July 2, 2014 [Odfjell SE] - The expansion of the Noord Natie Terminals (NNT), with two new tankpits with a total of 50,000 cbm, has been completed on schedule. With the new tankpits now in use, the terminal can offer a total storage capacity of 350,000 cbm.
Of the two new tankpits, one has five tanks of 5,000 cbm. Each tank is insulated and equipped with heating coils. The other tankpit consists of four tanks of 5,000 cbm and two of 2,500 cbm, and are equipped with high viscosity pumps in order to pump products without heating. One tank is insulated as some customers want the product delivered to them heated. This gives the greatest flexibility to the customer as he can store all the grades combined in all the tankpits.
One of the new tankpits also has rail connection on a combined truck and rail weighbridge. A total of five extra truck loading stations are operational for these new tankpits, and two new manifolds for vessels and barges. The tankpits are both connected to the rest of the terminal.
New office building
The next project we are working on is a new office building at the entrance of the terminal. The start of the construction work is planned for the second half of 2014. This will be a welcomed change for our employees as we are now spread over the terminal in small offices or container offices and do not have enough workspace for everybody. New changing rooms, showers and a refectory will also be included in the expansion plans.
Meanwhile the commercialisation of the next project has started. The new expansion plans for four new tankpits with a total capacity of 90,000 cbm extra tank storage space are further being developed.
The four new tankpits can be built as a whole or split into different phases depending on contracts that can be concluded. Tank sizes have been determined to 1,300 cbm, 2,500 cbm and 5,000 cbm but tank types are still open and can be determined depending on demand. Most probably a combination of mild and stainless steel tanks will be built. Construction can start from 2015. Meanwhile the port will start building new quay walls to bring the draft to 14 metres followed by dredging works. This will allow us to have the new generation of ships to berth at this new part or the terminal.