VOPAK, THE largest terminal operator and chemicals logistics supplier in the Antwerp port area, is as keen to maintain its number one position in its ‘home’ ARA (Antwerp-Rotterdam-Amsterdam) market as it is to build a position in emerging markets, says Jan Schoonbaert, commercial manager for Antwerp of Vopak Chemicals EMEA. To this end, and reaffirming its commitment to the Belgian port, the company announced plans earlier this year for a major new terminal to be built on the left bank of the river Scheldt, to begin operations in the second half of 2007.Vopak, created in 1999 through the merger of Dutch companies Pakhoed and Van Ommeren, already has a network of three terminals in the Antwerp port area - with total storage capacity exceeding 750 000m3. the company has a further three terminals in Rotterdam and one at Vlissingen, and a total of 72 terminals worldwide. ‘We are able to offer a full spectrum of logistics services and product storage capabilities across the region - all part of our tank terminal plus strategy,’ says Schoonbaert.

Since many Vopak customers have a presence in Rotterdam as well as Antwerp, all seven terminals are operated as a combined business under the Vopak Chemical Terminals Benelux banner. Vopak’s new terminal will be constructed on a 17.4ha greenfield site, and will be the company’s first investment on the left bank of the river Scheldt. ‘the terminal will be the first new terminal for the Antwerp area in about 20 years and only the second to be built on the left bank’, says Schoonbaert proudly. the new terminal is being built in two phases. The first phase, with a storage capacity of 100 000m3, is scheduled for commissioning by the end of 2007, incurring an investment of €70m. A second phase is planned to raise capacity to around 300 000m3. The second phase is linked to the Port of Antwerp’s plans for future infrastructure development on the left bank and will involve further dredging of the Verrebroek dock, explains Schoonbaert. Timing of the second phase is dependent on future development of the bulk liquids markets, as well as development of the left bank. ‘the terminal will be state of the art, not only in terms of infrastructure, but also in layout and design. A high percentage of the tanks and lines will be fully stainless steel’, says Schoonbaert. The left bank development will be integrated with all modes of transport. The terminal will have two berths for ocean-going vessels and two for barges and coasters. ‘Any terminal that can get the most optimal shipping and land operations will have a clear advantage in cost-effective operations for customers’, says Schoonbaert.

Vopak’s largest existing terminal at Antwerp is its Eurotank terminal, located on the right bank of the river. The terminal has 190 tanks, offering a capacity of 472 000m3 for the storage of chemicals and mineral products. The Eurotank terminal also has substantial drumming and railtankcar activity and is the one Vopak terminal at Antwerp linked to the jet fuel pipeline system. The ACS terminal, located further to the north on the right bank alongside Bayer’s chemical park, has 113 tanks offering 183 000m3 of storage capacity for chemicals and, specifically, liquid sulphur. ACS already has 43 000m3 of specialised stainless steel tankage and is planning a further 25 000m3 of stainless steel expansion, explains Schoonbaert.In recent years, Vopak has spent some considerable amounts every year on upgrading facilities at both terminals - in adding new stainless steel tanks and truck loading gantries, for example. However, both offer only limited scope for future expansion, says Schoonbaert, and hence the decision to build the new terminal.Vopak’s oldest and smallest terminal is at Hemiksem, located outside the main port area to the south of the city. It comprises 77 tanks and 107 000m3 capacity for chemicals and lubricating oils. Located close to urban development, it offers no expansion possibilities, explains Schoonbaert.