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Detailed Engineering and Capacity Upgrade of the Feruka–Harare Pipeline System

pipeline and power lines against the background of blue sky and clouds.
Location

Zimbabwe, Africa

Client

Petrozim Line Limited

Sectors
  • Onshore
Services
  • Detailed Engineering
  • Procurement Support
  • Construction Support
  • Commissioning & Project Completion Support

Project Background

For more than 20 years, Penspen has supported Petrozim Line Limited in the development and enhancement of Zimbabwe’s fuel transportation infrastructure. Penspen originally designed and constructed under its supervision the 208 km Feruka–Harare pipeline in the early 1990s and later completed Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) in 2012 to increase capacity across the pipeline system and Harare storage facilities.

To meet growing fuel demand across Zimbabwe, Petrozim Line Limited then initiated a major upgrade of the Feruka–Harare multiproduct pipeline. The objective was to enable series pumping between the CPMZ pipeline (Mozambique–Zimbabwe) and the existing Petrozim Line (PZL) system, integrating them into a single operating network and increasing overall throughput capacity.

Building on previous services, Penspen was engaged to deliver the engineering and technical support required to optimise the pipeline system. The project focused on upgrading facilities at Feruka, Wilton and Harare, ensuring the infrastructure could support both immediate and long-term fuel supply requirements.

Services

Penspen developed the detailed engineering design required to achieve series pumping operations and accommodate the Phase 2 flowrate requirements. The scope included the installation of new mainline pumps and associated modifications to mechanical piping, electrical and instrumentation systems, storage facilities and control infrastructure across the existing stations at Feruka, Wilton and Harare.

Penspen also provided procurement support to facilitate the timely acquisition and delivery of long-lead items, helping to maintain project schedules and reduce delivery risks. Penspen subsequently supported construction and commissioning activities through to project completion in 2025.

Building on this successful delivery, Penspen is now supporting the next stage of the programme through design validation and procurement support services for the Wilton Station.

Result

Penspen’s long-term involvement has supported the progressive development of the Feruka–Harare Pipeline System from its original construction in the 1990s through to its latest capacity expansion programme. The upgrade delivers an integrated fuel transportation corridor between Mozambique and Zimbabwe, improving pipeline throughput capacity, operational flexibility, and long-term reliability of a critical regional energy infrastructure system.

Tinashe Mushaikwa, Chief Engineer at Petrozim, said: “The successful completion of this project marks an important milestone in Petrozim Line’s ongoing efforts to modernise and enhance Zimbabwe’s fuel transportation infrastructure. The project has strengthened the reliability, efficiency, and long-term sustainability of our pipeline operations, thereby supporting national energy security and economic development.

We acknowledge the valuable contribution made by Penspen throughout the design, engineering, procurement support, and project execution phases. Their technical expertise and commitment to delivering quality solutions have played an important role in the successful delivery of the project. The collaboration between Petrozim Line, Penspen, contractors, regulators, and other stakeholders demonstrate what can be achieved through effective partnership and a shared commitment to project excellence.”

Waqas Ahmad, Senior Project Manager at Penspen, added: “This project stands as a testament to Penspen’s high-quality professional services and tailored solutions delivered to our clients, including Petrozim, with whom we have cultivated a strong and enduring partnership spanning nearly two decades.”