April 14, 2015 [OPIS] - Vopak's new pressurized LPG storage at Dutch trading hub Flushing (Vlissingen) has commenced operations, a spokesperson for Vopak told OPIS.
The first of two phases is complete, they said, and the plan is for a Q1-Q2 2015 phased startup to full capacity.
Additionally, market sources reported that the terminal leaseholder has been active in the northwest Europe butane coaster market at the end of March, buying refinery grade parcels.
The expansion involves the addition of 37,530 cubic meter (cbm) of pressurized LPG storage capacity in six mounded bullet-type tanks: three of 7,850 cbm each and three of 4,660 cbm each, according to the company’s latest update.
New lines to the jetty and loading points for trucks and a new computer system are also being added.
The completion of the expansion will bring Vopak Flushing‘s overall LPG storage capacity to 168,930 cbm, with tank sizes ranging from 3,750 cbm to 55,000 cbm. Flushing serves as a major LPG import and export terminal for the region, with access via vessels, barges, rail and truck.
OPIS understands that the two 55,000-cbm refrigerated tanks are dedicated to propane storage.
Vopak approved the expansion in April 2013 with increased storage LPG demand coming as the result of change in the use and production in Europe and an expected global imbalance of these gases.
