18 STORAGE TERMINALS
NNOAT’s block train facility, which allows four tank cars to be loaded simultaneously, recently completed its first chemical train for dispatch to Germany, supporting the modal shift ambitions of the EU Green Deal. “We are actively focusing on attracting new business by rail and are exploring with potential partners how to work around the shortage of standard tank cars,” de Graeff says.
WHEN NOORD NATIE Odfjell Antwerp Terminal (NNOAT) completed its latest new tank pit this year, it was due to mark the end of a four-phase expansion, which has added more than 80,000 m3 of new capacity. But with demand still growing and supported by decisive responses from its shareholders, the company has decided to carry on with construction of yet another new tank pit that will add a further 36,000 m3 by the end of 2023 and take total capacity up to more than 450,000 m3. NNOAT has been able to make quick decisions on these investments because it has permits in place, well established infrastructure and connectivity, and can adjust
“The Port of Antwerp-Bruges keeps on growing as a major import location for the distribution of chemicals, oils and gases into western Europe,” notes Pieter de Graeff, NNOAT’s commercial and business development manager. “The impact of the Covid crisis on the volumes we have handled has been limited and this year we have also seen a shift in the choice of transport for some bulk specialty chemical flows, with shippers moving away from tank containers towards bulk liquid consignment, with the need for tank storage on delivery. “Interruptions in the logistics sector, with uncertainties about the availability of capacity on trade lanes, has encouraged suppliers to
BETTER ALL THE TIME NNOAT is not solely focused on expanding its footprint in the middle of Antwerp, but also making better and more sustainable use of the assets it has to hand. It is now in the second year of its sustainability plan, which has so far involved the use of low-energy LED lighting, the re-use of water, installation of more efficient steam boilers, and the addition of public charging for electric vehicles in its parking area. It is also addressing the quality of its service provision, seeking constant improvement in gate-to-gate times for trucks using the site. This has involved extra administrative support during the morning rush and a new centralised top-loading bay with three simultaneous loading positions. In addition, there is a continuous programme of improvement in terms of tank automation, emission controls and a move away from individual loadings at the pump manifolds to top loading at centralised loading bays. One important piece of work, due to be finalised this month, is the deepening of the berths on the south side of the terminal to provide up to 14 metres of draft; this will provide more freedom in port rotation for deepsea vessels and make it possible for them to make NNOAT their first call in Antwerp. The opening of the latest tank pit was marked by a visit from Bart de Wever, Mayor of Antwerp, Port of Antwerp-Bruges president
the services it offers its customers through tank modifications to meet specific needs. In addition, the strategy it defined for itself in 2020 stresses the development of its business through a focus on capturing organic growth and taking advantage of the trend for chemical producers to outsource their captive storage.
look for alternatives, such as the shift to bulk liquids storage with supply by rail, tank container or barges and coastal vessels. These trends are supported by NNOAT with its 2,500-metre berth, its own rail yard and direct connections to the Groenland marshalling yard,” de Graeff adds.
Annick de Ridder and CEO Jacques Vandermeiren, and the entire board of Noord Natie Holding, along with customers and other partners. That was followed by a family day as, de Graeff says, human resources remain the most important asset of NNOAT. www.noordnatie.be
GROW YOUR OWN GROWTH STRATEGY • NOORD NATIE IS CONTINUING WITH ITS EXPANSION PLANS BUT ALSO LOOKING AT THE QUALITY OF ITS SERVICE AND SUSTAINABILITY OF ITS OPERATIONS
HCB MONTHLY | JUNE 2022
