Our Story

Established in July 1999, Independent Petroleum Laboratory Limited (IPL) is a fully independent laboratory that provides specialist Fuels, Biofuels, Industrial and Environmental laboratory testing services to a wide range of customers throughout New Zealand and the South West Pacific.

IPL operates on the Channel Infrastructure site which is located on the shores of the beautiful Whangarei Harbour less than 2 hours north of Auckland.

IPL’s proven expertise is renowned by the leading oil companies, governmental agencies and the South West Pacific Islands fuel terminals. IPL provides sound, innovative solutions to the analytical testing needs of the petrochemical industry.

Benefiting from our impeccable reputation in the industry, IPL’s success and recognised specialised expertise has radiated outside of New Zealand.

We are constantly adding to our customer database and promoting our unique abilities throughout the international community. Should you seek our laboratory testing expertise, we are committed to working with you in order to propose sound solutions to your problems.

Our History

From humble beginnings in 1999, IPL has continued to grow strongly, delivering to satisfied customers. We benefit from our peoples’ wealth of experience, knowledge and dedication, giving us the ability to provide superior customer service tailored to individual customer needs.

Since we began our journey as an independent laboratory, we have tripled our staff and opened a second laboratory location. We are constantly reviewing our strategy to compete in the changeable industry landscape.

2020

November 2020 IPL launched their new Lab Information management System (LIMS).

2019

IPL started the configuration of their new Lab Information management System (LIMS). It is a huge task to undertake but the team is making nice progress.

2018

Go ahead for a project to upgrade the outdated Laboratory Information System (LIMS) was granted. This is a major project and once implemented will contribute to improved lab services and customer experience.

2017

IPL engaged a consultant to perform a strategic review into possibilities to grow IPL for the future and changing economic climate.

2016

IPL became fully owned by Refining NZ following their purchase of BP NZ’s portion of shareholding.

2015

Refining NZ commissioned a Continuous Catalytic Regenerator which resulted in an increased crude intake. Following this upgrade, IPL experienced and managed a steep increase in their testing volumes.

2014

- IPL opened a second laboratory in New Plymouth (Taranaki). This site delivers a range of testing specific to the local Oil and Gas industry.

- IPL commissioned its I-Fischer distillation unit (Autodist 800/860 AC) enabling full crude oil assay analysis.

2013

IPL invested in mini-Fischer Distillation technology enabling them to perform rapid yield crude assays (Flash Assays).

- IPL began their Laboratory Management contract at Kupe in Taranaki.

2007-2009

With the major oil companies gradually moving out of the South West Pacific Islands, IPL has progressively acquired contracts and is now supplying expertise and technologies to the whole South West Pacific.

2006

As a result of national fuel specification changes to improve emissions and health and safety, IPL invested in new capabilities to test for ultra low levels of sulphur and benzene.

2005

IPL began developing its Biofuels testing expertise. After 3 years of research and development supported by the Ministry of Economic Development (now MBIE), IPL developed full specification testing capability.

2002

After closing down their Wellington based laboratories, Shell and Mobil contracted IPL as their main fuel testing provider making IPL the only fuel testing lab in New Zealand.

2001

Chevron closed their Auckland laboratory and began contracting IPL as their main fuel testing provider.

1999

Refining NZ and BP Oil NZ joined forces to establish Independent Petroleum Laboratory Limited (IPL).