clear that supply to its own new facility at Primorsk takes priority.
Butinge has a better relationship with Russia, and was designed as both an import and export facility giving it a measure of security. In 2003 the storage capacity for crude oil was significantly increased.
Lacking an ice-free oil port on its own territory following the Baltic StatesÍ independence, Russia began construction of a new port at Primorsk linked to the Baltic pipeline system. The first stage opened in December 2001 and it has expanded almost continuously since. By 2003 it was the BalticÍs busiest port. The Lukoil II terminal on Vysotsky island is the latest stage, coming on stream in September 2006.
In July 2007 Lukoill II exported 1.2 million tonnes of oil products.
Meanwhile on the northern side of the Baltic oil and gas companies in Sweden and Finland may not have seen such dramatic changes, but like all western companies they are keen to reduce their environmental impact, safeguard employeesÍ health and safety and manage costs. Upgrading work at the Statoil terminal in the Swedish port of Malmù is typical of the way companies are using technology to meet their obligations whilst keeping costs firmly under control.
