March 23, 2026 [Storage Terminals Magazine]- Cargill has commissioned eight stainless steel storage tanks for its new bioindustrial plant in Gouda, the Netherlands, with Gpi Tanks responsible for the engineering, production, and delivery of the units.

Operated by Cargill Bioindustrial B.V., the Gouda site focuses on producing biobased ingredients for industrial applications, including lubricants, coatings, plastics, and cleaning agents. The newly developed facility will manufacture a sustainable insulating oil designed for use in transformers, supporting the energy sector’s transition toward more environmentally friendly solutions.

The plant is part of the Equus FR3 project, which aims to expand production of Envirotemp FR3 fluid in Europe. This biobased alternative to traditional mineral insulating oil has been developed to meet rising demand for sustainable energy infrastructure materials.

To support the production process, eight stainless steel storage tanks were installed for the storage of raw materials and intermediate products. The tanks vary in size, including units of 2 m³, 7 m³, two at 40 m³, and four large tanks with a capacity of 450 m³. All tanks are insulated and specifically designed for use within the FR3 production process.

Gpi Tanks was selected following a competitive tender process, during which multiple suppliers were evaluated on price, quality, and delivery timelines. The company’s established relationship with Cargill, combined with its technical expertise and proximity to the Gouda site, contributed to its selection.

The supplier was involved from the early stages of the project, contributing to the basic engineering phase, where tank designs played a key role in shaping the detailed design of the overall facility. Close collaboration between engineering teams from both companies ensured efficient progress throughout the project.

Production of the tanks was carried out across multiple Gpi facilities, reflecting the company’s international manufacturing capabilities. Smaller tanks were produced in Lopik, larger units in Groot-Ammers, and supporting platforms in Poland. Prior to delivery, all tanks underwent factory acceptance testing to verify quality and compliance.

Transport and installation were completed according to schedule. The smaller tanks were delivered by road and installed inside the plant, while the four largest tanks were transported by ship via the Hollandsche IJssel and installed on-site by Gpi. Following installation, water filling tests were conducted to verify structural integrity and foundation stability.

The completion of the storage tanks marks a key milestone for the Gouda facility, which will serve as the first European production site for FR3 fluid. The development enables Cargill to expand its product portfolio while meeting increasing demand for sustainable transformer oils in the energy sector.

The collaboration between Cargill and Gpi Tanks was described as efficient and professional, with strong communication and responsiveness throughout the project lifecycle. Continued support after delivery, including final adjustments, further demonstrated the supplier’s commitment to quality and project completion.

With the new tank infrastructure in place, the Gouda site is positioned to play an important role in advancing sustainable solutions within the energy and industrial sectors.