Operation, Maintenance and Management of Colnbrook Rail Terminal, UK

Project Background

The Colnbrook Rail Terminal feeds London Heathrow Airport, Europe’s busiest airport. It incorporates both a rail offloading facility and a 1.9km 12in pipeline. The terminal receives Jet A-1 fuel by freight train, which is then transported onwards via the Colnbrook Pipeline to Heathrow Airport’s Northern Fuel Receipt Facility. 

TotalEnergies awarded Penspen a multi-million pound contract for the operation, maintenance, and management of both the Colnbrook Rail Terminal and Colnbrook Pipeline. Under the Pipeline Safety Regulations, Penspen are now the Statutory Operator duty holders for the Colnbrook Pipeline.

Services

Leveraging extensive aviation fuelling experience, including the maintenance of 55km of pipelines at Manchester Airport on behalf of Manchester Jetline, Penspen are ensuring the continued integrity of the Colnbrook fuelling system to provide a safe and secure supply of aviation fuel to London Heathrow. Penspen is responsible for: 

• Railcar receipt, management and offloading 

• Receipt and dispatch of fuel 

• Fuel sampling 

• Instrumentation inspection and calibration services 

• Inspection and maintenance regime for the site facilities including pump and switchgear 

• Management of the pipeline integrity through inspection and maintenance 

• Cathodic protection system management 

• General site maintenance including land management

Result

Upon the commencement of the contract in September 2024, 22 employees transferred to Penspen from British Pipeline Agency Ltd (BPA). 

The storage and transportation of fuel to London Heathrow is essential for the continued growth of the region’s aviation industry. Through this contract, Penspen will play an important role in ensuring efficient and uninterrupted operations for one of the airport’s key fuel transport facilities. 

Commenting on the project, 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.”