by Richard Roberts, Editorial Director, Beacon Events

A significant addition to Viva Energy’s fuel and lubricants supply network in Australia will streamline customer interactions in the minerals and energy rich Pilbara region and produce wider environmental benefits, according to the company.

Viva, macro distributor of Shell lubricants in Australia, has invested more than A$25 million in its newly commissioned Karratha lubricant storage and purpose-built grease facility, which supports regional mining, oil and gas, construction and other industrial businesses.

The facility, storing more than 2.4 million litres of lubricant shipped directly to Dampier from Singapore, cuts over 1000km of sea and 1500km of road transportation of product via the previous circuitous journey from Singapore to Fremantle and then up to Karratha.

Viva Energy says the new route eliminates more than 450,000km of annual road freight alone.

The company’s general manager of resources and lubricants, Kerry Watson, said the change improved the efficiency of lubricant delivery and reduced carbon emissions.

“By shortening the supply chain and reducing the kilometres travelled we are implementing a much more efficient supply chain for us and our customers,” she said at the official opening of the facility in Karratha.

“As an added bonus Viva Energy is also reducing associated transport emissions by cutting the distance travelled by around 30%.

“This initiative contributes to lowering the environmental impact of our logistics operations and supports the company’s commitment to operational efficiency. It also reflects sustainability priorities shared by Viva Energy and many of our regional customers.” 

Steve Quila, general manager lubricants, macro distributor, Shell SEA, said the terminal investment reflected Viva Energy’s commitment to strengthening the Shell Lubricants brand in a critical mining region.

“Having a dedicated lubricants facility enables direct shipping from Shell’s regional lubricant blend plants to the Pilbara mining region, streamlining logistics by offering reduced transit times, enhanced supply certainty and the ability to rapidly respond to customer demand,” Quila said.

Australian Securities Exchange-listed Viva Energy operates a circa-900-store convenience and fuel network across Australia and supplies fuels and lubricants to nearly 1500 service stations.

The company owns and runs a fuel refinery at Geelong in Victoria and operates bulk fuels, aviation, bitumen, marine, chemicals, polymers and lubricants businesses supported by more than 20 terminals and about 80 airports and airfields across the country.

For more insight into Viva Energy’s activities don’t miss carbon solutions manager Robert Cavicchiolo’s address at the International Mining and Resources Conference + Expo (IMARC) 2025 at ICC Sydney from October 21-23.

He will speak about the evolution of renewable diesel supply in Australia.

Viva Energy Australia’s head of future fuels and decarbonisation, Vanessa Lenihan, will also speak at the conference. She will be on a panel probing the challenges involved in making circularity “business as usual”.

Silver Sponsor of IMARC 2026 Viva Energy Australia will be at stand T05 and presenting a number of times throughout the conference.

For more information and to register for IMARC 2025, please visit the IMARC Website.

About IMARC: Collaborating on trends in mining, investment and innovation towards a sustainable future

IMARC is the premier gathering for the most influential minds in the mining industry, a dynamic hub where ideas ignite, and inspiration flows – it is the ultimate meeting ground for global industry leaders. As Australia’s largest and most significant mining event, IMARC attracts over 10,000 decision-makers, industry leaders, policymakers, investors, commodity buyers, technical experts, innovators, and educators from more than 120 countries. For three action-packed days, attendees will engage in cutting-edge learning, forge valuable deals, and experience unparalleled networking opportunities.