About us
Source: gov.uk (2025-11-21)

We are a statutory public corporation, sponsored by the Secretary of State for Defence, formed in 1986 by virtue of the Oil and Pipelines Act 1985. We manage, operate and maintain 6 Naval Oil Fuel Depots and a Petroleum Storage Depot on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

We managed the Government Pipelines Storage System (GPSS) until 30 April 2015, when this activity was sold to CompañÍa Logistica de Hidrocarburos (CLH) who now operate under the brand name Exolum.

We are responsible for the operation, maintenance and management of 6 Naval Oil Fuel Depots (OFDs) and 1 Petroleum Storage Depot on behalf of the Secretary of State for Defence.

We aim to:
- provide a marine fuel receipt, storage, delivery and jetty service
- manage, operate and maintain the OFDs safely and securely in accordance with all regulatory requirements
- manage and maintain those sites previously in GPSS which were not part of the recent GPSS sale, safely and efficiently
Prospectus

Read further information about projects we are currently undertaking in the OPA Prospectus (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/617bef82d3bf7f55fd843d25/OPA_booklet_final_27_10_21_copy_v3.pdf) (PDF, 5.11 MB, 12 pages)

Naval Oil Fuel Depots

We operate 6 Oil Fuel Depots (OFDs) 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 Oil Fuel Depot

The Gosport Oil Fuel Depot redevelopment project to replace tanks and upgrade other buildings is now complete. Contractors have been demobilised and the Oil Fuel Depot is fully operational.

The depot upgrade has ensured it is equipped to the latest safety standards and is ready to serve a vital role in the era of the new Queen Elizabeth Class carriers.

Thanckes Oil Fuel Depot redevelopment

Oil Fuel Depot Thanckes is a marine bulk fuel storage site. A multi-million pound redevelopment project to replace the existing Fuel Jetty and upgrade the site Tank Farm began in 2018. More information is available about the Thanckes Oil Fuel Depot redevelopment (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/thanckes-fuel-jetty-project).

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).

Petroleum Storage Depot

Plumley Petroleum Storage Depot (PSD) is an underground storage facility. The storage facility consists of 34 underground salt caverns that sit approximately 200 metres below ground. The caverns have been in existence since the 1950s.

Due to the volume of fuel stored, Plumley PSD is a ‘top tier’ site under the Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH).

Royal Air Force

The OPA provides consultancy advice on the operation and maintenance of bulk fuel installations at designated RAF Stations. Our objectives are to improve the operational availability and regulatory adherence of the Fuels Infrastructure whilst ensuring value for money.

Our mission

To provide operational energy expertise in storage, supply, logistics and associated services, in order to enable resilience and operational advantage for UK Defence, allies and commercial customers.

Our vision

To surpass the strategic and operational fuel requirements for our customer base, by expanding our service offering and geographical market. Offering effective operational/maintenance solutions, specialist consultancy and delivery of major capital projects. To make us the preferred partner in order to bring greater added value to their cost base for existing and emerging energy solutions. Delivery through:
- Operational efficiency
- Maintenance excellence
- Effective project delivery
- Specialist fuels consultancy
Related information:
- OPA information charter (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/oil-and-pipelines-agency-information-charter)
- OPA policy and commitment statement (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/opa-policy-and-commitment-statement-health-safety-environment-and-quality-performance)
- OPA major accident prevention policy (MAPP) (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/oil-and-pipelines-agency-major-accident-prevention-policy)