Oil and Pipelines Agency

The Oil and Pipelines Agency (OPA) is a statutory public corporation, sponsored by the Ministry of Defence (MOD). It was formed in 1986 by virtue of the Oil and Pipelines Act 1985.

One of the OPA’s roles was the safe, efficient, economic and effective management of the Government Pipelines Storage System (GPSS). This GPSS activity was sold to Compañía Logística de Hidrocarburos and (CLH) took over the operation of the GPSS on 30 April 2015.

Since July 2011 the OPA has taken on the responsibility for the operation, maintenance and management of 6 Naval Oil Fuel Depots (OFDs) on behalf of the Secretary of State for Defence. Its aims are:

• To provide a marine fuel receipt, storage , delivery and jetty service
• To manage, operate and maintain the OFDs safely and securely in accordance with all regulatory requirement

And for the time being to manage and maintain those sites previously in GPSS which were not part of the recent GPSS sale, safely and efficiently.

Naval Oil Fuel Depots (OFDs)

The Oil and Pipelines Agency operates 6 Oil Fuel Depots around the United Kingdom. Gosport and Thanckes OFDs are located in Southern England and support the adjacent HM Naval Bases, Portsmouth and Devonport respectively. The 4 remaining OFDs are located in Scotland. The Scottish sites at Garelochhead supports its adjacent Naval base, whilst Loch Striven, Loch Ewe and Campbeltown provide bulk storage and regional support to visiting Royal Navy and NATO warships and Royal Fleet Auxiliary tankers. All bulk product delivery is by sea.

Gosport OFD

Oil Fuel Depot Gosport is a marine bulk fuel storage site. The main function of the terminal is the receipt, storage and issue of Class 3 fuel products, Diesel and Avcat for the Royal Navy, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Service and other approved customers.

Gosport OFD is located approximately 2km north east of Gosport town centre and was rebuilt in 2021.

Due to the volume of fuel stored at the site, OFD Gosport is an upper tier site under the Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH).

Thanckes OFD

Oil Fuel Depot Thanckes is a marine bulk fuel storage site. The main function of the terminal is the receipt, storage and issue of Class 3 fuel products, Diesel and Avcat for the Royal Navy and other approved customers.

Thanckes OFD is located on the west bank of the Hamoaze, just north of the town of Torpoint in the southwest of England and was originally built in the 1920s.

Due to the volume of fuel stored at the site, OFD Thanckes is an Upper Tier site under the Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH).

Garelochhead OFD

Garelochhead OFD is located along the north east shore of Gare Loch and serves the adjacent Naval Base which is located immediately south of the OFD. Garelochhead was constructed in the mid-1950s and operates as a diesel fuel storage depot for the Royal Navy and NATO vessels.

Due to the volume of fuel stored at the site, OFD Garelochhead is an Upper Tier site under the Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH).

Campbeltown OFD

Campbeltown OFD site serves a dual function; storing diesel for the Royal Navy and NATO vessels and aviation fuel for commercial clients. The site was constructed in 1964 and is located on the south-eastern shore of Campbeltown Loch.

Due to the volume of fuel stored at the site OFD Campbeltown is an Upper Tier Site under the Control of Major Accident Hazards (CoMAH).

Loch Striven OFD

The Loch Striven OFD site operates as a diesel and aviation fuel storage depot for the Royal Navy and NATO vessels. Loch Striven OFD was originally built in the 1960’s and is located on the south east shore of the loch.

Due to the volume of fuel stored at the site, OFD Loch Striven is an Upper Tier site under the Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH).

Loch Ewe OFD

The Loch Ewe site operates as a diesel fuel depot for the Royal Navy, NATO vessels and storage facility for commercial clients. Loch Ewe OFD was originally built in the 1960s and is located in Ross-shire to the south of Aultbea, on the eastern shore of the loch.

Due to the volume of fuel stored at the site OFD Loch Ewe is an Upper Tier Site under the Control of Major Accident Hazards (CoMAH).