SPECIAL DELIVERY

DEPOTS • SAHREEJ IS LEADING THE WAY IN THE PROVISION OF TANK CLEANING AND REPAIR SERVICES IN THE MIDDLE EAST. THE LATEST STRONG TO ITS BOW IS DEALING WITH TEAL TANKS

SAUDI ARABIA’S KANOO Tank Services (Sahreej) prides itself on being a one-stopshop for tank container services and continues to raise the bar in Saudi Arabia in terms of both quality and the range of services it provides. Sahreej, a joint venture between the world’s largest tank container operator, Stolt Tank Containers, and the Saudi conglomerate YBA Kanoo, operates three depots in Saudi Arabia, one at its head office in Jubail and others in Dammam and Jeddah.

Sahreej already offers an extensive range of tank services, including the cleaning of hazardous and non-hazardous cargoes as well as demanding products such as isocyanides (MDI/TDI) and a range of resins including latex. Sahreej also cleans IBCs and road tankers and runs supplementary services such as on-hire/off-hire, nitrogen services, cross-loading, heating and emergency services.

So, when Sahreej received an enquiry regarding neutralising and statutory testing of T21 tank containers in triethylaluminium (Teal) service, it took it upon itself to study and evaluate the associated risks with the process. The Sahreej philosophy in relation to tank containers and chemical liquid handling, according to general manager Mike Tunstall, is: “if it’s needed, we do it or we will find a way to do it”.

Out Of The Ordinary

Tunstall explains that such an inquiry was out of the ordinary as no depot in the region provides such services, but Sahreej rose to the challenge of meeting the customer’s need. Sahreej was confident that its special projects team, led by technical manager Sarfaraz Selani, could assure the customer that with the right planning and preparation Teal could be added to its line of services.

As triethylaluminium is a highly flammable and reactive chemical and a dangerous fire and explosion hazard when exposed to air or moisture, a detailed risk assessment was developed by HSE manager and Dangerous Goods Adviser Faris Al Shali to highlight potential risks, mitigating procedures and generating the required personal protective equipment and other safety systems.

With the risk analysis completed, Selani set about preparing a detailed procedure with welcome contributions from the customer. Once the procedure was approved, Selani designed a dedicated skid that provides all services and safety requirements to sit on the tank with lifting equipment stationed overhead to remove the pressure/vacuum (PV) valve and syphon tube assembly. The skid and all engineering work was completed by Sahreej’s in-house maintenance team.

With this completed, a dedicated ‘Teal Team’ was set up and given in-depth training; the team was to operate as a single unit with each member knowing their specific task, relationship to other team members and emergency procedures. Keeping the level of product awareness in mind is key to sustaining safety in handling Teal, and that is where the Sahreej training programme delivers the necessary information to the Sahreej team.

Several dry runs were performed to ensure all possibilities had been covered, understood and the risks mitigated. Once Sahreej had confirmed all correct mitigation and operation controls were in place, the tank owners were invited to witness the neutralisation phase of the process, where they expressed their appreciation of Sahreej and confirmed that Sahreej had in fact exceeded their expectations.

We All Want To Be Special

It is clear now that more customers are requiring special services for this type of product as Sahreej continues to receive inquiries, Tunstall explains. Customers need a safe and professional service when handling, cleaning, and testing a dedicated Teal T21 tanks and that is exactly what Sahreej delivers.

Since its formation in 2015, Sahreej has continually developed its service line to cover more products. Adding triethylaluminium to the list of products cleaned is yet another celebratory achievement. Next Sahreej is looking to overcome the issue of obtaining de-gassing certificates in Saudi Arabia, which will enable Sahreej to add T50 gas tanks to its services range. This and road tanker statutory testing are the next nearterm goal for Sahreej.

Sahreej keeps its promise of being the premier supplier of all tank container needs in Saudi Arabia, by committing to provide special services required by its customers. This promise is based on continual training, expertise in all areas and highest regards for staff safety, well-being and towards the environment. www.sahreej.com

With the growing demand for carbon footprint reduction and product sustainability, Sahreej plays its part in the sustainability of tank containers by safely cleaning, repairing and certifying them for safe operation. Given that tanks - when correctly handled - can have a life span of over thirty years carrying food, non-hazardous and hazardous product, it is easy to see how they cannot be compared to a single-use plastics (‘Flexi’) bag.

Sahreej continues to grow in terms of services, quality and revenue, and adding Teal services will help Sahreej continue on its upward trajectory – the company is already working on plans for 2024!