"Strategic western energy reserve, gateway connecting LNG/LH2 terminal to Asia."

A storage facility for liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquid hydrogen (LH2) is located in Zone C, along with a high-security, enclosed deep-sea port.

Project Information

  • Project Name : Andaman Strategic Energy Reserve Center - SERC, Ranong
  • Client :
    1. National Energy Companies of GCC Countries (The Producers) — Major energy suppliers
    2. Governments and National Energy Funds of Major Asian Consumers (The Consumers) — Customers seeking energy security
    3. Global Energy Traders — International oil trading companies and energy brokers
  • Background & Rationale :
    In the current volatile global geopolitical landscape, the shipping routes for energy through the Strait of Malacca and South China Sea are subject to potential blockades or bottlenecks (Chokepoints) at any time. Therefore, ensuring energy security has become a critical priority for major oil-consuming nations in Southeast Asia and the BIMSTEC region.
    Additionally, the oil-producing countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are looking to expand their distribution networks closer to consumer markets for faster delivery. The establishment of the Andaman Strategic Energy Reserve Center (SERC) in Ranong is thus a pivotal move to become a "front-line oil reserve" on Thai soil, enabling the storage, backup, and management of energy resources (Crude Oil, LNG, and Green Ammonia) before distribution through the Golden Bridge logistics system to global markets. This project is not merely an oil storage facility but a "global energy security guarantee" that attracts substantial investment from national sovereign funds.

Objectives :
1. To become the largest strategic energy reserve center for refined oil, liquid energy, and clean energy on the Andaman coast
2. To serve as a forward fuel hub that cuts through the strait, reducing time and costs of shipping around the Strait of Malacca
3. To foster strategic cooperation between the Thai government, GCC countries, and major consumer nations to ensure price stability and adequate energy reserves in Asia

Key Targets :
1. Construct a refined petroleum products and clean energy tank farm utilizing advanced safety technology and an environmentally friendly, closed system. The total storage capacity will appropriately support the regional market, optimized for the available space (focusing on the storage of diesel, gasoline, Jet A-1 aviation fuel, and clean energy).
2. Construct a marine terminal and intelligent throughput station (Overland Throughput Station) to receive refined oil from cargo ships and distribute it through the Golden Bridge logistics system to consumer countries immediately.
3. Achieve take-or-pay storage agreements with international oil companies and major energy brokers for 100% of the initial capacity.

Key Requirements :
1. International Safety and Environmental Standards : All design and operation must comply with API (American Petroleum Institute) standards and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Marine Pollution Control and Prevention (MARPOL) standards.
2. Energy Security Laws : A license to operate an oil storage and fuel depot must be approved under Thailand's Fuel Control Act and comply with the Ministry of Energy's oil reserve quotas.
3. Government Area Unlocking : The area for the storage facility and pipeline must have received the highest level of Environmental Impact Assessment (EHIA) approval and a 50-year long-term concession for the Special Economic Zone from the Cabinet.

Location/Area :
  • Location : Zone B, C, E (Andaman Bay, Ranong) *(1 Rai = 1,600 Square Meters)*
  • Area :
    1. Onshore Reserve Tanks: 1,400 Rai (Zone B = 200 Rai, Zone C = 600 Rai, Zone E = 600 Rai) 2. Offshore Storage Units: 35 Units (Floating Storage Units - FSUs = 25 Units, Floating Storage and Regasification Unit - FSRUs = 10 Units) 3. Marine Terminal (SPM) + Subsea Pipeline: 15 kilometers connecting the onshore reserve tanks with the offshore storage units and the Golden Bridge logistics system to consumer countries in Asia 4. Throughput Station and Pipeline Control Node 5. Refined Oil Blending Plant (ENOC)

Budget :
  • Total Budget (Turnkey - EPC) : 91,000 – 110,000 Million Baht(THB) (Reference in Thai Baht)

Timeline :
  • Preparation and EHIA Phase : 6 - 9 months (starting immediately after receiving operational support)
  • Construction and Vessel Procurement Phase : 36 - 42 months (phased implementation)

Responsible Parties :
  • Contract and Concession Management : Golden Bridge Investment Holding (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (GBI Holding) as the owner of the land and water rights for 50 years
  • Investment Groups and Technology Owners : ADGM Fund and large state-owned energy companies from the GCC countries (Saudi Aramco / ADNOC)
  • Operator : International Energy Storage Management Company, under joint control between GBI Holding and its Arab partners

Expected Outcomes :
1. Elevate Thailand and GBI Holding's projects to become a regional energy hub, generating substantial revenue from storage rental, throughput fees, and port services over the 50-year period
2. Create significant attraction for Phase 1 projects (shipyard, warehouse, industrial zone) to grow alongside it, as major global oil reserves will need to dock for refueling once this energy reserve center is operational
3. Build geopolitical leverage for GBI Holding and the Thai government, giving them strong negotiating power in global trade forums due to their control over the energy supply lines of Asia