USTDA Grants US$1.35mn to Hydrocarbons Sector

The US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) has awarded three grants totaling US$1.35mn for the development of Colombia's hydrocarbons sector, USTDA said in a statement.

The first US$500,000 grant will support a feasibility study addressing state oil company Ecopetrol's overall pipeline system safety, security and maintenance requirements.

Another US$600,000 grant will fund the development of a modernization plan for Ecopetrol's Barrancabermeja oil refinery.

There is a gap between current production levels and projected demand for middle distillates produced in the refinery such as diesel, while there is a surplus of gasoline, the statement said.

USTDA also granted US$250,000 to provide national hydrocarbons regulator ANH with technical assistance in reforming the agency's licensing policy, developing tenders based on international standards, evaluating bids and negotiating contracts, the statement said.

Ecopetrol and ANH will select the US contractor to provide the assistance called for by each respective USTDA grant.

The tenders will be conducted through USTDA's Federal Business Opportunities website, the statement said.

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