A West Lothian firm has been awarded a contract that will help extend the life of the Exxon Mobil jetty at Braefoot Bay Marine Terminal in Fife.

The tanker terminal exports liquefied petroleum gas to Europe and the USA after it has been produced at the Fife Ethylene Plant (using ‘feedstock’ from North Sea reserves).

Six specialists from Linlithgow-based Asset Integrity Maintenance (AIM) (www.asset-imgroup.com) have started working at the 233m-long jetty on the first phase of a major upgrade programme.

They will be using a temporary access structure, which will be suspended below the jetty and enclose the work area to prevent any environmental impact to the Firth of Forth below.

Jacob McAlister, plant manager at FEP, said: “The project at Braefoot Bay is integral to an extensive programme of maintenance and modernisation work at FEP.

“Adding many years to the operational life of the jetty is an exciting development.

“It will take our operations into a new era and means that we can continue to contribute to the local economy and employ local contractors and personnel.”

AIM’s scope of work will focus on the refurbishment, repair and protection of the jetty’s steelwork coating, using abrasive materials and a vapour-blasting technique that are environment-friendly.

Blair McDonald, managing director of AIM, said: “This is an important contract for our company.

“Our local teams will conduct this key upgrade project in a way that maintains the highest levels of environmental protection.

“When completed, it will ensure the safety and integrity of the jetty for years to come.”