May 27, 2014 [hln.be] - The Antwerp storage company ADPO will shortly start with the construction of a new tank terminal in Doel on the Left Bank of the port. The home plot in nearby Kallo is full. The ‘Liefkenshoek Logistics Hub’ as the terminal will be named gets its own jetty and a rail connection. In this way ADPO wants to reduce the number of trucks by 3,000 per year.
ADPO or in full ‘Antwerp Distribution and Product Operations’ was established in 1988 and was one of the first companies to settle at the Waaslandhaven. After 25 years the 35 ha. site in Kallo is completely full. We employ about 300 staff and nearly all of them come from the region, says General Director Filip De Dijcker. This is a family-owned company where meanwhile the second generation is being employed. Our roots are here and we would like to remain active in the same area.
ADPO is specialised in the storage of fine chemicals. Contrary to raw feedstocks, these products have been processed one or more times, De Dijcker explains. Producers prefer to store these more expensive chemicals under the most optimal conditions which is why we offer stainless steel tanks. Many products are being used in the cosmetic and car industries such as the paint on the body of the car or the product from which the dashboard is made. At our site we also blend antifreeze which is used to de-ice planes.
It was predominately the customers who stimulated ADPO to build a second terminal. The neighbouring companies like Ineos Phenol, Monument Chemicals and Indaver also created opportunities for cooperation. Like for tank storage and a shared rail connection or the joint production of energy.
The new plot of 10 ha. has been levelled and readied allowing for the start of the construction still this month. In Phase 1 three tank parks with a total capacity of 37,600 m³ (27,000 m³ mild steel and 10,600 m³ stainless steel) will be built and is expected to be operational by the middle of 2015. A second phase with another three tank parks (60,000 m³) is envisaged.
Also a 10.000 m² warehouse for packed chemicals with a drum filling plant as well as a parking for 600 to 800 containers and a one kilometre rail connection will be built. Shortly the Liefkenshoek railway tunnel will be ready and we plan to make full use of that. It is our ambition to take 3,000 trucks off the road, De Dijcker says. The number of staff will grow as well. We aim for 15 jobs at the start and 50 when the facility is fully operational.
