One of the storage tanks under construction attained its final height of 30 metres. The contractor, Warsaw-based Polimex-Mostostal S.A., is using the jacking method of construction, which starts with the roof. The tank roof is then jacked up in stages as successive rings of tank wall are added. The advantage of this approach is that there is hardly any need to work at height, which has obvious safety benefits. Another advantage of this method is that the tanks can be painted easily as the work progresses, which saves time.

Construction of this initial expansion phase is on schedule. It involves a total of 34 tanks, providing a combined storage capacity of 200,000 m3, of which 130,000 m3 is earmarked for mineral oils and 70,000 m3 for vegetable oils and biodiesel. Work started in the second quarter of 2010 and is due for completion in the fourth quarter of 2011. BTT will then have a state-of-the-art terminal with ample deepwater berths, capable of handling and storing a whole range of liquid bulk products such as mineral oils, ethanol, edible oils and biofuels. The plan is to have a total of 550,000 m3 of storage capacity on completion of phase 2, in 2014.

Since 1 March 2010, BTT has already been able to provide certified services for the rapid and efficient ship-to-ship transfer of liquid bulk cargoes. The terminal’s 420-metre jetty can accommodate two seagoing vessels of up to 100,000 DWT simultaneously, and operates 24/7.