Talent onboarding & procedure clarity
Christian McDermott from Voovio shares how implementing procedure simulation can solve the tank storage industry’s workforce challenges. According to a joint report from Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute on the state of the industrial workforce, attracting and retaining a quality workforce is a top focus for 83% of manufacturers surveyed (1). Facilities continue to lose people with 20-40 years of equipment-specific expertise and often struggle with onboarding and procedure clarity. This lack of clear procedures results in a lack of standardized training and procedure execution, which can lead to unplanned events and risks. So, how can the industry solve this […]
Threat Posed by Electromagnetic Fields Ignored by API Standards
Protection against electromagnetic fields must be introduced for the petrochemical industry, says Amir Rizk from Lightning ElectroTechnologies. Electromagnetic (EM) waves/fields from lightning strikes constitute indisputable scientific fact. They are a major cause of power outages and are the basis of national lightning detection networks. The issue of the EM effects of lightning has been central in the electric power industry since the 1950s. Yet by 2023, this has still not been meaningfully introduced into lightning protection standards serving the petrochemical industry. The video (1) of the lightning strike that caused the 3 June 2023 fire in Lake Charles, Louisiana, USA, […]
Preventing catastrophic incidents: Learning from past failures
Every catastrophic event leaves behind not only a trail of devastation but also valuable lessons for the future. Safety consultant Trevor Hughes boasts a 24-year career in chemical engineering, before pivoting to consultancy. His work across the globe has provided a unique perspective on safety management practices in different cultural contexts. For Hazards 33, Hughes conducted an in-depth analysis of over 80 incidents in sectors ranging from petrochemicals, oil and gas to transportation and nuclear sectors. His research has highlighted critical safety management system failures, such as: • The suitability of equipment • Inadequate risk assessments • Human error The […]
Hydrogen production: Tax credit incentives in the USA
To promote the growth of the hydrogen industry, many policymakers are introducing tax credit incentives. Notably, the Inflation Reduction Act implemented in the US, where tax credits have been designed to boost the emerging hydrogen market. As a new technology, hydrogen production faces unique challenges. As a new technology, the cost of producing clean hydrogen varies, with green being more expensive than blue, and blue more expensive than grey, but there’s no single market price yet. To encourage investments in hydrogen production, several key elements must be addressed: transportation, storage, and market demand. This is where tax credits and financial […]
Getting to know your AST’s fixed roof structure
Derek Slovenec from The Equity Engineering Group explains how cone roof support structures function and how to prioritize inspections Many aboveground storage tanks (ASTs) in service today were designed with a fixed cone roof, supported by a system of rafters and columns. Understanding the intended function of and interactions between components in the roof structure is critical to identifying potential signs of impending failure and employing effective mitigation. Derek Slovenec, senior engineer at The Equity Engineering Group, highlights key aspects of tank roof support structures and identify design requirements, potential failure modes, and areas of emphasis for inspection to empower […]
Flint Hills Resources: Growth, Community & Future-Proofing
The team at Flint Hills Resources explains how keeping up with demand and community engagement is enhancing its services. Over the decades, Austin, Texas has witnessed remarkable changes in its fuel terminal landscape. Once home to seven different terminal companies, the passage of 30 years has seen all but one fade into history. As the population of the area has soared, so too has demand for transportation fuels. Flint Hills Resources credits keeping the community at the forefront of its operations in its ability to keep pace with Austin’s growth. Flint Hills Resources’ original single facility has since expanded into […]
The Rise of Hydrogen Hubs in North America
Cyann Fielding asks the experts at EY about the emergence of North American hydrogen hubs following the Inflation Reduction Act and governmental funding The United States is paving its way towards the energy transition. Propelled by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Department of Energy’s (DoE) robust financial commitment to advancing the energy transition, the nation is poised to take a prominent role in shaping a greener future. The shift in thinking extends across traditional energy giants, power utilities, and emerging players, all eyeing the potential of hydrogen as a game-changer. Until about 14 months ago, hydrogen projects […]
Expert View: Unpacking the Challenges of Green Hydrogen Offtake Agreements
Man holding earth globe Regulatory frameworks One of the fundamental challenges facing green hydrogen projects is the lack of clear and consistent regulatory frameworks. There is a growing sense of uncertainty regarding climate action and potential regulations that governments may impose. This uncertainty has a direct impact on the green hydrogen market, as potential offtakers may choose to wait and see what regulatory penalties will be imposed before committing to decarbonisation projects. Overcoming this initial hesitation will require governments and industries to create a stable and predictable market environment that incentivises action. Governments need to set clear and stringent mandates […]
Women in Tanks: Hande Cote
Hande Cote, head of engineering at Johnson Matthey, came from an under-represented society. When she was a young girl in school, she experienced several power outages and studied under gasoline lamps. This made her want to alleviate both energy and water poverty – so Cote became an engineer. After studying engineering and completing her PhD, she couldn’t wait to start developing the products and services that could be used to benefit people’s daily lives. With that motivation, shortly after finishing her post-doctorate studies at Imperial College London, Cote started in the oil and gas industry in the UK. Now, with […]
Harnessing On-Site Renewables at the Terminal
Clean energy finance company EDI Capital explains how introducing on-site renewable projects could offer the best return on investment when it comes to offsetting emissions at the terminal Carbon offset programs are now standard practice for oil and gas companies, but traditional approaches like purchasing renewable energy certificates (RECs) or investing in carbon projects often yield poor returns. On-site renewable energy projects like solar, energy storage, and microgrids provide a tangible return on investment while achieving carbon offset goals and self-generating offsets. EDI Capital, a renewable energy developer, focuses on profitable ESG solutions for the oil and gas […]
What to do with tank bottom corrosion?
Tank storage specialist John Cornell explains why tank bottom corrosion occurs and how to prevent it. A corrosion professional or expert is defined by the products they have worked with, the climates they have worked in and the locations they have worked at. ‘There is a great difference in corrosion scenarios around the world and corrosion is such an important topic. The question often comes down to what to do with the corrosion? Can you live with it or must something be done,’ says John Cornell, storage tank specialist. To determine this, you must know whether the corrosion is existing […]
Chart Industries: CCUS from a company standpoint
Leading global manufacturer of highly engineered equipment servicing multiple applications in the clean energy and industrial gas markets, Chart Industries was named one of the ‘Top 10 Companies of CCUS’ in 2023. Paul Shields, director of marketing at Chart, discusses how Chart fits into the world of carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), what the future of CCUS looks like and what it means to be a CCUS company. The future of CCUS ‘The main idea with CCUS is to segment direct air carbon capture from a concentrated point source such as an industrial facilities,’ explains Shields. CCUS is currently […]
Tank Storage Association: Bulk storage and energy infrastructure
Executive director of the Tank Storage Association, Peter Davidson, examines the bulk storage and energy infrastructure sector in light of changing markets and shifts in the geopolitical landscape. Tank storage is an essential part of commodity trading and storage terminals improve the flexibility of supply chains. These terminals may either store single products or multiple products within a single facility and can provide supplementary services such as blending, packaging, canning, drum filling, water treatment and analysis, warehousing, as well as bonded facilities for duty suspended products. Tank Storage Association members operate a variety of terminals across the UK and the […]
Kpler’s View: Heavier Barrels Remain Robust in Medium-Term
US appetite for heavier barrels to remain robust in the medium-term, says Johannes Rauball, crude analyst at Kpler Western refineries were largely able to circumvent the effects of EU sanctions on Russian oil relatively smoothly and adapt to the reshuffling of global trade flows over the last year. However, its impact can still be felt today, particularly across medium and heavy crude markets. In fact, European refiners have become increasingly dependent on imports of heavier barrels from Latin America and the Middle East, which have now replaced those that had previously come from Russia. This has, however, made Europe […]
Winning at Safety Excellence: Odfjell Terminals Korea
Having won gold in Safety Excellence at the Global Tank Storage Awards, Odfjell Terminals Korea shares insights into establishing an accident-free workplace Odfjell Terminals Korea (OTK) was established as a subsidiary of Korea Petrochemical Company as part of a joint venture with Odfjell SE (Norway). Odfjell SE has over five decades of experience in tank terminal operations, currently owning three additional terminals at strategic locations in the US (Houston and Charleston) and Belgium (Antwerp). Aerial view of Odfjell Terminals Korea Since OTK’s initial completion in 2002, three expansions were built in 2008, 2009 and 2011. OTK is positioned as […]
Challenges in the Green Hydrogen Market
The green hydrogen market is rapidly evolving as interest in sustainable energy grows. Key players in the energy industry are engaged in a complex dance of supply and demand, pricing, subsidies, and certification. The first step is to understand customer requirements, including volume and price expectations. Before investing significant resources, potential hydrogen producers must be certain of the market’s potential. What’s the right price for green hydrogen? One of the central concerns in the green hydrogen market is pricing. Companies developing green hydrogen projects need to secure prices that make these projects viable. The price of €2.50 per kg has […]
Women in Tanks: Agnes Kiss
Tank Storage Magazine sits down with Agnes Kiss, sales representative at Walter Tosto to discuss what route led her to tank storage Agnes Kiss, sales representative at Walter Tosto, strongly believes that every persons’ life follows the ways set by their background, their dreams and their choices. Kiss was born in a well-known industrial city in Romania. During her childhood, at least one member of her family was working in one of the huge factories employing more than 10,000 people. All the industrial equipment that was manufactured there was bound for the European market. She grew up among miscellaneous […]
How to Protect Critical Infrastructure
Molly Cooper investigates how tank terminal operators can protect their staff and assets from terrorism and security threats. In a time where parts of the world are at war, and security threats and terror attacks loom large, safeguarding critical infrastructure becomes vital. This includes storage terminals. ‘In any event of any war, the first thing that you attack is the infrastructure. Oil, gas, electricity, water and that’s what’s happening in Ukraine. They are going to attack what the country is dependent on,’ says Chris Phillips, managing director at IPPSO (International Protect and Prepare Security Office). Storage facilities and refineries cover […]
What is green, blue and grey hydrogen?
As the oil and gas sector looks towards new fuels to power the future, hydrogen is often touted the ultimate future fuel. But there are many forms that hydrogen takes, especially in the context of clean energy. So how do we know what’s actually clean hydrogen? Hydrogen is the lightest and most abundant element in the universe. It can come in many forms and can be produced through many processes that are easy to incorporate at a traditional terminal: electrolysis, steam methane reformation and biomass gasification. Hydrogen is considered an attractive option for the switch to clean energy. Its combustion […]
Global Tank Storage Award Winner: Nordweld
Niklas Nordin, CEO and project manager at Nordweld, talks to Tank Storage Magazine about the company’s recent win at the Global Tank Storage Awards. The Global Tank Storage Awards recognise the best talent, innovation and products in the tank terminal industry. In particular, the Innovative Technology award identifies solutions that are revolutionising the sector – and Nordweld’s Tank Building System took home the gold award in 2023. Niklas Nording, CEO and project manager at Nordweld receives the award from Tank Storage Magazine editor Anamika Talwaria Niklas Nordin, CEO and project manager at Nordweld, says: ‘It was great! I have put […]
Championing a safe & sustainable chemical supply chain
Tim Doggett, CEO at the Chemical Business Association, outlines the organisation’s efforts to help ensure a safe and sustainable chemical supply chain in the UK The chemical industry is a vital sector that plays a crucial role in the UK and global economy, contributing significantly to the production of a host of essential products used across numerous industries. In fact, more than 97% of all manufactured products contain inputs from the sector. By its very nature, the chemical industry must contend with unique safety, regulatory and environmental challenges. Given the hazardous nature of many chemicals and the processes and regulations […]
North Sea Transition Authority Explains UK CCS Licences
Andy Brooks, director of new ventures at the North Sea Transition Authority, explains the UK’s new licences for CCS The North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) is the independent regulator for the oil and gas and the carbon storage industry. It was previously the Oil and Gas Authority only. but has now moved into carbon capture and storage as an extension of its powers. The NSTA is the licensing and permitting authority for offshore carbon storage. As an independent regulator. the NSTA’s remit is to look at energy security, emissions reductions and accelerating the transition. Last year, the NSTA ran the […]
Stolthaven Singapore: A Highly-Automated Chemical Terminal
Tank Storage Magazine talks to the team at Stolthaven Terminals Singapore about the development of its terminal and its Dow SEA S4TAR Award Stolthaven Terminals commissioned the development of the 15-hectare Singapore site in November 2011 to increase the reach of its supply chain solutions for customers. The terminal aimed to meet customer demand in the region for high-quality industrial and distribution services for the storage and handling of bulk liquids and gases ,and enhance Singapore’s position as a manufacturing and distribution hub. Since then, Stolthaven Terminals has invested in progressive expansion and currently has an operating capacity of […]
How mapping assets is key to maintenance
Cyann Fielding talks to industry experts about how tank mapping with lasers can improve the efficiency and longevity of assets Mapping assets can be hugely useful to help understand the inside of a tank, leading to better management. Using lasers to create these images can aid operators and workers in assessing facilities and assets better. Relying on inaccurate data can lead to incidents such as storage tank rupture, a decrease in production, environmental impacts and costly repairs. Jason Hayes, market manager, Reality Capture Solutions, at Trimble Geospatial, explains how laser mapping works: ‘LiDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, […]
In transition: Energy Security & Digitalisation
FETSA’s executive director Ravi Bhatiani discusses the links between geopolitics, future fuels, and the digital transformation of the energy industry IT IS a time of multiple transitions. The energy transition continues to be a top priority and FETSA has been working across multiple files related to taxation, incentivisation of hydrogen take up, the future of e-fuels and reduction of carbon and other vehicle emissions. Meanwhile, the EU is designing a new legal framework to ensure a 55% GHG reduction from 90s levels by 2030; climate neutrality for 2050. Geopolitical transition The EU, and the globe in general, is also […]
Exclusive Interview: Star Energy Advario
Star Energy Advario CEO and VP of Advario Middle East, Andrew Drayton, tells Tank Storage Magazine about the Dubai terminal Andrew Drayton. Star Energy Advario, VP, Middle East Star Energy Advario (SEAD) is a 50/50 joint venture between the Star Energy Group and Advario, an independent storage provider based in the Netherlands, operating 13 terminals worldwide,’ says Andrew Drayton, CEO SEAD; VP Advario Middle East. From here, SEAD serves as a hub for breakbulk, trans-shipments, blending and distribution across the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent, Asia Pacific and East Africa. He explains: ‘The Jebel Ali Free Zone grants us tax-efficient […]
What path lies ahead for hydrogen?
Insights from Argus’ latest webinar on the progress across different areas of policy, demand and project advancement and the outlook for the hydrogen sector. Argus Media recently held a webinar, hosted by Argus colleagues Aftab Siddiqui, senior product marketing manager, Tim Hard, SVP energy transition business development and editor Stefan Krümpelmann. The webinar included discussions on national and regional laws and regulations, subsidising infrastructure and production, progress in crucial existing pillars, movement in new thematic industries, and stirring in mobility and FIDs. The speakers revealed some key information about the hydrogen market: • Until 1 January 2030 renewable power produced […]
Asia’s Outlook For LNG
President of Chevron Global Gas, Freeman Shaheen explains Chevron’s role in Asia’s LNG market Worldwide, natural gas resources are plentiful, and with partnership and investment, gas can play a significant role in helping nations achieve both energy security and environmental objectives. When it comes to supply and demand, North America and Qatar will likely continue to lead the growth of LNG. Natural gas will play a key role in the long-term energy mix. For example, coal to gas switching, particularly in Asia, could help lower the carbon intensity of its energy. Gas can also help address intermittency gaps with […]
In Conversation With… Javier Blanco Ortega
Meet Mecanicas Bolea’s COO and director of operations, Javier Blanco Ortega – who is also one of StocExpo 2023’s Forty Under 40. Can you give us a brief outline of your career to date? Javier: I am senior mechanical and chemical engineer, with a Masters in HSE and in Business and Administration. Since my first job in 2006 I have been working in contractor companies, developing different projects for industry. I have lived all over Europe and in 2008 I started to work in metallurgical areas, in several projects related to tank storage. I became the youngest board member […]
An Expert’s Guide to CCUS
Mhairidh Evans is research director at Wood Mackenzie and leads its global research on carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS). Her team provides insight and strategic analysis on the CCUS landscape to project developers, technology providers, investors and governments. ‘CCUS projects aim to either capture and/or store CO2 that comes from the most emissions-intensive parts of our economies. For industries like chemicals, cement and steel production, there are few technically-feasible options to reduce emissions at scale today – and CCUS is one of them,’ explains Evans. 2023: A Year for CCUS Wood Mackenzie believes that 2023 will be a […]
Gold for Environmental Performance: Circor’s Houttin Energy Recovery Valve
Understanding the environment and working with it are part of everyday operations for Circor. Its award-winning Houttin Energy Recovery Valve (ERVC) controls flow in an accurate, fast and stable way, without being influenced by fluid densities and pressures. It also recovers the hydraulic energy wasted by conventional control valves, producing electrical energy in the process. This kind of innovation was exactly what the judges of the Global Tank Storage Awards were looking for. Technical details The ERCV from Houttuin combines modern variable-speed drive technology, control logic and a screw pump configured as a twin-screw-motor (TSM). ‘With this innovation, twin-screw technology […]
Groningen Seaports’ Eemshaven: A Modern Energy Hub
Celebrating 50 years, Eemshaven operated by Groningen Seaports, is a major energy hub for the Netherlands. The port produces about a third of all energy consumed in the Netherlands, and has an installed capacity of 8,000 MW. Aerial view of Eemshaven port with storage tanks and offshore wind Established in 1973, the port is built into the sea – or at least that’s how business manager for offshore wind, Erik Bertholet describes it. ‘We’re a rare sea port, without a city attached,’ he says. ‘The port was initially built into the sea, but it’s now a World Heritage site, so […]
