MTVP: An Evolving Regulatory Concept
Harold Laurence, principal consultant at Trinity Consultants examines the concept of maximum true vapor pressure and how the US EPA and industry practices will impact tank owners The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed the concept of ‘maximum true vapor pressure’ (MTVP) to identify storage vessels subject to emission standards. The MTVP concept dates to EPA’s earliest tank standards in the 1970s, and it continues to evolve with recent EPA rulemakings and newly released methods. This article explores the MTVP concept, with attention to key decisions and interpretations. Tank owners benefit from a firm grasp of EPA and industry practice […]
QADworks: The People-First Blueprint For Digital Transformation
Involving employees at every level of the chain is the best way to ensure a successful digital strategy, according to the experts at QADworks Digital transformation is a term often […]
Redefining Tank Bottom Inspections: AI Driven Precision With TBIT Ultra
Arash Ilbagi, principal engineer and Richard Foecke, head of NDT products at ROSEN explain the new automated evaluation of ultra high-resolution MFL data Tank bottoms are subject to constant mechanical stress and environmental exposure. Even minor degradation can compromise structural integrity. Traditional inspection methods often rely on manual interpretation and limited resolution, which can miss early-stage defects or underestimate their severity. This leads to conservative inspection intervals and reactive maintenance strategies, both costly and inefficient. Moreover, these traditional methods demand increased time inside the confined space for inspectors and contribute to longer operational downtime. From Analog To AI MFL technology (magnetic flux […]
Stolthaven Terminals: Scaling Up Sustainable Energy Solutions
Guy Bessant, president at Stolthaven Terminals reveals how the Houston terminal is using flow batteries on site to support their sustainability goals Stolthaven Terminals is a leading provider of storage and handling solutions for chemicals, clean petroleum products, liquefied petroleum gases, biofuels, vegetable oils, alternative fuels and feedstocks. With more than 50 years of experience and five million m³ of storage capacity across 14 terminals, including joint ventures, Stolthaven Terminals is a key player in critical logistics worldwide. Stolthaven Houston is located on the Houston Ship Channel in Houston, Texas, USA, and operates both as a domestic bulk facility and international distribution hub. […]
Investigation Update: Fatal Coke Incident
The US Chemical Safety Board gives an update on its investigation into the deadly explosion at US Steel Clairton Coke Works facility in Pennsylvania The US Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) has released an update on the agency’s ongoing investigation into the fatal explosion at the US Steel Clairton Coke Works facility in Clairton, Pennsylvania, USA earlier this year. The Incident US Steel confirmed that an explosion occurred at its plant in Pennsylvania, USA, on 11 August 2025. The incident occurred as workers were pushing coke out of large ovens and preparing for maintenance. Initial rescue efforts were carried […]
Powering The Transition
Experts from GMI Insights explore how industry leaders are preparing for the energy transition and developing hydrogen market As the world transitions to a low-carbon future, hydrogen is quickly becoming a central part of the clean energy transition. Hydrogen is already powering key industrial processes, and is also being developed as a valuable fuel source for transportation and energy storage. With strong government support, industries working toward alternative clean forms of energy, and companies sharing innovations, the hydrogen market is set for massive growth. In fact, the global hydrogen market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of […]
GlobalData Insight: Growth In Shale
Is the USA set to lose its edge in the development of shale oil and gas? The experts at GlobalData investigate The global shale oil and gas production outlook indicates a positive trend, with notable increases in production expected from top countries over the next few years, including the incumbent leader the USA. Although the pace of growth has somewhat receded in the USA, optimism around this unconventional resource remains, driven by technological advancements and significant discoveries in countries such as China, Argentina, and Saudi Arabia, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company. Unlocking Global Potential GlobalData’s Strategic Intelligence […]
Discus: Manufacturing Through Challenging Economies
The experts at Discus look at the challenges of internal floating roofs and how repurposing infrastructure can benefit the wider US ecomony Domestic manufacturing is not just an ESG value-add, […]
Wood Mackenzie: North America Driving RNG
Diana Arce, natural gas markets research analyst and Natalia Patterson, senior analyst for Americas gas & LNG at Wood Mackenzie look at the factors propelling RNG production, and potential limitations in adoption A recently published report from Wood Mackenzie shows that the renewable natural gas (RNG) market in North America is growing rapidly, fueled by decarbonization policies and surging demand for clean energy solutions. Market data demonstrates remarkable momentum, with the sector growing over 35% since 2023 to reach 604 million cubic feet per day (17 million m³) operational capacity in 2025, including a record-breaking 139 mmcfd capacity addition in 2024. This growth […]
Women in Tanks: Stephanie Hajducek
Founder, advocate and Enbridge project specialist, Stephanie Hajducek, shares how she’s supporting women into STEM industries, and what it means to be a Women in Chemicals’ Woman of the Year finalist Coming from a small town in Texas, USA, Stephanie Hajducek grew up just 20 minutes down the road from massive manufacturing facilities, oil and gas operations, and even a nuclear power plant. ‘But I had no idea who they were, what they did, or that someone like me could ever work there,’ she says. ‘I didn’t grow up dreaming about the energy industry – but I’ve always been drawn to […]
BWC’s Grays Harbor Gets Five Stars for Safety
BWC Terminals’ vice president of HSEQ, Tommy Bankhead, explains how a robust health and safety policy can lead to industry recognition and success BWC operates 22 independent bulk liquid storage terminals across 12 US states and one in Canada. One of these terminals, located in Washington, USA, is the BWC Grays Harbor facility, which offers a storage capacity of 320,000 barrels (50,875 m³), two deep-draft berths, two truck bays, and 12 rail loading spots. ‘The facility benefits from direct access to the Pacific Ocean, making it Washington State’s only deepwater port on the ocean to service Canadian and Pacific trade routes,’ […]
ILTA: Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill
The ILTA’s senior director of government affairs, Jay Cruz, examines Trump’s BBB and its impact on the bulk liquid terminals industry On July 4, 2025, after months of debate and […]
Ethane, Economy & Expansion: Terminal Química Puerto México
Cleantho Leite, CEO at Terminal Química Puerto México, talks to Kate Rainford about the company’s new strategic ethane storage terminal At the Port of Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, Mexico, Terminal Química Puerto México (TQPM) stands as a major advancement in the country’s petrochemical industry. This state-of- the-art ethane storage facility, developed through a 50/50 partnership between Advario and Braskem Idesa, represents a $500 million (€443 million) investment and a significant step forward in securing Mexico’s energy future. The original idea for Terminal Química Puerto México came from Braskem Idesa, the largest petrochemical producer of ethane and ethylene derivatives in Mexico. ‘Braskem Idesa […]
Moeve: A New Direction
Elena Alcalde González, supply chain and procurement director at Moeve Chemicals, speaks to Anamika Talwaria about the company’s rebrand from Cepsa Moeve is a global company comprising over 11,000 employees, committed to sustainable energy, chemistry and mobility, with the ambition to drive Europe’s energy transition and accelerate decarbonisation both within the company and for its customers. The chemicals business is a vital part of Moeve’s value chain and is a global leader in its sector. The company spearheads the shift towards sustainable chemistry, maintaining a clear commitment to decarbonisation and climate neutrality. With a solid international presence, Moeve Chemicals distributes its […]
Staying Ahead Of Safety Standards
Simon Bunegar, CCO at Grandperspective, explains how ground-based remote sensing technology can help ammonia storage facilities comply with PGS-12 The Netherlands, which is home to some of the continent’s most advanced storage facilities, is already known for strict rules and robust best-practice guidance. But operators are also expected to prove, consistently, that they are managing risk in a proactive way. For ammonia, the key benchmark is Publicatiereeks Gevaarlijke Stoffen, or put simply: PGS-12. Two and a half years ago, one major Dutch ammonia plant decided it needed to strengthen safety and compliance. So, it partnered with Grandperspective, a leading provider […]
Senseven: Valve Integrity for Fuel Purity
Anna Grausgruber, CGO and co-founder at Senseven, explains why ensuring valve integrity is key to safeguarding fuel purity in storage tanks Valves are critical components in nearly every industrial system. They monitor product flow, isolate media and prevent backflow as well as regulate pressure in systems. Their integrity is directly tied to plant safety, environmental compliance and process efficiency. However, valve seat leakage, where liquid escapes through a supposedly closed valve, remains a common and costly maintenance challenge faced by industrial operators today. According to industry estimates, between 5% and 10% of industrial valves leak internally. These leaks, often undetected […]
Making Liquid Storage Assets Trustworthy
SinoChem’s subsidiary, 66Yunlian, explains how its AI system for liquid asset management is making risk management easier for lenders Liquid bulk commodities such as crude oil, refined products, and chemical liquids have long been considered ‘unsuitable collateral’ due to their homogeneous and co-mingled nature. Globally, the sector faces three main challenges: • Lack of visibility and weak title certainty: Warehouse receipts and cargo ownership are hard to match, leaving property rights ambiguous. • Static data, slow response: Manual spot checks or occasional readings only provide snapshot data, insufficient for dynamic risk control. • Fragile trust: Financial institutions cannot perceive collateral in […]
Chemical Business Association: A Blow To UK Industry
Tim Doggett, CEO of the Chemical Business Association, shares his thoughts on Vivergo Fuels’ plant closure, emphasising the significant impact on the chemical supply chain and the broader economy The closure of the UK’s largest bioethanol plant is another devastating blow to both the UK chemical supply chain and the wider economy. Bioethanol is not only a renewable fuel that helps deliver lower carbon emissions but is also a vital feedstock for bio-based chemicals such as bioethylene – a sustainable alternative to fossil-derived materials used in packaging, medical equipment and much more. Losing this capability is not in the national […]
Storage: A Crucial Link
Exolum’s northwest Europe lead, Stephen Land, explains how Europe’s tank storage infrastructure can power the energy transition The global energy transition is all too often simply discussed in terms of energy production and demand. Here in northwest Europe, the tank storage sector is an often under-recognised lynchpin of that transformation. Historically, this sector has served as the quiet cogs of the energy world, efficiently managing the flow of refined oil products to consumption. Today, however, it is at a profound inflection point. The traditional centralised energy system is giving way to a decentralised, diverse, and fluid model that relies on […]
Women in Tanks: Marta Mieres Barcena
Marta Mieres Barcena explains how she mentors future leaders while driving diversity and innovation in tank storage When most people think about the liquid bulk storage sector, sustainability and green energies aren’t usually the first topics that come to mind. But for Marta Mieres Barcena, the high potential to drive meaningful change in sustainability was exactly what drew her to join the energy sector. ‘The growing focus on sustainability in energy-intensive sectors has driven initiatives for zero-emission shipping and carbon-neutral ports,’ she explains. ‘And beyond the very much needed environmental protection, sustainability also supports the long-term business viability, by encouraging […]
Vopak Japan: Exploring Japan’s NH3 Market
Lars Schaumann, managing director of Vopak Japan, explains how collaborating with IHI will help accelerate ammonia in Asia In November 2023, IHI and Vopak signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly explore the potential for efficient, high-valueadded ammonia terminals in Japan. Nearly two years later, the companies have taken the step to sign a joint development agreement with the aim of forming a joint venture to develop and operate an ammonia terminal in Japan, aiming to start operations in 2030. The JV would focus on the development of safe and efficient ammonia storage and handling infrastructure. The main aims for developing […]
Energy Robotics: Manual Problems Meet Robotic Solutions
The team at Energy Robotics reflect on the company’s gold win at the 2025 Global Tank Storage Awards, and look towards the future of autonomous inspection solutions With robots and drones operating across five continents and completing 20,000 km of autonomous inspections, Energy Robotics has become a key player of drones and robotics solutions in the tank storage industry. The company’s passion for intelligent software to reduce human interaction with dangerous infrastructure has been proven with its clients, such as Shell, BASF and e-on, as well as many more. And now the company has been recognised by industry peers and […]
Tepsa’s Presence in the ARA Region
Tank Storage Magazine speaks exclusively to Tepsa CEO, Bruno Hayem, about the company’s recent acquisition of the Europoort terminal In July 2025, the European bulk liquid and gas storage operator, Tepsa, announced the acquisition of the Europoort terminal located in the Port of Rotterdam, Netherlands. The 24-hectare terminal, which includes 212,000 m³ of tank storage and plenty of idle land, had previously been owned by Global Energy Storage Group (GES). The transaction represents a key milestone for GES as it focuses on expanding its presence in the fast- growing Asian market. It also ensures that the Rotterdam terminal is passed […]
Bertschi Group: By Rail, Road & Sea
Bertschi Group’s CEO Jan Arnet explains why intermodal logistics is critical for chemical storage terminals The chemicals industry is facing increasing pressure on multiple fronts. Companies are required to optimise product flow across complex global supply chains, while meeting strict profitability targets, shortening time to market, and reducing CO2 emissions. The demand for agile and more efficient logistics is intensifying, while the pressure to keep costs under control has never been more urgent. Chemical producers must find innovative solutions that balance these competing priorities: efficient product flow, cost and working capital reduction, and the achievement of sustainability targets. This […]
A 90% Reduction: Mission Impossible?
FETSA’s executive director Ravi Bhatiani explores the EU’s 2040 climate target and implications for the tank storage sector The European Commission has proposed an amendment to the EU Climate Law to insert a 90% greenhouse gas emissions target from 1990s level by 2040. For members of the Federation of European Tank Storage Associations (FETSA), understanding this framework is crucial, as it may dictate investment and strategic decisions for the coming years. The implementation of the proposal will continue the energy transition shift in the EU but does not take into account the strategic needs of Europe in terms of industrial competitiveness […]
ACTAD: Getting Ready For The Future’s Needs
ACTAD speaks exclusively to Tank Storage Magazine about the terminal’s future plans, operations, and its unique infrastructure Located in Abu Dhabi, ACTAD started operations in 2024. ‘From our other two terminals in Saudi Arabia, we have learnt that the integrity of products is key for our customers,’ notes Amer Linjawi, marketing manager and a member of the owning family at ACTAD. Learning from the previous operations encouraged the company to heavily invest in this new terminal for future growth, and ensure it can cater for all of their customers’ potential needs, by featuring 40 tanks with a 100,000 m³ capacity, […]
Uniper: A Pioneering Trial
In an exclusive interview with Tank Storage Magazine, director innovation at Uniper, Arne Hauner looks into how flow batteries are enhancing terminals This Summer, Uniper took the first step in a planned collaboration with Jena Flow Batteries, an innovative company specialising in metal-free organic flow batteries. The aim is to explore and scale long-duration energy storage, a key enabler of a renewable energy system. Over the course of this testing and deployment phase, Uniper will evaluate the use of this promising battery technology at one of its sites to see how it performs in real-world conditions. The goal, according to […]
Asia-Pacific: An Emerging Power House
The experts at BlackWater Business Consulting appraise the Asia-Pacific hydrogen market, and discuss what a sustainable future may look like The global energy system is transforming, and hydrogen has emerged as one of the most promising tools for decarbonisation. While Europe and North America often capture the spotlight, the real battleground for hydrogen leadership is unfolding across the Asia-Pacific. This region is not merely following global trends; it is carving its own path toward becoming the heart of the global hydrogen economy. Hydrogen’s role as a clean, flexible energy carrier is well documented. Yet Asia-Pacific brings unique advantages to the […]
Evos: Cleared For Takeoff
Angela de Jonge, commercial manager at Evos Rotterdam & Terneuzen, explains the company’s partnership with Metafuels to advance e-SAF development At the port of Rotterdam, Netherlands, Evos is collaborating with Metafuels, a clean tech start-up based in Switzerland. The latter is developing a new synthetic sustainable aviation fuel (e-SAF) production plant, with the intention to use Evos Rotterdam’s land and operational expertise once the plant starts up. ‘We were introduced through a long-standing methanol customer with whom we have a strong partnership. They facilitated the connection between Evos Rotterdam and Metafuels, which laid the foundation for our collaboration,’ explains Angela […]
Safety Standards: The Chane Academy
Geeske Steeneken, Chane’s learning and development lead, speaks to Tank Storage Magazine about the company’s training resources to support its workforce Four years ago, Chane decided that, for the wider benefit of employees, it was crucial to be trained in-house. ‘At the time, we were searching for new employees, and new hires to bring valuable experiece. The Chane Academy ensures their knowledge is tailored to the unique demands of terminal operations,’ says Geeske Steeneken, lead for learning and development at Chane. ‘Additionally, we wanted to give our people a place to continuously grow and to link training directly to our […]
Reynolds Training Services: Technology for Training & Competence
As digitalisation accelerates, energy systems shift and the workforce transforms, John Reynolds of Reynolds Training Services asks: can technology strengthen the culture of competence or risk diluting it? High-hazard industries are being reshaped before our eyes. Digitalisation is rewiring how the tank storage sector operates. The energy transition is pipelining new fuels, new standards and new hazards. And decades of expertise are walking out the door as the workforce changes. Each of these forces carries risk. At the same time, a new generation is entering the workforce. They are digital natives; technology is second nature. They were born into […]
Fecc: Navigating EU Policy Shifts
Diana Khrystych, trade & sustainability Manager at Fecc, explores what EU regulations mean for chemical storage operators As Europe repositions itself in a rapidly evolving global landscape, the chemical industry – and by extension, chemical storage – is facing one of the most significant policy transformations in recent history. From the ambitions of the European Green Deal to the recalibration of trade strategies and financial regulation, the European Union is actively reshaping the framework in which industries operate. For those in the tank storage and chemical logistics sector, this isn’t just a matter of regulatory compliance – it’s a question […]
