Integrated Firefighting System at Vassilikos Energy Center

The Cyprus Organization for the Management of Petroleum Stocks (KODAP), acting as Employer/Engineer (E/ER), launched an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) project to develop a centralized, seawater-based firefighting system for the Vassilikos Energy and Industrial Area. The goal is to safeguard personnel, assets, and hydrocarbon products while supplementing existing corporate firefighting systems.

This integrated system provides firefighting water through two independent coastal pumping stations, distributing seawater via an underground pipeline network to petroleum and LPG storage facilities. The system also supports a new industrial Fire Brigade Station and includes foam-water cannons, hydrants, and freshwater supply infrastructure to maintain network pressure.

Technical Scope

• Seawater Intake System: Two offshore pipelines supply seawater to the stations with a total design flow of 3,180 m³/h (1,590 m³/h per station), expandable to 2,385 m³/h each. FRP piping is used throughout.
• Filtration: Velocity cap intake heads 2 meters above seabed with stainless steel bar racks (50 mm spacing), fixed bar screens, and dual intake filters (2×100%) as per NFPA 20.
• Chlorination: Shock chlorination via dual 100% dosing pumps per station and HDPE DN25 lines installed along the intake trench.
• Pumping Stations:
  • 6 diesel seawater pumps (795 m³/h @ 12.5 bar)
  • 3 jockey pumps for freshwater (57 m³/h @ 11 bar)
  • Reinforced concrete foundations, steel superstructure, MEP works, and a 1,000 m³ freshwater tank for pressure stabilization
• Distribution Network:
  • Freshwater Fill Line (HDPE) sized for 8-hour tank refill
  • Firewater Ring Main (HDPE PN16 and above-ground carbon/galvanized steel) with sectional isolating valves, configured per NFPA 24
  • Hydrants (500 US gpm, 4 hose outlets + 4” pumper)
  • Foam-Water Monitors (1,000 US gpm)

Project Strategy

The execution of the project is divided into three primary Zones, each with dedicated work packages:

• Zone A – Sea Water Intake:
  • Offshore intake head structures
  • Dual submarine pipeline installation
  • Pipeline connection to Pumping Station Building
• Zone B – Pumping Station Building & External Works:
  • Shoring, excavation, and foundation works
  • Substructure and superstructure concrete works
  • Steel erection for the superstructure
  • Full internal and external MEP installations
  • Architectural finishes and surrounding civil works
• Zone C – Network Piping:
  • Firefighting Network (Red & Blue Lines)
  • Freshwater Supply Network (Magenta Line)
  • Divided into 9 distinct sections to ensure phased implementation and control

This structured zoning approach ensures clear phasing, coordination, and management of all construction and installation activities across the project's lifecycle.

Start: November 18, 2024

End: Ongoing