Amsterdam Seaports no.1 2012

AMSTERDAM

AMSTERDAM BEVERWIJK IJMUIDEN ZAANSTAD

SEAPORTS

Special Issue

Offshore & Innovation

www.amports.nl

2012/nr1

Peter van Wessel Oiltanking's new managing director

Portbase

All ports in one system J a n uary 2012

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January2012 March 2012

Amsterdam Seaports

Contents Special Issue

Offshore & innovation 5 7 9 10 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 23 24 27

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Offshore and innovation go hand in hand News in brief News in brief Crane specialist ZPMC Europe increases offshore activities

An offshore giant The Swiss-Dutch company Allseas will be using the port of IJmuiden as the basis for some of its activities. Allseas is renting some 15,000 m2 of premises in the IJmondhaven, at the former facilities of offshore company Cofely.

Amsterdam Seaports get ready for biomass New cooling solution turns fumes to liquid Van Laar Shipyard opens new site in IJmuiden Airborne Composites’ offshore breaktrough

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Diesel-electric tug under development Peterson SBS: More than offshore alone Flywheel drive offers huge fuel savings Orders pour in for unique gangway CCA: Creative Containers from Amsterdam and Romania

New Oiltanking director advocates cooperation Oiltanking Amsterdam has a new managing director in 41-year old Peter van Wessel. For the past decade he has been working for the tank storage company at PT Oiltanking Merak in Indonesia.

From drilling fluid to cat litter granules ASCO Holland (Logistics) sees future in IJmuiden All ports in one system

Colophon: Publisher: Amsterdam Ports Association De Ruijterkade 7, 1013 AA Amsterdam The Netherlands Telephone + 31 (0)20 - 627 37 06 Fax +31 (0)20 – 626 49 69 E-mail: amports@amports.nl Website: www.amports.nl

Cover photo: The Seajacks Kraken (length 76 m, width 36 m) visited the port of IJmuiden last December.

It was commissioned with a complete wellservicing package. The vessels’ 300-ton and 50-ton auxiliary cranes are also essential for the velocity string campaign as lifts can go up to 40 tons. Photo Ed Seeder

Managing director: Laura Keegstra Chief editor: Bart Stam Junior editor: Sam van den Brink Translation: Writewell Amsterdam: Andrews Rogers, Akke Pinkster and Damir Avdic Layout: Fizz reclame+communications, Meppel (NL) Printed by: Ten Brink, Meppel (NL)

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Advertisers: 4 AYOP 6 Broekman Group 8 Offshore Ship Designers 2 CWT Sitos 21 Forkliftcenter 6 KVSA 22 MegaBarging 22 Oiltanking Amsterdam 22 Waterland Terminal 28 Zeehavens IJmuiden NV

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January2012 March 2012

Amsterdam Seaports

Innovation and offshore go hand in hand With a growth of two percent to around 92.7 million tons, Amsterdam Seaports performed well in 2011 despite the recession. Moreover, the four seaports alongside the North Sea Canal (Amsterdam, Zaanstad, Beverwijk and IJmuiden) almost attained the record levels of 94.8 million tons seen in 2008. Oil products, coal, grain, cars, Ro/Ro and sea and river cruises achieved particularly positive results.

and offshore. These two important issues are closely intertwined as the offshore industry has always been very reliant on R&D and product innovation.

INNOVATION AS A MAJOR STRENGTH

The offshore sector has developed into a major industry for the IJmuiden region, which is underlined by the 650 direct jobs it provides.

A significant development that further strengthens the cluster is the arrival of two new offshore companies in the IJmondhaven (IJmond Harbour), Airborne Composites and Allseas. In IJmuiden the sector is not only represented by oil and gas production, but also, since 2007, via the construction and maintenance of two new offshore wind parks in the North Sea. In addition, the Dutch government aims to have around 6,000 MW operational in eight years, and therefore issued licenses for the construction of four new wind parks. This offers excellent prospects for IJmuiden and its ultra-modern port.

This first edition of Amsterdam Seaports magazine in 2012 focuses on innovation

Innovation is not only just important to

Unfortunately, some sectors such as agribulk and containers also had to concede ground.

At the same time, these markets saw some hopeful developments with, for example, a 25 percent increase in the transport of containers by inland vessels compared to 2010. And in December three container shipping companies (MOL, Hapag-Lloyd and ZIM Lines) announced weekly line services to the port of Amsterdam during the cocoa season.

AMSTERDAM

the offshore industry of course. The port as a whole benefits, as was illustrated by a survey carried out by the Erasmus University of Rotterdam in 2009 of around 1,100 port companies in Rotterdam and Amsterdam, the first and fourth seaports in Europe respectively.

The results showed that companies which develop new technologies, products or operational processes score higher with regard to market share, added value, profitability and productivity.

Businesses in Amsterdam Seaports have also been moving forward in recent years.

Examples highlighted in this issue include a flywheel for generating energy in floating cranes and a new diesel-electric port tug.

These and other innovations are set to further strengthen the competitive position of Amsterdam Seaports.

Michiel A. Wijsmuller, chairman Amports

AMSTERDAM BEVERWIJK IJMUIDEN ZAANSTAD

SEAPORTS

AMSTERDAM SEAPORTS

OfďŹ cial publication on behalf of the ports of Amsterdam, Beverwijk, IJmuiden and Zaandstad.

Published four times a year in English by Amsterdam Ports Association (E-mail: amports@amports.nl - www.amports.nl) Mor e a b o u t A m s t e r d a m P o r t s A s s o c i a t i o n a n d i t s 3 0 0 m e m b e r s : w w w. a m p o r t s . n l Special Issue

Offshore & Innovation

w w w. a m p o r t s . n l

2012/nr1

Peter van Wessel Oiltanking's new managing director

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Amsterdam Seaports

NEWS IN BRIEF Maiden call LBC Energy The new cargo vessel LBC Energy moored at Amsterdam Seaports on Thursday 19 January during its maiden voyage. Captain Rao Mubing was handed the traditional port shield by James Hallworth, commercial manager of the Port of Amsterdam.

The 210-metre light bulk carrier called at Amsterdam (IGMA) as its first unloading port with pellets of citrus pulp and soy bean meal from Santas (Brazil) onboard. The cargo vessel will be exclusively used by IGMA Parcel Service as a line service between South America and Europe carrying various types of agribulk.

Amsterdam Seaports: Two percent growth in 2011 Amsterdam Seaports ended 2011 with a two percent growth.

Total transhipment in the four seaports on the North Sea Canal (Amsterdam, Zaanstad, Beverwijk and IJmuiden) was 92.7 million tons, nearing the record amount of 94.8 million tons logged in 2008. Amsterdam continues to be Europe’s fourth port, after Rotterdam, Antwerp and Hamburg.

Dertje Meijer, general director of Port of Amsterdam, is satisfied with the annual results. “Two percent growth is a good result, especially in these economically challenging times.” Sectors that did well over the past year are oil products (9 percent growth to 37.1 million tons), coal (+ 9%, 15.5 million tons), cars and other Roll On/Roll Off cargo (+9%, 900,000 tons) and sea and river cruises (+34%, 123 calls in 2011). Unfortunately there are also a few areas of concern, such as the reduction of agribulk (-12%, excluding grain), constructionmaterials (-6%), mixed cargo (-5%) and containers (-28%), although the transhipment of containers per inland vessel increased by 25 percent.

NEW COMPANIES IN THE PORT OF IJMUIDEN

The Amsterdam port shield is presented to Captain Rao Mubing. Photo: Port of Amsterdam

Record year for Waterland Terminal Waterland Terminal has reported a very successful 2011. The multipurpose terminal recorded a record transhipment of 1.7 million tons of mixed cargo, 20 percent up on 2010. The growth is mainly the result of the transhipment of metals and forestry products, while Ro/Ro for Nissan and Hoëgh Autoliners also showed good results.

“In response to this growth we are building two new berths,” says René Finson, director of Waterland Terminal. “We are also increasing the capacity of the rail connection.” The stevedore is building almost 6,000 m2 of new warehouses, 2,300 m2 of which will be used to store high-quality steel.

The company is also extending its covered loading dock for trucks and rail carriages. The terminal has 230 metres of quay walls with 13-metre deep water for seagoing vessels.

Peter van de Meerakker, general director of Zeehaven IJmuiden NV (the IJmuiden port authority), expects a gradual growth in the import of fresh fish in the port of IJmuiden now that the European Commission has increased the fishing quota for flounder and sole by 15 percent. He is also pleased with the arrival of three new companies in the IJmondhaven (IJmond Harbour), a hub for offshore activities. These are the new head office and hall of Iskes Towage & Salvage, Airborne Composites and Allseas.

Van de Meerakker is positive on the subject of cruise vessels: “2012 promises to be an unrivalled year for the port of IJmuiden with 45 calls, including 23 from the carrier MSC.” The port director also expects a major spin-off for the regional offshore industry as a result of the decision of Dutch energy provider Eneco to build a new offshore wind park in the North Sea, not far from IJmuiden.

Oil tanker Diamond Express calls at the new Vopak Westpoort Terminal in the port of Amsterdam. Photo: Dick van den Berg

Aerial photo of the Waterland Terminal

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March 2012

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NEWS IN BRIEF New warehouse for boatmen On Tuesday 9 January Aart Hiemstra, assistant harbour master in Amsterdam, opened a new 500 m2 warehouse for De Koperen Ploeg, the boatmen’s cooperative in Amsterdam. The space will be used for the storage of ship’s supplies, and is equipped with conditioned refrigerators and freezers for cold and frozen products.

Svitzer Salvage frees stranded Philippine bulk carrier On Saturday 21 January Svitzer Salvage in IJmuiden successfully pulled the stranded Philippine bulk carrier Aztec Maiden afloat. The salvage company then towed the 155-metre vessel to the port of IJmuiden for inspection, where it was shown that the main engine was in good condition and that the problems were the result of a technical failure. After the inspection Aztec Maiden continued its journey.

The Philippine bulk carrier Aztec Maiden (1984) left the port of Amsterdam on 19 January. After passing the piers of IJmuiden it got into trouble in heavy storms. The rudder of the empty Aztec Maiden became uncontrollable, and the carrier drifted on the high waves towards the shore where it ran aground. (WM) Freeing the grounded cargo vessel Aztec Maiden. Photo: Willem Moojen

Spectacular opening of the new De Koperen Ploeg warehouse. Photo: Ed Seeder

Imtech established in Amsterdam port Dutch technology company Imtech opened its own facilities in the port of Amsterdam on Wednesday 18 January. The company is a service provider in the field of electrical engineering, ICT, mechanical engineering and maritime technology. Clients include various Amsterdam port companies such as IGMA, Cargill, United Stevedores Amsterdam (USA) and BP.

Centennial Ter Haak Group The Ter Haak Group celebrated its centennial with a reception in the renovated Scheepvaartmuseum (maritime museum) in Amsterdam on Thursday 19 January in the presence of around 200 guests. The Ter Haak Group was established in 1911 by Pieter ter Haak, the grandfather of current CEO Richard ter Haak. Over the past one hundred years, the company has developed from a ship maintenance company to a modern logistic services provider with its head office in the port of Amsterdam.

Van Vliet Trucks Holland opens one-stop shop in Ghana Van Vliet Trucks Holland opened a new branch in the port city of Tema in Ghana on Friday 27 January that is designed to be a ‘one-stop shop’ for the West-African market. More than 250 invited guests were present for the opening ceremony.

Van Vliet Trucks has a large stock of 4x4s (jeeps), trucks, machines and parts in Ghana, as well as a well-equipped workshop. The outdoor premises, intended for storage, have a surface area of over 10,000 m2.

Van Vliet Trucks new branch in Ghana. Photo: Van Vliet Trucks

The centenary reception of the Ter Haak Group.

Photo: Martin Hendriksen

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O F F S H O R E & I N N O V AT I O N

Crane specialist ZPMC Europe increases offshore activities

OBA Bulk Terminal in the port of Amsterdam took delivery of this new 60-ton crane from ZPMC in 2011. Photo: ZPMC Europe

By Lydia Gille Innovation is a key aspect at ZPMC Europe and one of the main reasons for the company’s growth. Specialist expertise, an advanced logistics support programme and the market development of steel constructions are the basis upon which the Amsterdam port-based firm can expand in fields other than cranes. ZPMC was already active in the offshore sector, and is now expanding its activities with the production of systems for the disassembly of oil drilling platforms and the development of foundations for wind turbine parks at sea, for example.

With the establishment of an agency for Europe in 2001 the Chinese megacompany ZPMC, with a global market share of 79 percent in container cranes, also became a major player in 10

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PMC Europe may be a relatively young company (1990) in the port of Amsterdam but it already has a fine reputation as a manufacturer of heavy duty equipment. Active in offshore, the company is currently increasing its activities in the sector with the production of disassembly systems for oil drilling platforms and the development of foundations for wind turbine parks at sea.

Amsterdam Seaports. Hoisting and lifting equipment are still at the core of ZPMC Europe, and the delivery, (re)design, inspection and maintenance services focus on four key areas: On and offshore cranes, bridges and locks, coal transport systems and storage.

SERVICE CONTRACTS “We mainly work with service contracts,” says service manager Gerrit de Groot of ZPMC Europe. “Our strength lies in the provision of maintenance contracts with port and industrial companies. ZMPC also has master service agreements, for instance with Dutch company Heerema for revisions of offshore constructions, and various Dutch municipalities for the maintenance of bridges and locks.”

ZPMC Europe is working hard to develop a digital system that reads in failures and keeps engineers informed. “Maintenance staff enter activities into their palm computers and the client signs for receipt,” explains De

Amsterdam Seaports

O F F S H O R E & I N N O V AT I O N

Groot. “The data is immediately sent back to our offices where we can process the administration quickly and automatically. It is an innovation that makes us stronger, more competitive and a bigger player.”

SAFE LIFTING Vice president Toon Nouwens explains that innovation at ZPMC Europe is often a by-product of the main task at hand. “For example, the concrete industry had a question about working conditions for crane operators.

The operators walk over concrete piles and are at risk of falling between them. We evaluated the question and concluded that it is an issue of safe lifting. This means that it is our responsibility and we set about immediately addressing the matter.”

Warehousing is an additional service that is inextricably linked to maintenance work. ZPMC Europe has two advanced warehouses in the port of Amsterdam offering 4,000 m2 and 1,500 pallet spaces respectively. These fully temperature and humidity conditioned facilities are in constant use.

NEW WORK FIELDS Scale increases in the port and industry have led to ever bigger cranes, helping turn ZPMC Europe into large-scale steel constructions. Foundations for wind turbine parks and bridge and lock door construction are examples of new fields of activity. ZPMC Europe won the tender to contribute to the construction of the new Waasland locks in Antwerp, for example; the largest locks in the world at 500 metres long and 68 metres wide. This civil engineering project is costing 382 million euros and is intended for postpanamax vessels. ZPMC Europe will deliver four lock doors, the bridges and the signal mast for this project.

MORE OFFSHORE ZPMC Europe is also increasing its offshore activities. Senior technical manager Gerard Nijssen and his team are constantly looking for new projects and tenders. “It all starts with making contacts and giving presentations,” he explains. Together with the designers of ZPMC in Shanghai, Nijssen develops client demands into drawings or tenders.

ZPMC supplies various types of jack-up rigs, semi-subs and fixed platforms, which can all be transported in semi-submersible vessels designed by the Chinese crane specialist itself. The operational depth for the jack-up rigs is around 150 metres, while the drilling depth is 9,000 metres. Semisubmersible vessels can handle drilling depths in excess of 12,000 metres.

ZPMC has recently been commissioned to build ten oil rigs for the Spanish company ADHK.

ZPMC supplies various types of jack-up rigs, semi-subs and fixed platforms. Photo: ZPMC Europe

Artist’s impression of the future Waasland locks in Antwerp for which ZPMC Europe is supplying the lock doors, bridges, signal mast and more. Source: THV Waaslandsluis.

LOBSTER AND DENTIST IN ONE ZPMC supplies the offshore industry with items such as pipe-layers, drilling vessels, FPSO (Floating Production Storage and Offloading) vessels, installation vessels for wind turbines at sea and dredging vessels. The company offers various types of pipe-laying vessels, from standard pontoons to semi-submersibles, and equips these pipe-layers with heavy load cranes with a lifting capacity of 1,000 to 5,000 tons.

For the disassembly of drilling platforms the company is working on developing a new type of vessel that cuts off the superstructure of a platform like a lobster and pulls the roots out of the seabed like a dentist.

As we have seen, ZPMC also delivers various types of floating cranes.

These are either rotating (swinging) or shear legged, in a fixed deck construction. The maximum lifting capacity is approximately 12,000 tons. The company recently started the construction of a 8,000 ton shearlegged floating crane for Samsung.

HEAVY STEEL CONSTRUCTIONS AND BRIDGES ZPMC produces around one million tons of steel constructions per year.

This capacity mainly consists of constructions of over 2,000 tons, modules for steel bridges, lock doors (such as the Waasland locks in Antwerp) and steel foundations for offshore wind turbine parks. Other ZPMC projects include the New Oakland Bay Bridge near San Francisco, one of the most complex constructions in the bridgebuilding industry. www.zpmceurope.com

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O F F S H O R E & I N N O V AT I O N

Amsterdam Seaports gets ready for biomass

This is set to become a familiar sight in Amsterdam: The storage of large quantities of wood pellets in silos or warehouses, as here in Brumunddal (Norway).

Photo: Statoil Hydro

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he Port of Amsterdam is aiming to become one of the most sustainable ports in the world by 2020.

One of the ways in which this objective will be attained is via the storage and transhipment of dry biomass, i.e. wood chips and wood pellets. This will represent a transit of some six million tons per year over eight years – a considerable, but feasible, challenge, according to the Port of Amsterdam. The first stevedores and bulk & transhipment companies have already started their preparations.

through the generation of electricity for example. While there are numerous types of biomass, Amsterdam Seaports will focus more on dry biomass and less on organic fertilisers or sewage sludge. It will consist mainly of dried wood pellets (compressed wood residue) and wood chips from Scandinavia, North and South America, and Southeast Asia.

Another form of biomass use is through so-called torrefaction of woody material, which involves thermochemical treatment at 280 to 300 °C. In this process material is made hydrophobic (water-repellent) and can therefore easily be stored outdoors. “Torrefied wood has a high calorific value and is very suitable for cofiring in coal plants,” Hallworth explains. “The storage of biomass is similar to that of cocoa, especially in terms of aeration, temperature and avoiding fires.

This is especially interesting for Amsterdam, which is the largest cocoa port in the world.”

NEW CARGO The next question is what the Amsterdam port companies will gain from focusing on biomass. “Cargo packages will expand,” Marcel Gorris explains. “Furthermore, biomass will provide a big push to the development of Amsterdam as a sustainable port. And there is certainly capacity available for this new activity.”

By Bart Stam According to Port of Amsterdam bioenergy specialists James Hallworth and Marcel Gorris, the fact that Amsterdam Seaports currently has no biomass projects is set to change in the coming years. “Several terminal operators and transhipment companies in Amsterdam are very busy preparing for storage and throughput of dry biomass,” Hallworth says. “These include OBA Bulk Terminal, Maja Stevedores, IGMA and Rietlanden Terminals.”

The Port of Amsterdam will work with the business community to find opportunities for the storage and supply of biomass. “We will look collectively at where new terminals are necessary as we open up the market together. For instance, we have already established contacts in biomass countries of origin, such as Port of Erie in the United States. We also recently received a delegation from the Canadian province of Nova Scotia in Amsterdam.”

According to Marcel Gorris and James Hallworth, the major customers will be energy producers in the Netherlands and Germany (primarily the Ruhr area).

“It is always interesting to find new markets, certainly from a strategic point of view,” Gorris concludes. “Should the storage and handling of coal ever decrease in Amsterdam, biomass can fill the gap.” www.portofamsterdam.nl www.majastuwadoors.nl www.oba-bulk.nl www.igma.nl

DRY BIOMASS Biomass is the collective name for biological material converted into energy, 12

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Amsterdam Seaports

O F F S H O R E & I N N O V AT I O N Innovative VentoClean for ship-to-ship transfer

New cooling solution turns fumes to liquid

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he way in which regulations can stimulate innovation was again illustrated by the introduction of the VentoClean system in Amsterdam Seaports. This mobile vapour processing solution prevents odours and harmful emissions during shipto-ship transfer between two tankers. “Without VentoClean we would be missing out on quite some turnover,” says Graham Wastell, director of Specialised Tanker Services (STS) in Amsterdam. “This innovation reinforces Amsterdam Seaports’ leading international position.”

By Rob Schoemaker The rise in the transhipment of oil products in Amsterdam Seaports has put pressure on the capacity of the terminals. In this highly time-critical sector, ship-to-ship transfer from seagoing vessels to lighters is an attractive alternative; a method that uses special piles, such as those in the Afrikahaven (Africa Harbour), in the most western port in Amsterdam.

EMISSIONS BANNED

Manufacturing the first VentoClean in Krimpen aan den IJssel, near Rotterdam.

Photo: Specialised Tanker Services (STS)

cargo from seagoing vessels to lighters is carried out via a closed system that transfers vapours as well as products,” explains Graham Wastell. “The oxygen level of the vapours in a seagoing vessel is less than eight percent, however, while in a lighter it is around 20 percent. As a result, the oxygen-rich vapours enter the tanks of the seagoing vessel and need to escape. This used to happen either in the port or offshore, but is no longer allowed due to the effect on the environment. In short, we had to find a solution to the problem.”

MOBILE SYSTEM STS found this in the VentoClean, an invention by Rotterdam company TEIgro.

A mobile vapour processing system in a 40-foot container placed on a pontoon alongside the seagoing vessel and lighter, the VentoClean is connected to the closed system of both vessels.

The mobile vapour processing system circulates the gas mixtures, in which the gas is liquefied via cooling. The captured condensed liquid is then used for other purposes.

Nitrogen is added to the vapour which enters the seagoing vessel, lowering oxygen levels.

OTHER BENEFITS The added benefits of the VentoClean are enormous according to Graham Wastell.

Not only does the mobile system produce an extra product, the remaining vapours are cleaner, there are no emissions and odours, time-loss is kept to a minimum and it is often unnecessary to clean the tanks. In addition to ship-to-ship transfer, the VentoClean is suitable for cleaning the tanks of seagoing vessels and lighters, and a third application is at terminals that are experiencing temporary difficulties with their vapour return system.

FROM DRAWING BOARD TO PRACTICE

STS is serving as the launching customer – a VentoClean costs around one million A disadvantage, however, is that this ship- euros. “Safety is of the utmost importance,” says Wastell. “There are always a few to-ship transfer leads to odour pollution practical problems between drawing board and functioning system, and we are and harmful emissions of volatile working on those before we become operational. Thankfully, we have received hydrocarbons, while the various subsidies, including from the Port of Amsterdam.” vapour return systems “Without VentoClean we There is major interest in the VentoClean from abroad. “It is of the terminals are would be missing out on a sustainable development that has attracted the attention of unavailable in port quite some turnover.” the entire international tanker industry to Amsterdam,” adds basins.

Wastell. “As the first port to ban emissions, Amsterdam has Specialised Tanker Services (STS) is a placed a production pressure on the sector. And under pressure, or in this case the services provider that offers material, right cooling, everything becomes liquid.” personnel and expertise for ship-to-ship www.specialisedtankerservices.com transfer between tankers. “Pumping liquid

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Van Laar Shipyard at new site in IJmuiden

Diverse services for the offshore industry

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here are many companies in IJmuiden that cater to the offshore industry. Van Laar Shipyard is one of them – its guard and chase boats monitor offshore activities worldwide.

By Jan van den Berg From his new office in IJmuiden, Van Laar Shipyard owner and director Paul van Laar has an excellent view of the two slipways at his yard. “We have been at this location since December,” he says. “Our old office had become much too small – now we have all the space we could ask for.”

The larger slipway accommodates vessels measuring up to 60 metres and weighing up to 1,800 tons, while the smaller one is intended for boats up to 40 metres and 1,000 tons. But not all activities take place so close to home – Van Laar currently operates twenty guard vessels off the east and west coasts of Africa, in the Barents Sea, the Mediterranean and the North Sea.

GUARDING OFFSHORE INSTALLATIONS Van Laar uses its vessels to safeguard offshore activities. “We often work for companies that carry out seismic research to detect oil and gas in the seabed,” Van Laar explains. “They do this by means of a loud bang produced by an air gun, the echo of which is measured by microphones dragged by the research vessel on cables up to ten kilometres long.

Obviously, it is crucial that other vessels do not damage these cables and this is where our guard vessels come in.”

“Our boats also monitor two pumping stations at the bottom of the North Sea. These are attached to a tube that tankers use to take on oil from the reservoirs. The owner naturally does not want a fishing boat to drag its nets over one of these pumping stations 14

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Aerial picture of the Van Laar yard with two slipways for vessels displacing up to 1,800 tons. Photo: Van Laar

or the tubes to get caught in the propeller of a passing vessel. And we also guard sunken ships and offshore construction projects, such as wind farms.”

ON THE SLIPWAY The offshore sector is an important sector for Van Laar. Every year, the IJmuiden shipyard receives scores of vessels for maintenance at its two slipways. Fifteen per cent are offshore vessels, such as supply, crew and work vessels. Other customers include the fishing, towage, tanker fleet and sailboat chartering sectors, and even builders or owners of luxury yachts.

Van Laar also carries out maintenance on its own vessels. “Most guard boats are former fishing vessels. Before we can use them in the offshore business, we carry out a major conversion ourselves. Our yard also provides maintenance and repairs for the local shipping industry.”

NEW CONSTRUCTION The benefit of using fishing vessels is that they are relatively inexpensive, although there are limitations. “They sail at speeds around ten knots, which is on the slow side. This is why we are building three new ships that will be able to reach 16 knots, the same as the seismic survey vessels. This will improve our chances of getting orders from this sector.”

Another advantage of new construction is that, for a small additional investment, the vessels can later be refitted to perform other tasks, such as seabed surveys.

Van Laar also plans to have new vessels built for other tasks in the coming years. “More and more oil companies now demand that their boats be no more than 20 years old. Few new fishing boats have been built in recent years so the number of used boats that are not too old is shrinking, making new construction necessary. We are currently looking into this with our partner, Green Company.” Based in Scheveningen, Green Company provides services to the offshore industry, including guard, standby and supply vessels.

OPTIMISM While the above represents some major investments, Van Laar has no doubt that his company will be able to recoup the funds. “Oil and gas prospecting at sea will expand, and seismic survey companies have a lot of boats in the pipeline. Furthermore, wind farms are still being built. This is all excellent news for us.” www.vanlaarmaritime.com www.scheepswerfvanlaar.nl www.vanlaarketting.nl

Amsterdam Seaports

O F F S H O R E & I N N O V AT I O N Production of composite pipes boosts Amsterdam Seaports

Airborne Composites achieves breakthrough in offshore industry

By Pieter van Hove The factory of composite manufacturer Airborne is located in the IJmondhaven (IJmond Harbour), part of the port of IJmuiden. The company was established in 1995 by students from Delft University of Technology, including the current CEO Arno Van Mourik, and developed a patented production method for pipe systems that can transport oil or natural gas from the borehole to the surface. Instead of a metal pipe, the system uses a flexible model made from composite material, which makes it much easier to work in bends.

NEW IN OFFSHORE

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he offshore industry is facing a revolution thanks to a flexible synthetic pipe for oil and gas extraction at significant depths. The Dutch company Airborne Composites will start manufacturing these high-tech systems this spring in the port of IJmuiden, part of Amsterdam Seaports.

space. In November 2010 the company visited the port of IJmuiden and found that the IJmondhaven meets all its requirements, including the close proximity to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and the North Sea. Things then developed rapidly. “We received great support from the local government and Zeehaven IJmuiden NV (the IJmuiden Port Authority) regarding licenses,” Van Mourik explains. “Less than a year after our first meeting with the general director of Zeehaven IJmuiden NV the facilities are almost finished!”

Composites are materials that consist of multiple components, such as synthetics Production is expected to start in the second quarter of 2012. In the months prior to this strengthened with fibres. The synthetic Airborne Composites will be installing the two production lines. Initially the factory will material, applied in countless thin layers, provide work for 75 employees, and at full capacity this number may increase to up to 150 ensures flexibility while according to Van Mourik. the fibres give firmness to the construction. “It is All parties have high expectations for the future of Airborne “Less than a year after generally applied in the Composites, including the eight major oil companies that are our first meeting with aviation sector, but new sponsoring the development of the aforementioned riser systems. the general director of to the offshore industry,” General director Peter van de Meerakker of Zeehaven IJmuiden says Van Mourik.

NV expects a positive spin-off for the region: “The oil companies Zeehaven IJmuiden NV will visit more often, and they will need other things, such as the facilities are almost The company has connections and pipes.” finished!” experienced rapid growth over the past 16 years. In Van Mourik cautiously estimates an annual turnover of somewhere addition to a main office between several hundred million euros and one billion euros in the in The Hague and a factory in Girona (Spain), long term. The company also has an option to acquire more port acreage in IJmuiden for a third facility is now under construction in possible expansion. “Our synthetic pipes can be used to reach oil and gas fields that are IJmuiden that is due to open this spring. These much less accessible,” he concludes. “This could mean a breakthrough for the offshore new premises will focus on the production industry.” of so-called continuous thermoplastic www.airborne.nl composite pipes for the oil industry. The Arno van Mourik in front of the new facilities of Airborne development took ten years and has resulted Composites under construction, on the south side of the in a pipe that can be used for a wide range IJmondhaven (IJmond Harbour). Photo: Reinder Weidijk of applications; both in the borehole and as a service pipe (the connection between working vessels and the seabed) and, in the future, as so-called riser systems. These are permanently installed pipes used to transport the oil from the seabed to the platform. “The pipe weighs much less than metal,” says Van Mourik. “This results in considerable savings of up to two thirds on the floating capacity of the platform. As a result we can place more installations on the platform, or install longer pipes.”

RAPID DEVELOPMENTS It took Airborne Composites a long time to find a suitable location with sufficient quay

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O F F S H O R E & I N N O V AT I O N

Iskes Tugs and Offshore Ship Designers (OSD) aim for lower emissions

Diesel-electric tug boat under development

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ffshore Ship Designers (OSD) has been commissioned by Iskes Tugs, both from IJmuiden (part of Amsterdam Seaports), for the design of the Azistern 3270. The diesel-electric tug emits 30 percent less emissions than similar port tugs, without any loss of power. The new tug has a length of 32 metres and a bollard pull of 70 tons.

Artist’s impression of the original Green Tug on which the new tug was largely based.

Source: Offshore Ship Designers

By Pieter van Hove Soon after the ASD 2810 tug Argus was taken into use in November 2011, Iskes Tugs placed a new order with Dutch shipbuilder Damen Shipyards Hardinxveld, located near Rotterdam, for the construction of two diesel-electric port tugs based on the design of the Azistern 3270. The vessels are due to be delivered in mid 2013.

COOPERATION WITH DAMEN The development is being realised in close cooperation with Damen Shipyards Hardinxveld and Damen Research, especially with regards to the propulsion and bollard pull. According to Damen’s Jos van Woerkum, this is the first time that the company has built a vessel that was not designed entirely in-house.

Iskes and OSD have been working together on reducing carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxide (NOx) and sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions from tugs since 2009. The tug company was led by the increasing emphasis on reducing CO2 emissions in modern seaports such as Amsterdam Seaports. “It is possible that in the future only clean tugs will be allowed to enter certain ports,” says Ronald Vergouwen of Iskes Tugs. “We are ready.”

MARIN (Maritime Research Institute Netherlands) and tug company Smit. The aim was to reduce harmful emissions from the new tug to zero by using hydrogen and fuel cell-based propulsion.

“Iskes was one of the main partners in the Green Tug project,”comments Wijsmuller.

“Although we believe that the market is not yet ready for tugs powered by fuel cells, we can still use elements from the preliminary study.” This is clearly evident in the design of the Azistern 3270. “It has an extremely refined and efficient hull shape,” Wijsmuller adds.

WORKING AT SEA The propulsion system consists of three diesel generators of 1500 kilowatt (kW) each and two rudder propellers with a diameter of 2700 millimetres. This results in a bollard pull of 70 tons and a maximum speed of 13.5 knots. The bowthruster has a 200 kW capacity. Other remarkable elements of the design are the relatively large crane on the tug deck, for maintenance on offshore wind parks, and spacious accommodations, for better working conditions at sea. www.iskestugs.nl www.offshoreshipdesigners.com

Side-view of the future Azistern 3270 tug

SUCCESSOR OF THE GREEN TUG According to Michiel Wijsmuller, managing director of OSD, the design of the Azistern 3270 succeeds the so-called Green Tug Project which also involved Dutch research institute 16

March 2012

Amsterdam Seaports

O F F S H O R E & I N N O V AT I O N Peterson SBS expands activities in IJmuiden

More than offshore alone

Ron Winands, Managing Director Control Union & Testing Inspection (left), and Josef Schoutens in front of the Peterson SBS office in the port of IJmuiden.

Photo: Peterson SBS

“I

’m never bored in IJmuiden as there is always something going on,” says Josef Schoutens, manager of logistic services provider Peterson SBS in IJmuiden. “From developments in the port to changes in the fisheries or offshore sectors.”

By Pieter van Hove Josef Schoutens has been working as a manager at logistic services provider Peterson SBS in IJmuiden for over two years, and admits he never expected that the IJmondhaven (IJmond Harbour) would be so much fun. From his office he points towards the 25,000 m2 storage facilities for oil platform materials. “And the beautiful dunes are just a few hundred metres down the road,” says Schoutens. So never a dull moment for Rotterdam-born Schoutens who started his career in the maritime sector, and Peterson SBS in particular, after a period in the Dutch Royal Navy.

company Control Union Testing and Inspection, which is mainly focused on testing lifting and hoisting equipment for the offshore sector. Peterson SBS also has use of a 220-metre quay that it shares with CEBO Holland and logistic services provider ASCO Holland (Logistics).

The quay welcomes several supply vessels per week for the purchase of goods for oil and production platforms on the North Sea. According to Schoutens, Peterson SBS has a unique working method. Eight oil companies, are joined in a single pool for which Peterson SBS manages a fleet of 15 supply vessels. Peterson SBS operates from bases in IJmuiden, Den Helder, Aberdeen, Great Yarmouth, Heysham and Lerwick. Schoutens: “In the past oil companies usually chartered a supplier for one task, which was a very expensive construction. The SBS pool allows us to combine multiple transports.” Most supply vessels sail from the offshore base in Den Helder, although Peterson SBS sometimes diverts to IJmuiden, especially for supplying the southern oil platforms on the North Sea or when Den Helder, the major naval port in the Netherlands, is extremely busy.

Peterson SBS is part of the PCU Group, a SHIPPING AGENCY network of indepently operating companies In addition to supplying platforms, Peterson SBS also deals with many other client issues, that mainly operate under the trade names including the storage of third party goods. The company also serves as a customs agent for Peterson and Control Union. PCU Group oil companies, suppliers and shipping companies. “Clients can come to us to have their is active in more than 60 countries. The goods certified and packaged,” adds Schoutens. “This is offered in partnership with our sister company Control Union Testing and Inspection.” remaining activities consist of integrated 4 “This method enables Peterson SBS is also increasingly active as a shipping agency and, in PL logistics (in which us to combine multiple addition to IJmuiden, has an office in the port of Amsterdam. Another it handles the total activity is the recruitment and selection of personnel; initially for local logistics of the client), transports, saving costs on and offshore companies as well as for the steel industry. Schoutens: inspections and the and benefitting the “We now also offer international recruitment for the oil and gas monitoring of grain, environment.” industry in a wide range of functions: From quay side employees to animal feed, coal, biomanagement.” fuels and ore. Other activities include the certification of organically grown and manufactured LARGE-SCALE TRANSPORT products. With its main office in Rotterdam, Frequently, larger projects take place in IJmuiden. SBS Peterson can serve its customers by the PCU Group employs 3,000 people taking over their entire logistical operation. Such transports require much consultation with all parties involved, but Schoutens enjoys these moments. "Really, I am not going anywhere. worldwide.

“Peterson SBS can clearly benefit from all the developments in the IJmondhaven,” he SHARED QUAY concludes.

The building that houses Peterson SBS www.pcugroup.com in IJmuiden also accommodates sister

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O F F S H O R E & I N N O V AT I O N Maja Stevedores reclaims power from floating crane

Successful flywheel operation

Maja Stevedores’ floating crane Cornelis Tromp in action transferring coal at the OBA Bulk Terminal. Photos: Evert Bruinekool

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hanks to a flywheel drive installed on its floating cranes, Maja Stevedores will save 30 to 40 percent on its fuel costs. “We are currently investigating the possibility to equip more cranes with this technology,” says spokesman Paul Beentjes.

By Evert Bruinekool

The flywheel installed in the floating crane

lifting,” Beentjes explains. “If we temporarily store this energy in a flywheel instead, we can use it to increase the hoisting capacity. The first practical results show that a 40-percent fuel saving is definitely feasible. Without a flywheel, our floating crane Cornelis Tromp had a consumption of about 80 litres of diesel fuel per hour. And the diesel engine now also makes considerably less noise than before.”

In addition to fuel savings, the flywheel has a second benefit. “Instead of three or four generators, we now need to use only two,” Beentjes says. “And because the flywheel prevents peak loads, the two generators can run much more smoothly, also prolonging their lifespan. A third advantage is a considerable reduction in harmful emissions.”

At the end of 2010, Maja Stevedores started a field trial with two cranes to reclaim the electrical power lost during lifting by reusing it via a flywheel drive or storing PERIOD OF FAMILIARISATION it in high-capacity lithium IV batteries.

After converting the floating crane, a period of minor technical adjustments While the test with the batteries failed to and familiarisation followed. “Our staff needed some time to meet expectations, the get used to the new electrical system,” Beentjes remembers. experiment with the “The first practical “Braking is slightly different than before, for instance. But flywheel – installed the longer people work with the new system, the safer they on Maja Stevedores’ results show that a feel.” floating crane Cornelis 40-percent fuel saving is Tromp – was a success. definitely feasible.”

Maja Stevedores is conducting the test with the flywheel in This crane is named floating cranes in cooperation with research institute CCM after a famous 17th(Centre for Concepts in Mechatronics) in the Netherlands. century Dutch naval The test is a demonstration project for both parties and Maja Stevedores will hero. be the first company to implement this new technology. “We are ahead of the A FLYWHEEL SAVES ENERGY curve in innovation, allowing us to improve our energy efficiency,” Beentjes “The idea behind the experiment was to concludes. “This translates into gains for both us and the environment.” do something with the electrical power www.majastuwadoors.nl which is generated by friction during 18

March 2012

Amsterdam Seaports

O F F S H O R E & I N N O V AT I O N Offshore Solutions bv

Orders pour in for unique gangway

P Offshore Solutions’ mobile gangway effortlessly transfers personnel from a supply vessel to an offshore facility. Photo: Offshore Solutions

By Pieter van Hove The Offshore Access System (OAS) is a telescopic, hydraulically operated gangway designed to link an offshore facility with a supporting work or accommodation vessel housing personnel who need to stay on a facility for a longer period of time. It incorporates a motion reference unit in its active hydraulic system which, when engaged, maintains the walkway tip at a constant height relative to the horizon.

QUICK CROSSING The hydraulically operated gripper-head of the gangway secures it between the vessel and the facility, allowing personnel to cross from one to the other safely and comfortably. The deployment only takes a few minutes, Young explains. “This is a negligible length of time if you compare it with hiring a helicopter.”

OAS gangways are designed to function in seas with a significant wave height of up to 2.5 metres, the managing director says.

“But on the right vessel, we regularly work at a significant wave height of three metres,” Young adds. “We have transferred more than 110,000 people already using this gangway without a single accident.”

ersonnel at offshore installations often need to be repeatedly picked up and dropped off by helicopter. This is a costly as well as time-consuming task, which is why Offshore Solutions BV in IJmuiden created the Offshore Access System (OAS) solution. And as managing director Lindsay Young reports, there is considerable demand for these gangways. “We expect that all our units will be in use by the end of 2012,” he says proudly.

AMPLE DRAUGHT Offshore Solutions is a joint venture started between AMEC and Cofely Nederland NV in 2006. While Offshore Solutions also has a department in Aberdeen, the company headquarters with approximately 20 staff are located in IJmuiden, not far from the IJmondhaven (IJmond harbour). “This is an excellent location,” says the Scotsman, who has been director of Offshore Solutions for just over a year. “It is close to Schiphol Airport as well as to a harbour with ample draught for transports. One OAS gangway, for instance, was recently shipped to Qatar by pontoon, destined for an oil company that will lease it for three years.”

Offshore Solutions previously manufactured its gangways at Cofely’s subsidiary Fabricom Oil & Gas, a little further away in IJmuiden. The company is now taking a hiatus from this activity to reflect on its future. Although there are several projects in the pipeline, director Young is not prepared to elaborate further at the moment. “We are currently busy with the design and leasing of the various gangway installations. Since we started in 2006, we have manufactured ten gangways, of which two have been sold and the remainder leased for shorter or longer periods – typically three to five years. For instance, there is an OAS system on the multipurpose supply vessel REM Mermaid chartered by GDF Suez E&P Netherlands. But we are also active in the Middle East and the North Sea, particularly the southern and central parts.”

LIGHTER VERSION Offshore Solutions has designed and built a smaller and lighter version of the OAS, the OTS (Offshore Transfer System). This solution was designed primarily to operate at sea under milder conditions and in shallow water, such as on wind farms, which are often close to the coast. In practice, this did not go as expected. “It turned out that staff were dropped off at the turbines in fast tender boats,” Young explains. “The distance from land was very easy to bridge this way.

This is why we have only sold one OTS, to an Australian company. But I wouldn’t exclude the possibility that operators of wind farms further out at sea will eventually make more use of this system.” www.offshore-solutions.nl

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M a rch 2012

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O F F S H O R E & I N N O V AT I O N

CCA: Creative Containers from Amsterdam and Romania

Container Factory Iasi in Romania produces some 2,000 specialised containers annually.

Photo: Ter Haak Group

A

s a result of standardisation and certification, offshore containers from Europe can now be used worldwide. There are still plenty of variations possible, however, opening up opportunities for leading firms like CCA Containers in Amsterdam. This Ter Haak Group subsidiary is further expanding its activities on the niche market for special container applications.

By Rob Schoemaker “Fifty oil drilling platforms able to drill at a depth of 2,000 metres off the coast of Brazil will be developed over the coming years.

Brazil expects to be one of the top five oilproducing countries by 2020, representing 4.9 million barrels a day. Supplies and logistics will require around 50,000 certified offshore containers in various sizes. We hope to play an important part.�

k te (left) and Fran er Vasile Nica ag an m l ra ne Deputy ge Haak Group rs). Photo: Ter (CCA Containe

r Haak

With the aforementioned example, Frank ter Haak, projects & international development manager at the Ter Haak Group in the port of Amsterdam, indicates how much the market for offshore containers has changed and internationalised over the past decade. The market is shifting to regions beyond Europe, making it necessary for offshore containers to be used on a global level. This in turn requires standardisation. And variation within the standardisation creates plenty of opportunities for a flexible and creative European niche player such as CCA Containers.

FACTORY IN ROMANIA CCA Containers has had a branch in Romania since the early 1990s. Initially Container Factory Iasi (CFI) produced sea containers but competition from China soon forced the company to diversify to special containers for land applications and the offshore industry. Offshore containers are a unique market. They are used for provisioning drilling platforms but also for the transport and storage of chemicals, tools, materials, expensive parts such as drill chucks, and everything else needed on a drilling platform.

At first there was a proliferation of containers in all shapes and sizes, starting with 20-foot sea containers sawn in half. It soon became clear that these containers could not cope with the far more intensive use and heavy conditions at sea that are common in the offshore industry. Offshore containers literally have to be thickskinned and soon became sturdier and heavier, made of high-quality steel. Around the year 2000, classification society Det Norske Veritas developed the first standard (DNV 2.7-1). Soon after large oil companies such as Shell started requiring that their subcontractors only use certified containers.

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Amsterdam Seaports

O F F S H O R E & I N N O V AT I O N

ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT “While offshore containers were initially manufactured mainly for the local market and transported conventionally (which meant high costs), internationalisation resulted in the need for standardisation and the possibility to transport containers on a sea container chassis,” says Frank ter Haak. “This resulted in type approval for various sorts and sizes, for example five, eight, ten or twenty foot. The engineering department of CCA is able to meet the demand of all our clients, from oil contractors to diving companies, and develops optimal containers for specific applications, ranging from air conditioned working containers to pressure cabins.”

With offices in Amsterdam, IJmuiden, Hong Kong and representatives in Aberdeen Stavanger, Houston, Singapore and, as of recently, Rio de Janeiro, CCA is very accessible to the industry. For special orders, the company provides rapid, flexible and service-oriented products from its own production facility in Romania and sister company HAZO Techniek in the Netherlands. Ter Haak: “I visit our factory in Romania every month. There is a lot to do and there are high expectations of the people there. We are currently building special DNV 2.7-1 offshore baskets for the Far East. Due to the logistic organisation of the Ter Haak Group we can ship and manage the paper trail quickly and efficiently. We also offer our clients complete maintenance of rented or purchased containers.”

NO REDUCTION IN EUROPE Despite the fact that many oil and gas fields in the North Sea are running out, Frank ter Haak does not expect a reduction in the demand for offshore containers in Europe within the next three to five years. “There are also a great many containers needed for the disassembly and moving of drilling platforms,” he explains. “As the market is becoming increasingly international, we are developing offshore containers adapted to the standards of sea containers in cooperation with class societies. This will make them cheaper to transport and allow us to provide services to the Far East, West Africa and Brazil more easily. We have a marketing office in Hong Kong, for example, and can service Kazakhstan and Russian fields from Romania. The largest growth market is Brazil, however. The government oil

company Petrobras wants all the containers to meet the standard DNV 2.7-1 by 2013.

They need so many offshore containers that they cannot all be produced locally and will have to be imported. We are also studying the opportunity of establishing a production facility in Brazil.” www.terhaakgroup.com www.cfiasi.ro

CCA CONTAINERS & CABINS CCA Containers & Cabins is market leader in the rent and sale of containers for land and sea applications in the Netherlands.

CCA in Amsterdam employs approximately 50 people of whom six work in the engineering department. The Iasi Container Factory in Romania is currently a joint venture employing 80 people who produce 2,000 special containers a year. CCA annually generates a turnover of 15 million euros of which 40 percent comes from offshore activities.

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M a rch 2012

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Quality in logistics 22

March 2012

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Amsterdam Seaports

O F F S H O R E & I N N O V AT I O N Cebo Holland: A specialist in industrial minerals

From drilling fluid to cat litter granules

Overview of Cebo Holland in IJmuiden, with its characteristic blue silos. Photo: Cebo Holland

By Pieter van Hove While Cebo Holland is renowned locally for its striking blue silos in the port of IJmuiden, the outside world is mostly unfamiliar with its actual activities. People come into contact with products or articles containing raw materials from the IJmuiden company almost daily, however.

This includes everything from cat litter granules to parts for the manufacturing of artificial fertilisers, as well as drilling fluid for oil and gas wells.

BENTONITE AND BARITE

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ocal people are familiar with Cebo Holland due to its eye-catching premises in the old bunker complex and huge blue silos in the port of IJmuiden. But there is much more to say about this niche player in industrial minerals, which supplies products ranging from cat litter granules to drilling fluid for the oil and gas extraction industry.

Barite, of which Cebo Holland also processes tens of thousands of tons, is primarily used in oil and gas drilling. This substance, too, is often used in powder form to make drilling fluid heavier. “Barite strengthens the walls of oil wells as well,” Christian Raulf from Cebo Holland explains.

SUPPLY IN BULK CARRIERS

Since the loading dock of Cebo Holland is unsuitable for deep draught vessels, the Cebo Holland processes some 200,000 200,000 tons of barite and bentonite are instead delivered via bulk carriers at OBA tons of bentonite and barite each year. Bulk Terminal in the port of Amsterdam, and then brought to IJmuiden, some 20 Bentonite is used primarily in horizontal kilometres away, by lorry. drilling for pipes and tunnels, as well as in sealing walls and diaphragm walls, and in Cebo Holland’s dock is, however, used by two coasters that transport finished geothermal energy production. In the oil & products for shipping to silos in destinations such as Great Yarmouth in England, gas sector it is an important component in Aberdeen in Scotland and Esbjerg in Denmark. Drilling fluid produced to order drilling fluid – liquid containing bentonite by Cebo Holland is transferred directly into the storage tanks of supply vessels for can clear drilling residue, that water alone transport to rigs in the North Sea. cannot.

Bentonite READY TO DELIVER makes the drilling “People come into One of Cebo Holland’s huge bunkers serves as a mill where fluid rougher, allowing raw materials are milled or sifted with pulverisers, crushers, substances such as sand contact with our products conveyors and sifting machines. While this goes hand in to be flushed out. or articles containing hand with a lot of noise, the five-metre walls of the bunker our raw materials almost mean that nothing is heard outside.

One of the most interesting properties of every day” After the milling process, Cebo Holland stores the minerals bentonite is its capacity in so-called big bags in a storage area of around 8,000 cubic for moisture absorption, which is why it is also often used in cat metres. “We can deliver 24 hours a day, throughout the year,” spokeswoman litter. Furthermore, this mineral is so Liesbeth Hendrix says. “An oil rig will occasionally need a special type of drilling compact that it does not allow water to fluid, for instance, and we also get calls from contractors who get stuck while pass through. This is why Cebo Holland drilling and need a new stock of bentonite right away. We help them as quickly as supplies it to the tunnel construction possible as we understand that time is money.” industry in powder form. Bentonite is also www.cebo.com often used to seal off contaminated soil.

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O F F S H O R E & I N N O V AT I O N

ASCO Holland (Logistics) sees future in IJmuiden

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An oil platform in the IJmondhaven (IJmond harbour). Photo: Marchel Nap, ASCO Holland

his is going to be a big year for ASCO Holland (Logistics) in IJmuiden. The supplier to the oil & gas industry is moving to the IJmondhaven (IJmond harbour) where it expects to find new projects in the offshore industry.

By Pieter van Hove Manager Marchel Nap has high expectations for the relocation of ASCO Holland (Logistics) to the IJmondhaven. “The port has excellent facilities, plenty of storage capacity and lots of quay space. Moreover, IJmuiden is only twenty minutes from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and close to oil platforms in the southern North Sea.”

A SCOTTISH-DUTCH JOINT VENTURE ASCO Holland (Logistics) is a joint venture formed in 2009 between ASCO Group Ltd in Scotland and the Dutch Maritime Service Centre IJmond (MSCIJ). The ASCO Group is a major logistics specialist in the oil & gas sector, with over 1600 employees worldwide.

The company has bases in places as diverse as the UK, Norway, Trinidad and Tobago, Canada, the US and the Caspian Sea. MSCIJ is an association of companies in the offshore industry which are based in IJmuiden and surroundings, including Cofely Oil & Gas, shipping agents KVSA, Central Mudplant and Fluid Services (CMF), and three local businesses. It was established to attract more offshore activities to IJmuiden, building on the benefits on offer such as space, capacity and service orientation.

Marchel Nap was brought in three years ago to further develop the concept of ASCO Holland (Logistics). “We have two warehouses in the IJmondhaven, but our main workplace is elsewhere in the port of IJmuiden, in the so-called IJ bunker. We share a quay of over one hundred metres with companies such as CEBO Holland (see page 23). The idea is ultimately for us to centralise all our activities in the IJmondhaven itself, while retaining the IJ bunker in order to deal with any peaks in activity.”

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March 2012

The centralisation of ASCO Holland (Logistics) will be based around a new office building at the IJmondhaven, which will also house regional companies such as Iskes Towage and Salvage that deal directly with the offshore extraction and wind power industries.

“We also have more than 10,000 square metres available for the storage of goods for oil platforms,” Nap adds.

PRESTIGIOUS TASK Another recent development in IJmuiden is the launch of a major project that will last for the next 18 months. “In the North Sea, not far from Great Yarmouth, a number of oil wells owned by energy supplier E.ON have silted up,” Nap explains. “The offshore company Halliburton will unblock these wells and improve their production.” This so-called well stimulation will be carried out using chemicals delivered to IJmuiden

by CEBO Holland. The technique is similar to the balloon dilatation of veins: Liquid combined with a very special type of sand is sprayed into the wells under high pressure.

A special work boat, called a well stimulation vessel, will call regularly at IJmuiden to take on goods during this project.

Nap is proud that this prestigious task was assigned to IJmuiden. “There were many other seaports in the running, including in Esbjerg (Denmark) and the nearby Great Yarmouth. They ultimately chose us because of the excellent facilities and rapid loading and unloading service available here.”

By shining a spotlight on the benefits of IJmuiden, Nap is hoping to attract more offshore companies. “There are many possibilities for expansion in the IJmondhaven, and IJmuiden could become a major base for oil platforms in the southern North Sea.” www.ascoworld.com www.ayop.com

Amsterdam Seaports

O F F S H O R E & I N N O V AT I O N

An offshore giant in IJmuiden

Artist’s impression of Pieter Schelte, which is currently under construction at Daewoo in South Korea. Illustration: Allseas.

By Pieter van Hove Following the example of Airborne Composites and logistic services provider ASCO Holland (Logistics), the Swiss-Dutch company Allseas will be using the port of IJmuiden as the basis for some of its activities. Allseas is renting some 15,000 m2 of premises in the IJmondhaven, at the former facilities of offshore company Cofely.

“We have chosen IJmuiden as there was a manufacturing hall and office space available with excellent facilities,” says Jeroen Hagelstein, spokesperson for Allseas.

“The location and accessibility were important as well; the connection with the open water and the fact that vessels can moor in the direct surroundings are major benefits of this site.”

The company is using the new premises in IJmuiden to support Allseas’ offshore activities, and the production of parts for adaptations to Allseas vessels. For its first six months in IJmuiden the company will employ around 25 employees. “Depending on our future manufacturing activities we will expand our personnel database to 40 to 45 people in the months that follow,” says Hagelstein.

STRENGTHENING THE OFFSHORE CLUSTER Zeehaven IJmuiden NV, the IJmuiden port authority, is delighted with the arrival of Allseas. “Together with the recent establishment of Airborne this move

T

he offshore industry in and around the IJmondhaven (IJmond Harbour) is booming. The most recent acquisition is the Swiss-Dutch company Allseas.

underlines the character, profile, location and appeal of the port of IJmuiden for offshore companies,” explains general director Peter van de Meerakker. “These facilities further strengthen the offshore cluster.”

Allseas was established in 1985 by Edward Heerema and has its head office in Switzerland. The company also has offices in the Dutch university city of Delft as well as in Belgium, Portugal, the UK, Australia, the US and India. With around 2,000 staff worldwide, Allseas has an estimated turnover of 1.3 billion euros. In 2012 Allseas has three pipe layers, support vessel Calamity Jane and the pipe laying barge Tog Mor.

THE WORLD’S LARGEST VESSEL In 2007 Allseas announced its intention to commission the world’s largest vessel, Pieter Schelte, with a length of 382 metres and a beam of 117. With a lifting system on her foreship, the vessel will lift superstructure constructions for large offshore platforms with a weight up to 48,000 tons from their foundation in one piece. To facilitate this, the vessel has two bow parts, separated by an opening of 122 x 52 metres.

Using a dynamic satellite positioning system it will be possible to position Pieter Schelte around a platform. The system is linked to 12 azimuth thrusters that can make a 360-degree turn around their axle. With the crane on its aft ship, Pieter Schelte will lift substructure constructions of up to 25,000 tons from the sea in one piece. This working method saves time and money, is more environmentally friendly and enhances employee safety. In addition, Allseas will use the vessel to install the heaviest pipelines for oil and gas extraction in deep waters at a record speed of seven kilometres a day.

DELIVERY IN 2013 Allseas ordered the vessel from the Daewoo shipyard in South Korea in June 2010, and it is due to be delivered at the end of 2013. The total development and construction costs are 1.3 billion euros. The plan is that the employees in IJmuiden will also be building parts for Pieter Schelte although it is yet to be announced if and when the world’s largest vessel might arrive in the port to fascinate the crowds. www.allseas.com

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INTERVIEW

Peter van Wessel: “Amsterdam will remain the world’s largest petrol port”

New Oiltanking managing director advocates cooperation

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iltanking Amsterdam has a new managing director in 41-year old Peter van Wessel. He has been working for the tank storage company for ten years, coming from PT Oiltanking Merak in Indonesia. Over the past years the terminal in Amsterdam has experienced substantial growth. “It is an excellent opportunity and a huge challenge for me,” says Van Wessel. “Oiltanking Amsterdam is a great company.”

By Klaas Geert Bakker

and a growing number of people own cars and mopeds. Moreover, Indonesia’s location close to Singapore allows it to fulfil a regional function. We have high expectations.”

BIO-FUELS Van Wessel cannot yet say whether there will be any major changes at Oiltanking Amsterdam while he is in charge. “I still have to settle in. Of course I am familiar with the company, which is a benefit. Our first priority is always HSSE: Health, Safety, Security, Environment. Our people have to be able to work safely, and we need to take into account staff and neighbours alike. Environment and security are other spearheads, and bio-fuels are also becoming more important. We will increase our focus on them as well.”

“As a leader I am a team player,” Van Wessel continues. “I also like to give employees the freedom that goes with their function. In other words, placing responsibilities where they belong. This is in line with the business philosophy at Oiltanking. All our branches operate as independent companies, with lots of individual responsibilities.”

Van Wessel doesn’t see any major differences between his previous post in Indonesia and Oiltanking Amsterdam: “Of course the fact that Indonesia is a start-up and Amsterdam one of our largest terminals is distinctive and there are huge differences between Indonesia and the Netherlands. But the employees in Indonesia are motivated as those in Amsterdam, as my predecessor Coen Hübner will notice now that we have traded places.”

COOPERATING WITH OTHER TERMINALS

Van Wessel started his career at Oiltanking Amsterdam is the world’s largest petrol port and, despite the substantial growth in Asia, in 2001 at the head office in Hamburg before Van Wessel believes it will maintain this position. “There are changes in the production moving to Brazil where flow and the US has become a major importer. At the same time, he opened a new terminal however, the Americans are becoming increasingly fuel-efficient and “The employees of in 2003. After a little over this affects petrol imports. Africa has also grown as a fuel importer five years Van Wessel left over the past years, which is a good thing as Amsterdam Seaports has Oiltanking in Indonesia for Indonesia to set up a a reasonably strong focus on this continent.” are equally as motivated new terminal in Merak, as those in Amsterdam!”

Van Wessel is an advocate of cooperation with other fuel terminals in the westernmost part in Amsterdam Seaports, such as BP, NuStar, Vopak and EuroTank: of Java: PT Oiltanking Merak. “Merak is intended to become one of the “Although we are competitors, we are already working together on issues like technology larger Oiltanking terminals,” he says. “There is a and safety, and I want to keep it that way.” lot of growth in Asia, and Indonesia is the largest www.oiltanking.com market in Southeast Asia. Wealth is increasing,

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Peter van Wessel, Oiltankings's new managing director. Photo: Reinder Weidijk

I N N O V AT I O N Portbase optimises logistics process

All ports in one system

H

Iwan van der Wolf (left) and Erik Verhagen, the two directors of Portbase. Photo: Portbase

ome of logistics intelligence: With this slogan the non-profit organisation Portbase is promoting its Port Community System network that is gradually being rolled out over the Dutch sea ports via Amsterdam en Rotterdam.

By Cees Visser Once competitors, now partners; since 2009 Iwan van der Wolf and Erik Verhagen make up the board of Portbase, with Rotterdam as their home base. The Port Community System (PCS) is an important information system for all logistic parties, both in the ports of Amsterdam and Rotterdam, and in the hinterland. It includes both companies and governmental organisations that are involved in logistics.

“Portbase provides insight into means of transport and cargo flows,” says director Erik Verhagen. “The system can be used to check the customs status, details or arrival times of goods, for example. It was our goal to develop a single system for these information, registration and documentation flows for the ports of Amsterdam and Rotterdam, initially to meet the demand of ship brokers, shipping companies, stevedores, transhipment companies and shipping agents active in both ports.”

MERGING TWO SYSTEMS

over 40 services, including notifications from port authorities, Dutch Customs and the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (VWA). It also offers services for internal communication, for instance between ship brokers and terminals, shipping agents and transhipment companies, to discuss issues such as unloading lists and (un) loading details. Portbase additionally supports communication between hinterland carriers, terminals and clients.

Some 2,200 companies are currently using these services, which amounts to a total of more than 10,000 users. Of the maritime customs reports in the Netherlands, around 95 percent of all declarations are submitted via Portbase. In 2010 private companies and port authorities exchanged approximately 52 million electronic messages.

NON-COMMERCIAL If it were up to the two-headed board, more Dutch seaports would join Rotterdam and Amsterdam in Portbase, such as Zeeland Seaports, Moerdijk, Dordrecht and Scheveningen (The Hague). According to Verhagen it is important to state that Portbase is not a commercial and logistic party; Portbase is a facilitator, and companies pay a contribution to use its various services.

Before the start of Portbase, Rotterdam had been using the Port Infolink communication system since 2002, led by Iwan van der Wolf, while Amsterdam used the similar but smaller PortNET system (since 2000) with Erik Verhagen at the helm. In October 2008 the Port of Rotterdam and Port of Amsterdam decided to merge the two systems, which resulted in the establishment of the coordinating Port Community System (PCS) Portbase in March 2009. In view of the size of the two ports, the Port of Rotterdam has a 75 percent share, while the Port of Amsterdam owns the remaining 25 percent.

Nevertheless Van der Wolf and Verhagen are very much aware that the Dutch seaports are only one link in the many global transport chains. It therefore cooperates with operators of similar networks in other European countries. A major development in this respect was the establishment of the European Port Community Systems Association (EPCSA) in mid-2011.

Now, three years after the launch, the directors cautiously call it a success, especially with regard to supply and demand. The platform currently provides

www.portbase.com www.epcsa.eu www.portofamsterdam.nl www.portofrotterdam.com

COOPERATION WITH SCHIPHOL AIRPORT The primary focus is currently the Netherlands. Portbase is therefore aiming to intensify the cooperation at a later stage with Cargonaut, the Community System of Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. This will benefit the mutual needs of the industry and government.

Although these developments are important, the non-profit organisation is constantly working to improve its existing products and introduce new ones. “And we will continue to do so,” Iwan van der Wolf affirms.

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