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FIT FOR THE FUTURE TERMINALS • TANQUID HAS WORKED WITH IMPLICO TO ENHANCE OPERATIONS AT ITS DUISBURG FACILITY, PROMISING GREATER EFFICIENCY AND HELPING ACCELERATE THE ENERGY TRANSITION GERMAN TERMINAL OPERATOR TanQuid has completed what it calls a “visionary digitalisation project” at its Duisburg site in partnership with Implico, adding the processoriented terminal management system (TMS) OpenTAS 6.0 and using the specialised cloud-based services from Implico’s ‘Supply Chain United’ portfolio. According to Implico, which has worked extensively with TanQuid on earlier projects, this latest installation offers a wide range of benefits, including: automated workflows; expanded service offerings; comprehensive data collection and evaluation; paperless processes; significantly increased flexibility, transparency and security; and the ability to drive the ongoing energy transition both proactively and sustainably, giving the potential to focus more strongly on the storage and handling of e-fuels. “TanQuid and Implico – for over 20 years and counting, this team has stood for close cooperation and shared eagerness to innovate,” says Tim Hoffmeister, CEO of Implico. “Together, we have now equipped one of the most complex tank terminals in Europe with state-of-the-art TMS and cloud technology. This is a real game changer, especially in the context of the energy transition. After all, only those who fully embrace digitalisation will be able to adopt the next trends on the market early on and use them for their own gain.” Thomas Knutzen, head of people and technology at TanQuid, agrees, saying: “The high degree of automation and the streamlined UI create perspective relief for the team in day-to-day business. Also, the new system enables a fluent exchange
HCB MONTHLY | APRIL 2022
with other departments such as accounting. Across the entire site, we now collect even more comprehensive, reliable data. We evaluate this data in detail to continuously improve our business; and to provide our customers with optimum support and care.” MORE TO COME The Duisburg site, where the storage and movement of chemicals accounts for some 80 per cent of its throughput, is a highly complex facility with around 3,500 shipments each month. It has 118 tanks used to store a wide variety of chemicals, petrochemicals, alcohols and mineral oil products, as well as biogenic substances and liquefied gases. Liquid cargoes arrive and depart by truck, ship, rail, container and pipeline, helping meet the varying needs of a diverse clientele from different industries.
As the digital heart of the tank terminal, OpenTAS 6.0 controls all central steps and processes, from planning, loading and warehouse management to administration, quality control and customs documentation via EMCS. Even processes that previously took place in sub-systems are now fully integrated in the new software solution. A major advantage is that TanQuid can now record, analyse and optimise all tank storage movements and developments directly and holistically on a data basis. The delivery and loading of product from and to trucks, the main mode of transport at the terminal, is now handled by a web service with a user-friendly check-in dialogue that enables drivers to check in and out at the gate on a touchscreen, both accelerating the process and reducing the risk of errors. TanQuid plans to introduce Implico’s online check-in system at a later point, through which drivers will be able to check in while still on the way to the terminal. TanQuid and Implico have taken another important step by connecting all sites running OpenTAS via the cloud, giving the terminal operator a fully visualised, hardware-independent infrastructure. There are other plans to implement ‘Supply Chain United’ services at Duisburg, including the processing of rail cars, tanker vessels and direct turnovers via handheld devices. www.implico.com www.tanquid.com
