NATO Logistics Handbook October 1997

Chapter 15: Fuels, Oils, Lubricants and Petroleum Handling Equipment Bulk Distribution and Storage of Fuels in the NPS 1506. Although collectively referred to as one system, the NPS consists of nine separate and distinct military storage and distribution systems: Italy, Greece, Turkey (two separate systems - west and east), the United Kingdom, Norway, Portugal, the North European Pipeline System (NEPS) located in both Denmark and Germany, and the largest system, the Central Europe Pipeline System (CEPS) in Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. The NPS in total consists of some 11,500 km of pipeline running through 12 NATO nations with its associated depots, connected air bases, civil airports, pump stations, refineries and entry points. Bulk distribution is achieved using facilities provided from the common-funded NATO Security Investment Programme (NSIP). The networks are controlled by national organizations, with the exception of the CEPS which is a multinational system. 1507. Optimum utilization of NATO petroleum facilities in peacetime is a prerequisite for the proper maintenance of the system, and the necessary training of its staff. Nations should use the facilities to the fullest extent practicable for military purposes and, where this is insufficient, commercial use should be encouraged. There are no restrictions on the type of NATO fuel facilities that can be used for commercial purposes provided the minimum safeguards are respected. Central Europe Pipeline System (CEPS) 1508. The CEPS is a NATO Production and Logistics Organization (NPLO) and, because it crosses a number of national borders and has eight host/user nations (Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States), its day-to-day operation is the task of a NATO Agency, the Central Europe Pipeline Management Agency (CEPMA) located in Versailles, France. The NATO Central Europe Pipeline Management Organization (CEPMO) comprises: A Board of Directors known as AC/120 NATO CEPMO BOD is the governing body acting with regard to the collective interests of all CEPMO member nations. It is composed of a representative of each member nation of the CEPMO who represent their nation's political, military, economic, financial and technical interests in CEPMO. Representatives of the NMAs and the General Manager of the CEPMA also participate in the Board meetings. CEPMA is organized in such a way as to cover the core functions of operations, marketing and economic development, technical, financial and administrative support of the CEPS.