Fuelling the wars : Pluto and the secret pipeline network 1936 - 2015

Whittle, Tim2017

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Summary

Unknown to many, a network of petroleum pipelines transport fuel from refineries and terminals to major airfields, and distribution depots, the largest having its origins as far back as the Second World War. In 1936 the RAF was inadequately equipped with mainly obsolescent aircraft and its total fuel reserves amounted to just 8,000 ton. At peak war time consumption they would have only lasted one day. The RAF planned for many squadrons of Hurricanes and Spitfires, but these would need fuel, which would need storage facilities that could withstand aerial bombardment. Construction of a large number of protected storage depots was started, with the first of these coming on line in 1939. The outcome of the Battle of Britain could have been very different without them. In total the Air Ministry constructed 78 new storage depots with a capacity of over 1.6 million tons. In 1941 the decision was taken to construct a pipeline network to transport fuel from the west coast ports eastwards and southwards; the best known part of the network are the PLUTO cross channel pipelines. However, they were not as successful as popularly imagined, and the battle of Normandy was won without a drop of fuel being delivered by PLUTO. After the war most of the system was decommissioned, but the 'Cold War' led to its reuse. In the 1950s new import facilities, including large scale fuel reserves located in salt cavities, and pipelines were constructed. During the 1970s and 80s virtually all depots not connected by pipeline were sold-off or mothballed. Following the end of Cold War, many more depots and some pipelines were closed, but the use of the network for commercial aviation fuel increased and a new fuel import facility were connected to the system. This pipeline network and storage system has constantly evolved to meet changing requirements. This book charts how the system came to be built, its history and its continuing importance.