Could US election results spell the end of the energy transition? Wood Mackenzie investigates
FUELLING THE FUTURE
Vopak US & Canada’s president Maria Ciliberti speaks exclusively to Tank Storage Magazine about the company’s growth
NEW APPROACH
Government advocacy and communication with members is key, says the ILTA’s new president Leakhena Swett
GLOBAL NEWS UPDATE
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS
Vice President of Crosby Liquid
Robert Powell, takes us through the company’s extensive history, and how it’s keeping up in
President of Vopak US and Canada, Maria Ciliberti, explains how the multinational company is
Colonial Pipeline’s
Winner
Tammara
MARKET ANALYSIS
39 Hitting The Brakes: Energy Transition in the USA
The US November election results could decelerate energy transition, with $1 trillion in energy investment on the line, says David Brown at Wood Makenzie
42 Communication, Advocacy & Education
Tank Storage Magazine speaks exclusively to Leakhena Swett, the ILTA’s new president about the association’s new initiatives and growth
45 Growing Production, Growing Demand
GlobalData’s latest report covers growing shale production in the Permain Basin, and what it means for oil & gas companies
TECHNICAL FEATURES
47 Navigating New Regulations
Earl Crochet, owner of Crochet Midstream Consulting, explores the fast pace of regulatory changes in the above storage tank industry
50 The Importance of Non-Destructive Testing in Oil & Gas
Saudi Aramco’s Mohammed Abufour explains why advanced NDT solutions are essential to enhance asset integrity quality in the oil & gas industry
52 Ensuring Asset Integrity in Earthquakes
The experts at LUSAS Consulting Services explain how base-isolation can improve the stability of LNG tanks in tectonically active regions
54 The Future of Emergency Leak Sealing
Discover the RuptureSeal’s quick and effective rupture break solution
56 Advanced Heating For Industrial Processes
QMax explains how its unique finned coils are revolutionising tank heating
EVENTS
29 Tank Talk: Accelerating The Energy Transition
Hayley Armstrong from AJW, and Ravi Bhatiani, from FETSA, discuss how policy changes are impacting the global energy landscape
61 Event Preview: AntwerpXL
Got a tank construction project or other logistics challenge coming up? Connect with transport partners at AXL
62 Event Preview: StocExpo
Join industry leaders, clients and competitors at the blueprint for sustainable storage in Rotterdam this March
AT THE BACK
MEET THE TEAM
EDITORIAL
ANAMIKA TALWARIA
Anamika is Tank Storage Magazine’s editor. On page 36 she interviews Colonial Pipeline for the Women in Tanks segment.
T +44 (0)20 3196 4300 anamika@tankstoragemag.com www.tankstorage.com SUSBCRIPTION RATES
A one-year
KATE RAINFORD
Kate is Tank Storage Magazine’s junior writer and newest recruit. Read her interview with Vopak
ONE OF THE challenges of print magazine production is trying to predict what might happen as your audience picks up the issue. In the case of our North America edition, the yearround nature of this edition makes that prediction even harder.
Many of you will be picking up this edition for the first time at a trade show or conference set to happen just before the November election, so will be just as in the dark as I am about the future result. But attendees to NISTM Woodlands this December will know what the future looks like – will we be in the throes of a second Trump presidency? Or will the Democrats have gained the first female presidency in Kamala Harris?
We’ve attempted to address the uncertainty across this edition, including Wood Mackenzie’s analysis on page 39, but it’s tricky to know what the impact might be as I write this in August 2024.
Instead, I want to focus on another notable event that’s been occurring across the American continent. Parts of the USA and Caribbean have been reeling from the impact of Hurricane Beryl – notable terminals such as LBC and Freeport LNG are still working on getting back up to full operations as I type. After a slow start to 2024’s hurricane season, Beryl was a rare June category 5 hurricane and the full extent of the damages is still being measured.
So far, the season has led to at least 80 fatalities and at least $5.1 billion (€4.7 billion) in damages – and we’ve got three months left to go. Hurricane Debby is the latest storm to make landfall – a category 1 that has already caused six deaths, and counting.
Storage terminals are critical infrastructure at the forefront of these storms. Their often coastal locations are ideal for trading and transport, but can leave them vulnerable to natural disasters. While tanks are built in compliance with specific regulations, it might be time for the industry to start futureproofing assets for new standards. Especially with more extreme weather patterns, we might see different regulations in 10-20 years’ time to accommodate for this.
Our exclusive analysis of recent regulations by Earl Crochet (The Tank Whisperer) on page 47 proves just how quickly things are changing.
Speaking of change, this year’s North America edition features some very exciting exclusive interviews with terminals keeping up with the energy
transition. On page 34, President of Vopak US & Canada, Maria Ciliberti, speaks to us about the company’s growth and sustainability plans. Meanwhile, the ILTA’s new president, Leakhena Swett, explains how the association is better supporting its members with this changed leadership on page 42
But amidst all this change, some staples remain – especially as Tank Storage Magazine gears up to celebrate our 20th birthday in 2025! We have been a stalwart presence in the working lives of many storage terminal professionals, and I’m very excited to spearhead the magazine into the next 20 years.
As always, if you have any content to submit, please do get in touch with me – especially if you want to showcase just how much has changed in the last two decades!
Best wishes,
Anamika LINKEDIN LEARNINGS
Get the inside scoop on what the Tank Storage Community is talking about – and follow us on LinkedIn for your chance to feature!
Four years ago, an article of mine caused something of a furore regarding offshore wind and the potential for hydrogen production in the Gulf of Mexico. It’s not CCS versus Hydrogen or even Blue versus Green as the energy Transition gathers pace. This week there has been enthusiastic applause for those opposed to any transition in Texas but more widely there is a realisation that it will happen and it’s perhaps the pace and form which are harder to determine.
Charley Rattan, Charley Rattan Associates
As part of VTTI’s leadership conference, I had the honour of attending a presentation by Prof Tim Marsh and Jason Anker MBE, UK’s leading inspirational safety speaker…‘Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it.’ This was my key takeaway from the keynote speech. Let’s prioritize workplace wellbeing by minimizing risks and contributing to safety culture every day!
Marika Nadaraia, VTTI
“ “ “
If you’re looking for an efficient, cost-effective, and easy-to-use solution to optimize your FEL phases, consider using AutoCAD in conjunction with Unreal Engine… This strategy can serve as the beginning of a more complete digitalization process, where, in later stages, the Digital Twin can be integrated with real data, sensors, and other advanced technologies. So, start simple and allow your project to evolve as needed.
Gian Cevales, AGEO Terminais
The speed of change has never been greater.
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A summary of the latest news across the bulk liquid storage terminal and energy infrastructure industries
VOPAK REPORTS HY1 RESULTS
Vopak has reported continued strong results and has announced terminal capacity expansions following the first half of the year (HY1).
Vopak enjoyed a net profit of €213 million and EPS of €1.73 million in HY1 2024, with an increased EBITDA to €599 million compared to HY1 2023 (€586 million), driven by growth project contributions and a certain one-off item that fully offset divestment impacts.
‘In the first half of 2024, financial performance of our network improved and we executed on our strategy by growing in industrial and gas terminals and accelerating towards new energies and sustainable feedstocks. A continued healthy demand for our infrastructure services resulted in a 92% proportional occupancy in the first half year,’ says CEO Dick Richelle.
Growth is high on the agenda for Vopak, with the company investing €462 million in a large-scale LPG export terminal in Prince Rupert, Western Canada. The terminal will have a capacity of approximately 95,000 m³ and products will come in via the existing railway. The project is expected to be commissioned by the end of 2026.
Vopak is also key to accelerating the energy transition and new fuels, with the Netherlands CO 2 Next project reaching FEED and its Brazil Alemoa terminal repurposing 15,000 m³ of capacity for renewable feedstocks.
KINDER MORGAN ISSUES 2023 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
Kinder Morgan has published its 2023 Sustainability Report, highlighting KMI’s progress on its continued improvement of sustainability programs.
The programs include:
• Reducing absolute methane emissions by 8% from 2021
• A female and minority participation rate of 35% in leadership training programs in 2023
• Improving total gender and minority diversity of the KMI board to 31%, with the addition of Amy Chronis
Also discussed in the report is KMI’s new greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction opportunities working group (GROW), which is a cross-functional group established to focus on identifying and
evaluating additional GHG emission reduction opportunities throughout KMI’s business over time.
The 2023 report includes enhanced disclosure regarding methane emission measurement and detection technologies, the company’s GHG emission reduction strategy and its practices to foster diversity among its suppliers and the leadership team. The 2023 report also discloses new metrics, including average employee tenure by gender and data regarding the generation and recycling of state-designated and universal hazardous waste.
‘We continue to take steps to align our business operations with sustainability and diversity initiatives that add value,’ says KMI’s chief operating officer James Holland. ‘We are pleased to report on our continued progress, as well as a number of new metrics, and we were fortunate to have Amy Chronis join KMI’s board of directors earlier this year with her notable financial, leadership and sustainability expertise.’
JUANJO ARDID NAMED PRESIDENT OF CARBOLINE
Juanjo Ardid has been named the 8th president of Carboline, a global manufacturer of high-performance coatings, linings, and fireproofing products based in Missouri, USA.
Ardid says: ‘I’m humbled that Carboline and RPM International trust me to lead this organisation. Carboline’s reputation precedes it, and its company culture is unique in this or any industry. It is an honor to become a part of it.’
Carboline
Vopak
Kinder Morgan
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FIRST OIL FROM GULF OF MEXICO ANCHOR FIELD
TotalEnergies and Chevron’s Anchor field has started production. Located in the US Gulf of Mexico, TotalEnergies has a 37.14% interest alongside operator Chevron’s 62.86%.
Set 225 km off the Louisiana coast, the Anchor development was launched in December 2019. It consists of a system of subsea wells connected to a semisubmersible floating production unit (FPU) with a production capacity of 75,000 barrels of oil per day and 28 million cubic feet of gas per day (792,871 m³).
At plateau, Anchor will represent close to 30,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day net for TotalEnergies. The Anchor FPU has been designed to minimize greenhouse gas emissions through an all-electric configuration, with electric motors and electronic controls, and the utilisation of waste heat and vapor recovery technologies.
‘The start-up of Anchor is a new milestone in the deployment of TotalEnergies’ integrated energy model in the US, combining the development of oil projects with a high leverage to price and a low emissions intensity and growth in Integrated LNG and Integrated Power. Delivered safely, on time and within budget, this project will contribute to the Company’s free cash flow growth trajectory,’ says Nicolas Terraz, president, Exploration & Production at TotalEnergies.
US SEEKS 6 MILLION BARRELS OF OIL FOR STRATEGIC PETROLEUM RESERVE
The USA is looking to buy another 6 million barrels of oil from energy companies to help replenish the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), according to the Department of Energy (DoE).
The solicitation of oil for the SPR will be the first for delivery into its Bryan Mound, Texas, site after its maintenance work and repairs, the department said. It is seeking 2 million barrels of the oil a month to be delivered to Bryan Mound from January to March 2025.
The DOE ‘will continue to evaluate options to refill the SPR while securing a good deal for taxpayers, taking into account
planned exchange returns and market developments,’ says Charisma Troiano, a department spokesperson.
The department is slowly replenishing the SPR after it sold 180 million barrels in 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in an effort to calm fuel prices that had risen. It was the biggest sale ever from the reserve. The US has so far bought back about 43 million barrels from oil companies and worked with Congress to cancel sales from the SPR that had been required by law to help pay for government programs.
USA OIL REFINERS SLOW DOWN
Some of the top US oil refiners are throttling back operations at their facilities this quarter, adding to concerns that a global glut of crude is forming.
Marathon Petroleum Corp – owner of the largest US refinery – plans to operate its 13 plants at an average of 90% of capacity this quarter, the lowest for the period since 2020. Similarly, PBF Energy announced it’s preparing to process the least crude in three years. Phillips 66 will run its refineries near a two-year low and Valero Energy Corp expects to trim oil processing.
Together, those four refiners account for about 40% of America’s capacity to churn out gasoline and diesel.
‘Compressed refining margins are setting up the stage for another round of heavy refinery maintenance in the US during the fall season,’ Vikas Dwivedi, Macquarie’s
global oil and gas strategist, said in an interview in Houston. ‘That’s going to weigh on balances and may add to crude builds in the US for the rest of the year.’
SHALE COMPANIES PRODUCING MORE CRUDE, FEWER RIGS
Greater operating efficiencies in the top US shale patch are squeezing out more oil without higher spending, according to the latest output numbers.
Producers are extending their wells to as much as three miles, squeezing more wells onto a single drilling pad and fracking several wells at once, boosting production, according to industry experts and company executives on recent earnings calls.
Taken together, these efficiency gains have led several big producers to raise their full-year shale oil production targets. ‘Ultimately, we do see a market that will end up oversupplied in the fourth quarter,’ says Walt Chancellor, an energy strategist at banking and financial firm Macquarie Group.
Macquarie estimates US production will grow about 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) by the end of this year from the end of last, exceeding US government estimates calling for an about 300,000 bpd increase.
‘For OPEC, what this means is, we see them ultimately not able to execute the current plan to bring production back over the course of 12 months,’ Chancellor adds.
ZEECO: THE VAPOR TRIPLE THREAT.
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CHENIERE & GALP SIGN LNG AGREEMENT
Cheniere Energy’s subsidiary Cheniere Marketing has entered into a long-term liquefied natural gas (LNG) sale and purchase agreement (SPA) with Galp Trading, a subsidiary of Galp Energia.
Under the SPA, Galp has agreed to purchase approximately 0.5 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of LNG for 20 years from Cheniere Marketing on a free-on-board basis for a purchase price indexed to the Henry Hub price, plus a fixed liquefaction fee. Deliveries are expected to commence in early 2030 and are subject to, among other things, a positive Final Investment Decision with respect to Train Eight of the Sabine Pass Liquefaction Expansion Project. The SPA includes a limited number of early cargoes to be purchased by Galp prior to the start of Train Eight.
SMEPRA & ARAMCO ANNOUNCE HOA AGREEMENT FOR PORT ARTHUR LNG
Aramco and Sempra have announced that their respective subsidiaries have executed a non-binding Heads of Agreement (HoA) covering a 20year sale and purchase agreement (SPA) for LNG offtake.
Aramco will offtake 5 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) from the Port Arthur LNG Phase 2 expansion project in Texas. The HoA further contemplates Aramco’s 25% participation in the project-level equity of Phase 2.
The parties expect to execute a binding LNG SPA and definitive equity agreements with terms substantially equivalent to those in the HoA, with the SPA and equity agreements subject to a number of conditions.
Nasir K Al-Naimi, Aramco upstream president, comments: ‘We are excited to take this next step into the LNG sector. As a potential strategic partner in the Port Arthur LNG Phase 2 project, Aramco is well placed to grow its gas portfolio with the aim of meeting the world’s growing need for lower-carbon sources of energy. This agreement is a major step in Aramco’s strategy to become a leading global LNG player.’
PETRONAS ADDS
THREE LNG VESSELS TO FLEET
Petronas has named three new energy-efficient liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessels. These have been built primarily for deliveries from North America to its customers, ahead of the anticipated start-up of LNG Canada – an industrial joint venture to construct an LNG export terminal in Kitimat, British Columbia, Canada. The vessels, built at the Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea, each have a cargo capacity of 174,000 m³ and are the largest ships within Petronas’ multi-sized fleet of vessels.
With the strategic expansion of its LNG fleet, Petronas not only ramps up its readiness for the upcoming start-up of LNG Canada, but also underscores its commitment as a progressive energy partner providing lower-carbon solutions for its customers.
GTT SELECTED FOR ARGENT LNG LIQUEFACTION FACILITY
Argent LNG has selected GTT onshore tank technology to develop its state-of-the-art liquefaction facility at Port Fourchon, Louisiana, USA. Argent LNG’s phased development at the Greenfield site in Port Fourchon will include advanced liquefaction trains designed to meet global energy demands with high efficiency and low carbon intensity. GTT will provide its cutting-edge cryogenic membrane technology for LNG storage tanks. The technology ensures
optimal performance, safety, and reliability due to its simplified modular technology, which relies on pre-fabricated containment elements to achieve optimum thermal cycle performance and facilitate construction, operation and maintenance.
EXCELERATE ENERGY TO DEVELOP VIETNAM LNG
US LNG importer Excelerate Energy has signed a term sheet with ITECO Joint Stock Company, a Vietnamese development firm, to co-develop a greenfield LNG import terminal in Haiphong, Vietnam.
This project, called the Northern Vietnam LNG Terminal (NVLT), made with an import capacity of 1.2 million tonnes per annum (mtpa), is to be developed in two phases. The first phase, with an estimated capacity of 0.7 mtpa, is aimed to start operations by 2027, pending the execution of definitive agreements, regulatory approvals, and other conditions.
Vietnam
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PROTON VENTURES & LBC TANK TERMINALS PARTNER FOR AMMONIA TERMINALS
Proton Ventures and LBC Tank Terminals are collaborating on a strategic joint venture aimed at developing ammonia terminal operations across northwestern Europe and North America.
This partnership unites Proton Ventures’ end-to-end knowledge of the green ammonia value chain with LBC Tank Terminals’ expertise in safe and sustainable storage of liquid bulk products requiring specialized handling.
‘Our comprehensive approach, from feasibility studies to EPC works, underpins our commitment to drive the energy transition through innovative ammonia-based solutions,’ states Paul Cox, CCO of Proton Ventures. ‘We are excited to combine our technical knowhow with LBC’s operational excellence to advance the development of green ammonia facilities crucial for reducing global carbon emissions and optimizing renewable energy use.’
With strategic terminal locations across major ports in Europe and the United States, LBC Tank Terminals leads key operations within the global tank storage landscape, providing the infrastructure and services necessary to advance the storage and handling of next-generation products, such as ammonia.
‘Our focus on safety, sustainability, service, and efficiency is integral in supporting emerging supply chains. We look forward to combining forces with Proton Ventures for this future-focused endeavour which aligns with our strategic objectives to make positive impact and transform the industry in order to meet global energy needs,’ says Frank Erkelens, CEO of LBC Tank Terminals.
TOTALENERGIES PARTNERS WITH VANGUARD RENEWABLES
TotalEnergies and Vanguard Renewables, a US leader in farmbased organics-to-renewable natural gas production and a portfolio company of a fund managed by BlackRock’s Diversified Infrastructure business, have signed an agreement to create an equally owned joint venture to develop, build, and operate farm powered renewable natural gas (RNG) projects in the United States.
The signing took place in New York on 12 April 2024 in the presence of Patrick Pouyanné, chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies and Larry Fink, chairman and CEO of BlackRock.
TotalEnergies and Vanguard Renewables will advance 10 RNG projects into construction over the next 12 months, with a total annual RNG capacity of 0.8 TWh (2.5 Bcf). The three initial projects in this agreement are currently under construction in Wisconsin and Virginia, each with a unit capacity of nearly 75 GWh (0.25 Bcf) of RNG per year.
NESTE PARTNERS WITH NEW JERSEY NATURAL GAS TO REDUCE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
Neste, a leading producer of renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel, and New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG) are partnering to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions with Neste MY Renewable Diesel.
Expanding on its sustainability leadership, NJNG announced it is switching its medium-duty trucks and associated equipment to renewable diesel to help reduce GHG emissions. NJNG is now the first natural gas utility on the US East Coast to use this cleaner fuel for its fleet operations.
‘We are excited to help New Jersey Natural Gas reduce their fleet emissions with renewable diesel. Innovative companies, like NJNG, are paving the way towards a larger-scale transition to renewables and a cleaner energy future,’ says Carrie Song, senior vice president, Commercial, Renewable Products at Neste. ‘This partnership demonstrates the increasing demand for lower-emission fuels across the entire nation. We look forward to helping other businesses in the state effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions.’
LBC Tank Terminals
TECHNICAL NEWS
EMERSON RELEASES 2023 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
Global technology and software company Emerson has released its 2023 Sustainability Report, highlighting the company’s efforts to make the world healthier, safer, smarter and more sustainable.
The report highlights the company’s progress toward net zero operations, continued investment in employees and
solutions are designed to enhance sustainability performance, not only within our operations but also for our customers globally. As we move forward, we remain committed to deploying impactful technologies that advance both our net zero ambitions and those of our customers, fostering a more sustainable future for all.’
The report presents Emerson’s commitment and approach to the company’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategies and how they are connected to driving longterm value creation. Notable progress highlights include:
a 41% reduction since 2018, exceeding the 25% reduction target.
• Earned 2023 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for energy management as the company drives measurable progress toward its net zero emissions targets.
• Maintained an A-score from the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) and was included in the CDP’s Supplier Engagement Leaderboard for the second consecutive year.
• Increased representation in leadership for women globally and US minorities by two and four percentage points, respectively.
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30 September - 3 October 2024 – in French – classroom – Lyon, FR
14-17 October 2024 – in Dutch – classroom – Rotterdam, NL
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TankInspector courses*
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ROSEN ACHIEVES ANSI ACCREDITATION
Pipeline integrity solutions provider, Rosen, has announced its accreditation by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) as the world’s first globally recognised entity in Pipeline Integrity Certification that offers specialised certifications which pave the way to achieving Pipeline Integrity Engineer (PIE) status.
The pursuit of this certification reflects a commitment to advancing industry standards and expertise, embracing a new mark of competence in the field.
Representing a significant milestone, this prestigious accreditation from ANAB is the culmination of these efforts – years of unwavering dedication to identifying and refining processes, procedures and essential industry standards. With this recognition, Rosen reaffirms its role as a trusted partner in ensuring the integrity and safety of critical pipeline infrastructure worldwide.
SQUARE ROBOT SECURES 6TH US PATENT
Square Robot has secured its 6th US patent for ‘Systems, Methods, and Apparatus For In-Service Tank Inspection.’
This patent focuses on a system which includes a vehicle having a propeller, a latch mechanism, a pressure switch, and an inspection device. The system includes a control unit in communication with the propeller, the latch mechanism, and the inspection device, and electrically connected to the pressure switch. The control unit powers on responsive to the pressure switch detecting an ambient pressure greater than a minimum threshold. The control unit receives, from the latch mechanism, an indication of a state of the latch mechanism. The control unit determines that the cable used to lower the vehicle into the tank containing the flammable fluid is detached from the vehicle. The control unit commands the propeller to move the vehicle through the flammable fluid. The control unit determines a quality metric of a portion of the tank.
US DOE DEVELOPS TANK REFURBISHMENT TECHNOLOGY
The US Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Environmental Management (EM) and contractor Washington River Protection Solutions (WRPS) have developed a new approach to refurbish double-shell tanks (DSTs) at the Hanford Site, Washington, USA. DSTs were constructed between 1968 and 1986 to hold waste transferred from aging single-shell tanks. These are large, underground tanks that consist of a primary carbon-steel tank inside a secondary carbon-steel liner, surrounded by a reinforced concrete shell. The tanks store waste created during Hanford’s plutonium production era. They support feeding the treated waste to Hanford’s low-activity waste vitrification facility at the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant. Vitrification is a process in which the waste is immobilised in glass.
Crews use a technology known as ‘cold spray’ that applies metal patches by shooting metal powder on a surface at supersonic speed, causing it to adhere to the surface without melting either material.
Stephanie Doll, WRPS technical lead for tank refurbishment projects says: ‘I’m impressed with cold spray technology and its potential application for the Hanford double-shell tanks, based on data we’ve gathered during full-scale demonstrations. The field crew involved in deploying and operating the equipment is equally as impressive. Their invaluable feedback and proficiency have been key to our success so far.’
LHYFE & FIVES PARTNER FOR INDUSTRIAL COMBUSTION DECARBONISATION
Lhyfe, one of the world’s pioneers in the production of green and renewable hydrogen, and Fives, a world leader in industrial combustion, signed a memorandum of understanding to provide a complete decarbonised offer for industry, from hydrogen production to combustion.
This offer speeds up energy transition by facilitating the use of hydrogen in process industries, without needing to modify all the equipment. Lhyfe will produce and supply green hydrogen and Fives will provide optimised and safe solutions for its use in industrial combustion processes.
Matthieu Guesné, founder and CEO of Lhyfe, says: ‘We are in a pivotal period in the industrial sector and in particular in industrial combustion. After several years of development, hydrogen solutions are now mature and available on the market regionwide. We are proud and delighted to sign this agreement with a company such as Fives, which is helping to accelerate energy transition in the glass, cement and metals industries, thanks to turnkey solutions for their processes.’
TANK TERMINAL UPDATE
The latest construction, expansion and acquisition projects from storage terminal companies across the globe
PORT ARTHUR LNG (PHASE 2)
Products: LNG
Capacity: 26 million tonnes per annum
Expansion: Sempra Infrastructure, a subsidiary of Sempra, has announced that Port Arthur LNG Phase 2 and Bechtel Energy (Bechtel) have signed a fixed-price engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract for the Port Arthur LNG Phase 2 project under development in Port Arthur, Texas. Bechtel will perform the detailed engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, startup, performance testing and operator training activities for the project. The scope of the agreement also includes the ability to conduct pre-final investment decision work to better assure project cost and schedule certainty.
Comment: ‘We are thrilled to achieve this milestone with Bechtel for the Port Arthur LNG Phase 2 development project and are confident that our continued collaboration with this world-class construction firm on the Port Arthur site will further strengthen our ability to execute this project,’ says Justin Bird, CEO of Sempra Infrastructure. ‘Building on the success of Port Arthur LNG Phase 1, which is currently under construction, the Phase 2 project is expected to further enhance the supply of secure, abundant and reliable US natural gas to customers around the globe.’
‘We are excited for the opportunity to advance our partnership with Sempra
Infrastructure on the Port Arthur LNG Phase 2 project, a vital project that will play a crucial role in meeting the world’s increasing need for cleaner and more reliable energy,’ adds Paul Marsden, president of Bechtel Energy. ‘This partnership positions Bechtel and Sempra Infrastructure to not only deliver a transformative energy infrastructure project but also brings additional significant economic growth and development opportunities to the local community.’
potential investments in this wellestablished geological trend.’
RIO GRANDE LNG
Products: LNG & CCS
Cost: $1.7-1.9 billion (€1.5-1.7 billion)
MONUMENT DISCOVERY
Products: Oil & gas
Cost: $32 million (€29 million)
Acquisition: Talos Energy has acquired an 21.4% stake in a significant deepwater discovery offshore the US in the Gulf of Mexico. Talos agreed to acquire the stake in Monument, a large Wilcox oil and gas discovery located in Walker Ridge blocks 271, 272, 315, and 316, for $32 million. The Monument discovery is post-FID with appraised proved plus probable gross reserves of approximately 115 MMboe.
Comment: ‘The Monument discovery presents an attractive post-FID subsea tie-back opportunity with gross resource potential exceeding 150 MMboe, including a potential drilling opportunity beyond the appraised discovery,’ Talos president and CEO Tim Duncan said. ‘We have built a meaningful acreage position within the prolific Wilcox play in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico, and Monument represents the first of several USA
Construction: NextDecade has announced its subsidiary Rio Grande LNG Train 4, LLC, has executed a lump sum turnkey engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract with Bechtel Energy for the construction of Train 4 and related infrastructure at the Rio Grande LNG Facility.
Rio Grande LNG is the first US LNG project offering CO 2 emissions reduction of more than 90% via planned carbon capture and storage – capturing and permanently storing more than 5 million metric tonnes of CO 2 per year.
Comment: Rio Grande LNG Train 4 agreed to pay Bechtel approximately $4.3 billion (€3.9 billion) for the work under the EPC contract for Train 4. Price validity under the contract extends through December 31, 2024. NextDecade currently projects that owner’s costs, contingencies, financing fees and interest during construction will total approximately $1.7-1.9 billion (€1.51.7 billion) based on current estimates and expected interest rates. Total estimated project costs are expected to be $6.0-$6.2 billion (€5.5-5.7 billion) for Train 4 and related infrastructure, in line with the per train cost of the three-train Phase 1 at the Rio Grande LNG Facility, which is currently under construction.
Canada
RIDLEY ISLAND ENERGY EXPORT FACILITY (REEF)
Products: LPG
Capacity: 95,000 m³
Cost: $1.35 billion (€0.9 billion)
FID: AltaGas and Vopak have reached a positive final investment decision (FID) on the Ridley Island Energy Export Facility (REEF), a large-scale liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and bulk liquids terminal with rail, logistics and marine infrastructure on Ridley Island, British Columbia, Canada. The bulk of REEF’s construction activities are planned to take place over 2025 and 2026 with select workstreams beginning in 2024.
Following a five-year environmental preparation and review process, extensive engagement with multiple stakeholders including Indigenous rights holders and local communities, the joint venture is set to deliver a world class export facility that will operate with industry-leading environmental stewardship.
AltaGas will minimize onsite work to reduce capital cost risk, with approximately 90% of equipment, packaging and pipes being prefabricated offsite in controlled operating environments. In addition, AltaGas expects to lock-in more than 60% of the Phase 1 estimated capital cost through fixed-price, lump-sum engineering, procurement and construction contracts, prior to the start of construction of individual phases.
Comment: ‘This positive FID enables AltaGas to continue connecting Canadian energy to Asian markets and drive valuable outcomes for all our customers,’ says Vern Yu, president and CEO of AltaGas. ‘Canada has a structural advantage in delivering LPGs to Asia with the shortest shipping time and lowest maritime emissions footprint. AltaGas delivers more than 19% of Japan’s propane and 13% of South Korea’s LPG imports, connecting our upstream customers with customers in Asia. We look forward to working with our partners to drive more long-term value creation with REEF.’
‘We are excited to be able to execute on our growth strategy and invest in export infrastructure on this highly strategic location,’ adds Dick Richelle, chairman of the executive board and CEO of Royal Vopak. ‘Prince Rupert, with the shortest shipping distances between North America and Asia, gives the opportunity to drive progress by increasing the trade
between Canada and the Asia Pacific region. We are proud to contribute to this development and are thankful for the good collaboration with our partner AltaGas and other key stakeholders. The trust and support of local First Nations and communities makes this envisioned terminal a reality.’
OCI CLEAN AMMONIA TEXAS
Products: Low-carbon ammonia
Capacity: 1.6 million tonnes per annum
Cost: $2.4 billion (€2.1 billion)
Acquisition: Woodside has entered into a binding agreement to acquire 100% of OCI Clean Ammonia Holding and its lower carbon ammonia project in Beaumont, Texas for an all-cash consideration of approximately $2.4 billion (€2.1 billion). The project is under construction.
First ammonia production, derived from natural gas, is targeted for 2025. Lower carbon ammonia production, derived from natural gas paired with carbon sequestration, is targeted for 2026 following commencement of CCS operations.
Comment: Woodside CEO Meg O’Neill says the acquisition supports Woodside’s strategy to thrive through the energy transition. ‘This transaction positions Woodside in the growing lower carbon ammonia market. The potential applications for lower carbon ammonia are in power generation, marine fuels and as an industrial feedstock, as it displaces higher-emitting fuels. Global ammonia demand is forecast to double by 2050, with lower carbon ammonia making up nearly two-thirds of total demand,’ she says.
CF INDUSTRIES
Products: Low-carbon ammonia
FEED: Topsoe, a global leader in carbon emission reduction technologies, has signed a contract with CF Industries, the world’s largest producer of ammonia, for the licensing and engineering supporting a front-end engineering and design (FEED) study of a new low-carbon ammonia plant in Louisiana.
CF Industries is evaluating the project in collaboration with Mitsui & Co, one of the leading ammonia marketers in the world. Were the project to move forward, it
would produce low-carbon ammonia for use as a decarbonised energy source.
Comment: Henrik Rasmussen, managing director, The Americas, Topsoe, says: ‘We believe low-carbon ammonia helps unlock the door towards a net zero future. Our technology offers a cost-effective route to producing low carbon ammonia while also enabling carbon capture, at industrial proven scale. CF and Topsoe have a longstanding relationship spanning many decades and we are proud to extend our collaboration with this award.’
Argentina
VTTI ARGENTINA
Products: Clean petroleum products
Capacity: 252,000 m³
Expansion: VTTI Argentina has inaugurated two new storage tanks to meet the growing demand for clean petroleum products (CPP) in South America. These new tanks, with a combined capacity of 22,600 m³, will increase the terminal’s total storage capacity by 10%. The latest addition takes the terminal’s total capacity of the terminal to 252,000 m³.
Comment: Hugo Geurdes, general manager of VTTI Argentina says: ‘We are happy to announce that the project was executed safely and that both tanks were successfully commissioned, which means we are fully ready for serving our customers and meeting the growing demand for CPP in the Southern cone of South America. This expansion also aligns with VTTI’s 2028 Strategy, to invest in existing terminal infrastructure in key markets.’
GFI LNG & PILOT LNG
Products: LNG
Capacity: 50,000-140,000 m³
Joint Venture: GFI LNG, a diversified energy solutions company, and Pilot LNG a Houston-based clean energy infrastructure developer, have formed a partnership to develop, construct, and operate a small-scale LNG terminal in Salina Cruz, Mexico.
At full build-out, the facility is anticipated to produce roughly 0.34 million tonnes per annum (mtpa). The partners expect operations to commence in mid-to-late 2027.
With speed-to-market in mind, the project is being designed to include modular, land-based liquefaction equipment and an optimised storage solution. The project will deploy a floating storage unit (FSU) with an estimated capacity ranging from 50,000-140,000 m³ to be moored inside the newly expanded breakwater in the Port of Salina Cruz.
Comment: Jonathan Cook, CEO of Pilot says: ‘With long personal ties to the region, the GFI team is dedicated to helping bring infrastructure development to Salina Cruz and brings a critically necessary understanding and appreciation for the local community and government.’
YPF & MALAYSIA PETRONAS
Products: LNG
Cost: $30 billion (€27 billion)
Construction: Argentina’s state run oil company, YPF and Malaysia’s Petronas will invest $30 billion (€27 billion) in an LNG export project in the Patagonian province of Río Negro. With the plant in Sierra Grande, Río Negro, the association would become the fifth global LNG producer. YPF’s board of directors chose Sierra Grande after a thorough technical and economic evaluation, which found that Rio Negro offered advantages over the initial Bahia Blanca location in Argentina.
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Argentina
INCIDENT REPORT
How Hurricane Beryl impacted storage terminal operations
Throughout early July, Hurricane Beryl caused much disruption, and impacted parts of the Caribbean, the Yucatán Peninsula, and the Gulf Coast of the United States. The category 5 hurricane caused damage to various terminals located on the coastline.
So, how did storage terminals respond?
Marathon Galveston Bay Refinery: Texas City, Texas, location reported a brief issue with flaring due to a power hiccup during the storm, but otherwise reported smooth sailing.
Phillips 66: Sweeny, Texas, refinery kept a close eye on Beryl’s path, but with no storm impacts to report.
ExxonMobil: Made strategic, proactive, moves ahead of Beryl, shutting down production from the Hoover platform and evacuating personnel.
Chevron: Gulf of Mexico production kept running with no issues. All nonessential personnel redeployed, and storm preparation protocols followed.
Shell: Evacuated Perdido and Whale offshore fields, ensuring safety first. Some drilling operation paused briefly in the Gulf, demonstrating caution.
Port of Houston: After initial checks on facilities and systems, terminals were kept closed until 9 July and only partially reopened. Power outages at several key oil terminals in the Gulf Coast hindering bunker barges from reloading.
Freeport LNG: Halted operations before Beryl hit the coast. Trains 1, 2, 3 were proactively shutdown due to impacts associated with Hurricane Beryl.
The general proactive approach of storage terminals meant that workers were kept safe and the impact to global oil prices was minimal. Oil prices eased more than 1% after traders learned that prolonged supply disruptions from Hurricane Beryl were unlikely after a US oil-producing hub in Texas suffered less storm damage than feared.
‘Early indications suggest that most energy infrastructure has come through
unscathed,’ ING analysts Warren Patterson and Ewa Manthey wrote in a client note. Price action in crude oil and refined fuel markets reflected waning expectations of ongoing supply disruptions from the hurricane, they added.
ACCELERATING THE ENERGY TRANSITION
Hayley Armstrong, partner at AJW, and Ravi Bhatiani, executive director of FETSA discuss how policy changes are impacting the global energy landscape
WITH SCOPE 3 emissions reductions, ESG strategies and potential policy regulations helping to boost the energy transition, storage terminals have a range of incentives to meet transition goals. Hayley Armstrong, partner at AJW, and Ravi Bhatiani, executive director of FETSA, got together at Tank Storage Magazine’s latest Tank Talk, to look into the different routes to net zero and debate the way forward for storage terminals.
POLICY OVERVIEW
Armstrong notes that the US has adopted a ‘carrot’ approach to the energy transition. ‘This is largely reflected through the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,’ she says. ‘With these two pieces of legislation, we have seen quite a bit of activity with regards to the energy transition, and more recently we have seen that trickle down into the terminal industry.’ Armstrong notes that, whilst this approach can certainly get things kickstarted and drive innovation, without demand drivers and mandates, it can be a struggle to reach final investment decisions, stalling long term markets.
‘In contrast, the EU has taken a very prescriptive and centralised approach,’ Bhatiani says. ‘The EU has rules for alternative shipping fuels, with carbon intensity reduction targets of around 80% by 2050. There is regulation to build out alternative fuels infrastructure, and reform to the emissions trading system.’
CLIMATE TARGETS
Key climate targets include a 55% reduction in emissions by 2030, a 90% reduction by 2040 and total net zero by 2050. Bhatiani reflects on how the Fit for 55 package is impacting Europe’s preparedness; a set of proposals to revise, and new inititatives to put in place, with the goal of aligning with the climate goals agreed by the European Council and the European Parliament.
So, this approach incentivises future energy carriers and disincentivises fossil fuels. The incentives encourage a shift to a more electrified economy and phase ins of
sustainable aviation fuel, with targets up to 70% by 2050.
Armstrong remarks on the challenges in the US. ‘I think inflation has caused some projects to not reach final investment decision. Changes in administration in different countries, means we’ve had the slowdown of policies being implemented or understanding the challenges as these policies do roll out in real time.’
Armstrong suggests that the 2030 climate targets are the most at risk. Given both 2030 and 2040 targets are implemented to help towards the final goal of 2050 being net zero, there is a sense of flexibility around the earlier targets. Bhatiani agrees: ‘We forecast quite a big shortfall in terms of the real-life emission situation and the theoretical targets that have been imposed.’
He suggests that the biggest contributing factors to this shortfall are the lack of feedstock availability for biofuels, the lack of commercialisation of e-fuels, and some very late decisions that were taken at EUlevel when it comes to being able to use technologies like carbon capture.
A GLOBAL CONVERGENCE
Instead of global compliance with the climate targets, Bhatiani suggests a ‘global convergence’ is more likely: ‘This is based on everybody having to reach the 2050 net zero targets, yet with everyone moving at a different pace, subject to their citizens’ capacity.’
QUICK LOOK: CBAM
‘Whatever the future for energy carriers is, European terminals are going to be critical to its import and export because of the safety record, the strategic location, the logistics interactions, and we have shown ourselves to be at a pivot for energy flows, and the flexibility for European energy security,’ says Bhatiani. ‘If we really want to meet the 2030 and 2040 climate targets, there has to be greater neutrality in policy making when it comes to technology.’
Armstrong adds that the industry is pushing governments for harmonisation of standards, and ensuring that there is a cohesive global and cross-border approach. ‘Without this, it will be very difficult to meet those 2030, 40 and 50 goals.’ Additionally, she highlights that governments need to talk to terminals, understand what their challenges are and the complexities of storing these energy carriers, and understand what is holding back these investments. ‘On the US side, there has been communication with the terminal industry, but a lot of the focus has been on the production side, so those conversations really need to get started.’
For more information:
Subscribe now to watch our entire backcatalogue of Tank Talk webinars online: www.tankstorage.com/tank-talks www.awj-inc.com www.fetsa.eu
The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is the EU’s tool to put a fair price on the carbon emitted during the production of carbon-intensive imports, to encourage cleaner production in non-EU countries. Bhatiani comments that the introduction of such a scheme can help prevent European deindustrialisation and offshoring of critical production to cheaper jurisdictions. The US is slowly working towards complying with the CBAM, with the recent introduction of the Prove It Act (a bill in the US to that directs the Department of Energy to study the average emissions intensity of certain products). ‘It wouldn’t include a US domestic requirement for emissions reductions, but it would create a carbon border in the US,’ says Armstrong. ‘I think US companies are starting to realise that there may be some restrictions when it comes to the imports of those energy carriers.’
Crosby Liquid Bulk Terminal
We offer:
> Storage and blending – With 53 tanks, we can provide custom blending and heating services for all your needs. Capacity ranging from 25 metric tonnes to 10,000 metric tonnes.
> Complete logistics – Sea, rail or road, we are your ideal partner either by vessels, tank trucks, iso-containers or flex tanks. Major port of call for container lines.
> Benefits – Panama–class vessel berth, access to 3 class 1 rail lines, short distance to major hubs by road, and 90 minutes to the US.
SUCCESS IN STABILITY
Vice President of Crosby Liquid Bulk Terminals, Robert Powell, takes us through the company’s extensive history, and how it’s keeping up in modern times
CROSBY LIQUID Bulk Terminals is a 145-year-old family-owned company in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, now into its fifth generation of owners.
Pre-World War II, Crosby would import molasses on tall sailing ships into Courtney Bay, and this product originally came from Barbados. Today, the molasses is shipped by vessel from Guatemala. The cane molasses (Blackstrap and Fancy) are blended and then transported to Crosby’s Foods company, where it’s packaged into consumer products and sold to purepak, pails drums, totes. Crosby also sells tank truck products to various bakeries, distilleries and farms, distributing its high quality Fancy Molasses all over the world.
Crosby’s site is the sole food-grade facility of its kind on the Northern Seaboard, equipped to handle various types of fish oil, multiple types of molasses, and some magnesium and other essential oils (sunflower, soya, can oil, olive). The team exclusively handles food products and so is well-versed in safe handling practices. ‘Our food safety programs are regularly updated to ensure we can consistently provide food to the world,’ says Robert Powell, vice president of Crosby Liquid Bulk Terminals.
‘We are the longest-standing stakeholder at Port Saint John, possessing a yearround open deep-water port that allows us to receive a wide variety of products by vessel,’ says Powell. ‘Having access to a berth capable of receiving Panama-class vessels gives us a significant advantage over congested ports of call.’
INVESTING IN INFRASTRUCTURE
Today, Crosby moves 40,000 metric tonnes of products annually in and out of its facility, and has capacity for another 40,000 tonnes. ‘Our latest strategic initiative was to install a rail line, which is now complete,’ says Powell. ‘This has provided us with access to three class one rail lines, making us very competitive on the freight side. When I consider the requirements for a world-class terminal, we have everything we need.’
The terminal currently has 53 tanks on its site, which are made of mild steel with food-grade coatings and 3/16 stainless
steel. The tank sizes range from 10 tonnes to 10,000 tonnes and are all equipped with steam coils.
‘We are capable of blending products for customers, and a major focus for 2024 has been loading and offloading flex containers and isotainers,’ says Powell. ‘Working with DP World and major container lines, we have been able to help customers save costs on their supply chain while avoiding any disruptions.’
‘We have a year-round open water deep port, and we are just about five minutes away from major highways,’ says Powell. ‘Additionally, the newly added rail line
gives our customers a choice of three class one rail lines. This allows us to bring in products and store them, ensuring the operational integrity of our customer’s supply chains, which truly sets us apart. We offer a turnkey solution.’
Crosby Terminals is actively enhancing its capabilities to remain competitive in the market. Recently, the terminal has built a rail spur to facilitate the trans-loading of shipments, which increases its efficiency and capacity for handling various goods.
Additionally, Crosby Terminals is modernizing its infrastructure, including upgrades to current assets, and tank pumps, to improve overall operational effectiveness and meet the safe quality of handling food. These strategic investments help ensure that Crosby Terminal can accommodate current and future market demands effectively.
‘Crosby has always been focused on providing the best service and the safe handling of products. We are looking at adding more storage and other ways to help our customers improve their supply chain process while providing savings. A long-term plan would be to continue growth with products other than just food, like biofuels, while keeping both operations separate,’ says Powell.
CHALLENGES OF THE ENERGY TRANSITION
Like most bulk liquid storage facilities, the biggest issues Crosby faces are the high cost of heating and carbon tax charges, and the energy transition plays a big part in terminal operations.
‘Our energy transition plan began a few years ago when we started measuring our current emissions. Since then, we have been participating in the Supplier Leadership on Climate Transition (SLoCT) Program and have completed Scopes 1, 2, and 3. We are currently
‘When I consider the requirements for a worldclass terminal, we have everything we need.’
in the phase of setting targets for the program,’ says Powell.
‘As part of Port of Saint John and its commitment to sustainability, we are very committed to reducing our own emissions,’ he continues. ‘Over the last 12-24 months, we have taken on many projects as we work towards becoming net zero. Currently, we use natural gas and are exploring alternative options to reduce costs and improve heating efficiency. We are evaluating the possibility of converting our boiler to biofuel and considering the use of hydrogen vehicles for transporting some products.’
Crosby Terminals has undertaken a Net-Zero Manufacturing Project with Green Economy Canada, involving an energy audit and an assessment of the company’s energy management information system. The results are still to be determined, but Powell says: ‘In the meantime, we have implemented an inhouse recycling and sorting program to divert waste from landfills. Additionally, we have installed an on-demand hot water heat exchanger for plant use, which replaced an old, inefficient system and has helped save time and energy.’
To further reduce emissions, Crosby has installed heat pumps to heat and cool the office and lunchroom areas, as well as replacing old, inefficient boilers. ‘We have also upgraded and added LED lighting, some of which are equipped with motion sensors,’ says Powell. ‘Furthermore, we are proud to announce that we have won the Port Saint John Sustainability Award for 2024.’
Powell continues: ‘Let’s envision a future where every action we take is mindful of its impact on the environment. Let’s innovate, collaborate, and advocate for sustainable practices. Together, we can reduce our carbon footprint, mitigate climate change, and build a greener, more resilient world.’
For more information: www.crosbys.com
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FUELLING THE FUTURE
President of Vopak US and Canada, Maria Ciliberti, explains how the multinational company is growing and preparing for the energy transition
VOPAK IS DEDICATED to the safe, reliable, and efficient storage of essential products for everyday life. With 76 terminals across the globe. Vopak is one of the world’s leading tank storage companies, providing 34.7 million m³ of storage for new energies, feedstocks, gas, industrial, chemical and oil products.
For over four centuries, Vopak has been creating connections with businesses and communities, and as the world works towards a sustainable future, Vopak has focused on advancing partnerships and accelerating the development of infrastructure solutions for new energies. President of Vopak US and Canada, Maria Ciliberti explains the company’s achievements, policies, and acquisitions, how its three elements of business (Improve, Grow, Accelerate) are propelling it towards a cleaner future.
BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENTS
Ciliberti highlights three key successes Vopak US and Canada has had over the last 12 months. Firstly, the FID (Final Investment Decision) regarding its 50/50 collaboration with AltaGas, in Canada at the Ridley Island Energy Export Facility (REEF). ‘This will be a large-scale liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and bulk liquids terminal with marine infrastructure on Ridley Island, British Columbia, and it may be the single-highest investment by any of the company’s business units,’ she says. With a cost of $1.35 billion (€1.25
billion), it will have around 6 million barrels of storage capacity and there are only 10 shipping days to the fast-growing demand markets in Northeast Asia. REEF will efficiently connect Canada’s vital energy products to the world.
Secondly, Vopak has been able to repurpose 22 oil storage tanks at its Los Angeles terminal, converting them from marine aviation fuels to sustainable aviation fuels and renewable diesel. This amounts to 148,000 m³ being repurposed for future fuels.
Thirdly, Ciliberti highlights Vopak’s collaboration with Exolum, forming Vopak Exolum Houston. This joint venture has enabled the facility to store and meet the demand for low carbon ammonia across the USA.
INDUSTRY CHALLENGES
Despite these huge successes, Ciliberti highlights new energies as being one of the biggest challenges the industry faces.‘ We are in the midst of transitioning our portfolio to new energy. But the ability to do that hinges on different governments around the world and how their policies are associated
‘There is opportunity for growth, which we’re very excited about.’
with new energies. That has been a big challenge,’ she says.
Policies, such as the Inflation Reduction Act in the USA, are changing the way terminals conduct themselves. Companies producing hydrogen from natural gas are hoping to receive US tax credits through this structure. However, recent guidance suggests that only green hydrogen will qualify, not blue. ‘Whether you want to store hydrogen or store low carbon ammonia, right now, the economics of producing blue hydrogen is costlier than producing green hydrogen without the tax credits.’
Green hydrogen also benefits from 45V, relating to carbon content. ‘So, green
hydrogen gets more than blue, but it is also much more expensive to make than blue hydrogen,’ explains Ciliberti.
Another tax credit is 45Q, which is in regard to carbon sequestration. ‘This can be applied to blue projects, but you cannot do both, you have to choose,’ says Ciliberti. ‘And governments around the world are looking at subsidizing the new energy space. These policies drive the economics of our customers’ projects and make them become more feasible. The economics of these investments hinge on governmental policies, and those policies are not crystallizing quickly. They’re taking more time to be finalized and formulated, and therefore, investment decisions and spending money are waiting in the wings.’
COMPANY GROWTH
Despite policy uncertainty, Vopak has been making impressive strides in its growth. ‘We’re really quite excited about our REEF project,’ says Ciliberti. ‘This has been a multi-year activity in northwest Canada at Ridley Island in Prince Rupert. We, along with our joint venture partner, AltaGas, have been working for years, both with the port authorities and the indigenous nations. We have a great team leader in Peter Keeshan, who has been behind this initiative for over seven years.’
Beyond the key deal with AltaGas in Canada, Vopak has been very busy with various business ventures.
‘Last year, we sold our Savannah, Georgia, terminal to BWC to improve the financial performance of our portfolio, grow our footprint in gas and industrial terminals, and accelerate towards new energies,’ says Ciliberti. In addition to this sale, Vopak has invested in new infrastructure for electricity storage, marking its first entry into electricity storage in the US. The goal is to own and operate two stand-alone lithium-ion battery energy storage systems, calling
it Vopak Energy Storage Texas, located in Damon, not too far from Houston.
A CLEAN FUTURE
Vopak is actively contributing to the introduction of vital future products with four focus areas on new infrastructure solutions. These include: low-carbon and renewable hydrogen (ammonia, liquid hydrogen, LOHC), CO 2 , sustainable feedstocks, and long duration energy storage. To continue Vopak’s efforts in improving its sustainability performance, and focusing on contributing to decarbonisation on-site, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Corpus Christi, and Vopak Exolum Houston terminals are using 100% green electricity as of the start of 2024. Globally, 35 of Vopak’s terminals are using green energy. At the end of 2023, total renewable energy as a percentage of its total energy consumption had increased to 66%.
Vopak aims to reduce its emissions by 30% by 2030.
ROOM TO EXPAND
Vopak is currently expanding its lowcarbon ammonia terminal with Exolum in Texas. Ciliberti comments on the excitement surrounding this for the company. ‘That terminal is doing very well, but there’s opportunity for growth. It’s a proven facility to handle ammonia, which is not always the easiest product. But Vopak has years of experience around the world with ammonia. And this really leads into the new energy space where low carbon ammonia as a hydrogen carrier for export most likely, could be used in domestic markets. We’re sitting very well with that, at our current facility there.’
She also adds: ‘There is room for growth, which we’re very excited about. There’s definitely opportunity for Vopak to provide services to those who are not in our terminals and we can even provide more storage to our current clients.’
Vopak currently boasts a 90% occupation rate, but there’s still room for more. Ciliberti notes that: ‘We have room for growth. So if there are clients thinking about bulk liquid storage needs, even though we’re at 90% occupancy, we have more capabilities.’
For more information: www.vopak.com
Maria Ciliberti
INVEST IN YOURSELF
Colonial Pipeline’s safety specialist, Tammara Young, explains how her passion for safety and drive for learning empowered her journey into tank storage 01
TAMMARA YOUNG is a prime example of women in this industry elevating each other to new heights. Recommended by another colleague involved in Tank Storage Magazine’s Women in Tanks scheme, Young’s story is one that transcends industry. A single mother, she’s been able to grow an impressive career in safety and is an inspiration to all those who meet her. Though she would never be so bold as to say so. ‘I never usually like to talk about myself,’ she admits. Still, Young recalls how she first got into the safety game –via Walmart. ‘In 1998, I was 18 and living in my car with my infant daughter,’ she says. ‘I used to take her into the Walmart early in the morning – around 4am – to bathe her and warm her bottle.’ One morning, Young heard a commotion: ‘They were doing the famous Walmart cheer, and I saw a tall gentleman standing there with keys and a radio –and I thought he looked distinguished.’ Simply having the confidence to ask the man if they were hiring kickstarted Young’s career. ‘I was just a few weeks into the job when I witnessed one of our customers fall and I responded to her and basically, from beginning to end, I took care of her,’ says Young. ‘The store manager witnessed it and approached me and said ‘I really like the way that you handled that situation. You should join our safety committee’.’ The manager explained that the safety committee met weekly and would do a walkthrough of the store and the warehouse, looking for ways to improve so customers and employees wouldn’t get hurt. ‘And that’s where my seed for safety was planted,’ says Young.
BEING A SELF-STARTER
In 2006, Young started a job in a refractory company in the oil and gas sector. On her first day on the job, the superintendent asked her to sit in on a 5am meeting and let him know if there were any updates. ‘He said just go and show your face and don’t say anything, just be there. Be a warm body,’ Young explains. But when she got to the big white turnaround tent that morning, she realized it was a safety meeting. ‘My ears perked up and I was all excited. I was intrigued to find out what it would take for me to get into safety,’ she says. It turned out to be a right-place, right-time situation for Young.
She began looking into the different certifications she would need to progress into a safety role. In a year’s time, working as a laborer, a forklift operator and brick cutter, Young achieved her OSHA and CSST certifications and started working as a safety technician. ‘I went on learning as much as I could, and those certificates sustained me for nearly 10 years until I realized I wanted to make this my career,’ she says. ‘Around 2015, I went back to college, got my associate’s degree, and then my bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health & Safety in 2019.’
When she initially started in the industry, Young recalls there weren’t many women in the field, so she didn’t have many role models or mentors. All her education and learning was done through her own passion and drive to improve her career. ‘I didn’t wait for a company to pick up the cheque. I took classes on the weekends and at night – after hours,’ she explains. ‘But when I had my certification, I asked to start working in the field as a safety technician. Basically, they handed me the safety manual and said read it, get to know it, and then implement it.’
From there, Young’s career progressed as she went about making the right connections, shaking hands, meeting people, introducing herself and getting her name out there. ‘I’ve had plenty of doors slammed in my face, but I just followed the dream and now I’m on the pipeline,’ she says. ‘I’ve worked with scaffold builders, iron workers, welders and basically, with any craft that would need a safety representative on site during the turnaround. That’s where I got my foot in the door. I do credit several individuals that leaned in and helped me learn the different crafts. I kept the mindset of ‘teach me!’.’
Young recalls a significant moment of personal growth when a vice president of operations was visiting a long-term project. While completing his rounds, he saw Young approaching him. She reached out her hand to introduce herself and he cut her off: ‘You must be Tammara! I have heard a lot about you and what you have been doing for the project.’ ‘That single interaction testifies the concept of hustling until you don’t have to introduce yourself,’ she says. ‘To any upcoming safety specialist, anyone in the industry, remember that your work ethic defines who you are, not your title.’
SPARK FOR SAFETY
Young has been fascinated with emergency medical responses from a young age. The oldest of seven siblings, she was often a key caregiver while her mother working in a tire plant. ‘As the oldest, I was that kind of built-in babysitter,’ she recalls. ‘My youngest brother was born when I was 15 years old and one morning I was feeding him after my mom left for work. As I was watching the morning news, I happened to look down and he wasn’t breathing anymore. He had turned blue. His eyes were wide and lifeless. When I called out his name, he was non-responsive.’
Young’s instincts sprang into action: ‘I ran to my grandmother’s house next door and we called 911. I laid him on the floor, and I was about to start infant CPR on him, when he started crying.’ Learning that day that she had a fight response, she knew she never wanted to be helpless in a situation again. ‘It
‘I’ve
had plenty of doors slammed in my face, but I just followed the dream and now I’m on the pipeline.’
became something embedded in me,’ she says. ‘Such as the customer that fell in Walmart, it was an automatic response for me to go and assist her. I was concerned for her health and wanted to make sure she didn’t injure herself.’
That spark has stayed with her to this day. Although Young is equipped to respond to emergency situations and provide medical assistance, she would much rather have the preface conversation than one that’s required with a crew members’ family or loved ones. ‘Sometimes it’s tough having those difficult conversations, but ultimately it’s my job to lead those safety meetings with my crews to make sure we’ve put everything in place and are taking a proactive stance, so we’re not having a response to someone being injured or losing a limb or a life,’ Young explains. ‘That’s when I get on my soapbox.’ Though it’s not easy to get everybody on board, she admits. ‘When you’re working with crews of people who have the mindset of ‘well we’ve been doing it this way for 30 years and never had an accident, never got anybody hurt, etc’ it can be tough.’
So what’s her secret? Seatbelts. ‘I always use the analogy of seatbelts in vehicles – we didn’t have those 30 years ago and now it’s the law. So why is that? It gets them all thinking about how there’s always a reason. And it’s because somebody got hurt – all those policies and procedures are written in blood.’ Young also believes that being a woman helps her get the point across with less conflict. ‘I’ve seen the difference in a male safety representative and a woman – we have the knack to bring a different tone to the same message. And I’ve seen a shift in those women being invited into the conversation more, for that reason,’ she says. Though that wasn’t always the case. ‘I could boldly say that women working in the field were not always accepted by the majority and there was resistance to my input on projects.’
TOUGH CONVERSATIONS
At Colonial, Young says: ‘Our dedication is first to people, the environment and then assets. Each morning, we meet to go through the policies and safety procedures and explore ways to evolve. Ultimately, my job is to keep everybody informed, keep them thinking about their safety and how they can have a more proactive approach everyday.’
When working with some of those crews, for instance, with a longer tenure, Young must remind them to trust their instincts. ‘It’s reminding them to not ignore that gut feeling,’ she says. ‘Because you can downplay it over time and, before you know it, it’s no longer
‘It’s all in your approach, how you treat people. People do not care how much you know until they know how much you care.’
a concern, so you just start to tolerate what is potentially an unsafe situation. It’s about reminding people to not become complacent.’
Prior to onboarding with Colonial, Young recalls a particular incident, involving a father and son duo on a crew of steel erectors and welders. ‘Although it was over a decade ago, it is not a day I’ll soon forget,’ she says. While erecting a huge steel component, the father was hoisted in an aerial lift, and the son was working below on another task. ‘The son was told to cut the bolts because it was welded out and ready to go,’ says Young. ‘He was 18 years old, so he’s naturally going do whatever he’s told, so he went out to cut the bolts. The walls buckled. The sound caused the father to look in that direction, only to find his son standing dead center of the structure. He belted out a scream for his son to lie down.’
Luckily, the young man heard his father and laid in the fetal position. He was able to crawl out escaping with barely a scratch. ‘It was a full on miracle that day,’ Young recalls. ‘To this day, the father-son duo stays in touch with me through social media. He’s married now with two kids. And every single time I look at him, I think how he didn’t do anything wrong that day. He just happened to be in the in the wrong place, and it was the lack of communication of the supervisor and project manager that ultimately allowed this situation to transpire.’
‘Every single time I see him with his family now, I get a visual flashback to when we almost lost a life. That’s the reason I still have those tough conversations, today!’
STARTING AT THE BOTTOM
Working her way up the ladder, Young has had her fair share of experiences with changing regulations and stubborn colleagues. But it never deterred her. ‘There’s some difficult individuals out there that are tough to deal with,’ she says. ‘They try to push back against my ideas. Fortunately, without fail, towards the end of a project, something happens where they learn a valuable lesson. That’s when they come to me and say ‘I really appreciate you always being there, pushing that envelope, having that conversation with me and keeping me in check. I can go home and see my wife and my kids tonight because you didn’t
give up on me.’ Those are the ones that have stayed with me.’
Three years into working with Colonial Pipeline, in tank storage and right-ofway pipeline, Young says: ‘I have my dream job right now. For the most part, safety is the same, no matter the craft or industry. I have a lot to learn still in pipeline but I have never been afraid of a good challenge. Thus far, this midstream position in the pipeline and tank storage has been the best fit for me, compared to other positions in the oil and gas sector for my skill set. I recognize the impact that we have in our country and economy, and that’s something to be proud of. The feeling of accomplishment never runs out, especially every time I fill the fuel tank on my vehicle.’
She continues: ‘Not to mention, I have the opportunity to manage my calendar day-to-day and I’m home every night with my kids, and that’s very important to me. But I had to pay my dues in the field. I worked on my tools as a brick cutter, groundman; chase turnarounds, work nights, or 12-hour shifts.’
‘I tell every upcoming safety candidate: ‘it’s all in your approach, how you treat people. People do not care how much you know until they know how much you care.’ There’s no easy way up the ladder, unless you don’t want to be there long. You should work hard, study, find an area that interests you and then go out and get it! From early in my safety career I have told my peers, it’s not a paycheck for me, it’s my passion. I love what I do, and do what I love. Invest in yourself and you will never take it for granted.’
Safety isn’t the only department that requires people to be at the top of the priority list, Young explains. ‘Front-line leaders, project managers, and upper management should always take to heart the decisions they make on any given project.’
The FETSA Supplier Partnership is open to companies that do business with tank storage companies or have an affinity with the tank storage sector. This includes, but is not limited to:
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HITTING THE BRAKES: ENERGY TRANSITION IN THE US
US November election results could decelerate energy transition, with $1 trillion in energy investment on the line, says David Brown at Wood Mackenzie
THE INFRASTRUCTURE
Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021 and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 catapulted the US to global leadership in decarbonization.
But a victory for former President Donald Trump in the November 2024 election, combined with long-standing issues around the US’ relationship with China and government deficits, could significantly alter the path of US energy policy and usher in a delayed transition scenario, according to a new Horizons report from Wood Mackenzie.
While investments for technologies that support the energy transition and low carbon technology may decelerate, the opposite effect might take place for fossil fuels, which could see expanded investment and push out peak fossil fuel demand.
‘This election cycle will really influence the pace of energy investment, both in the next five years and through 2050. Investments in low carbon supply need to be made in the near term to realize longer-dated decarbonization targets. US carbon emissions could grow, putting net zero out of reach in our delayed transition scenario,’ according to David Brown, director of Wood Mackenzie’s Energy Transition Research.
DELAYED TRANSITION SCENARIO
In Wood Mackenzie’s delayed transition scenario, the team projects about $6.5 trillion (€5.95 trillion) in investment for the US energy sector over 202350, about 55% lower than in Wood Mackenzie’s net zero scenario (which you can read about online). The results
of the November 2024 election, US tensions with China and rising budget deficits could significantly alter the path of US energy policy.
‘It is not likely that the IRA will be fully repealed,’ says Brown. ‘However, a second Trump presidency would likely issue executive orders that would abandon the 2035 net zero target for the power sector, establish softer emissions goals from the EPA, and issue tax credit regulations that could favor blue hydrogen.’
Brown adds that the fiscal environment may prove challenging as well, as US government spending could be limited to address the country’s debt burden – the US Congressional Budget Office expects the US debt-to-GDP ratio to reach 109% by 2030 and hit 155% by 2050.
Wood Mackenzie’s base case projects about $7.7 trillion in investment for the US energy sector over 2023-50. However, in the delayed transition scenario, less policy support for things such as low-carbon energy and infrastructure improvements decreases investment for the US energy sector by $1 trillion compared to the base case.
NET ZERO IS OUT OF REACH
The US is the second-largest greenhouse gas emitter globally, behind China. Investment in low-carbon supply in the US is key to lowering global emissions according to Wood Mackenzie’s base case outlook. In this forecast, it’s projected that by 2030 the US will reach
peak fossil fuel demand and have about 30% of global CCUS (carbon capture, utilization and storage) capacity, and electricity demand will double by 2050.
According to Brown, where policy support for low-carbon energy is cut back, CCUS and low-carbon hydrogen would face a slower investment pathway. Total US natural gas demand would rise to be 170 million m 3 per day, higher than in Wood Mackenzie’s base case by 2030, a jump of 6%.
‘It is important to note that peak fossil fuel demand does occur – it is just around 10 years later than the 2030 prediction in our base case. With a peak still on the horizon, companies will need to continue diversifying into low carbon technologies to build a business model that is resilient through the energy transition. Each sector, from transport to power and emerging technologies, will be affected by a nuanced set of drivers,’ says Brown.
SECTOR IMPACTS
EV sales stumble: A look at new car sales in the US so far in 2024 offers clear indications that a slower energy transition is plausible. While sales of hybrids have leapt 57%, EV sales have undershot expectations, growing by only 19%.
Weakening federal greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and fuel economy regulations continue this trend, and the total stock of EVs by 2050 would be 50% lower than in Wood Mackenzie’s base case. With hybrids, not EVs, in the driving seat of transport decarbonization, US oil demand could be 15 million barrels per day by 2050, down only 24% from 2024 levels.
Zero carbon power supply faces strong headwinds: With less financial support from the Department of Energy Loan Program Office, fewer grid improvements, and continued trade tension with China, the delayed transition scenario for the US projects that wind and solar and energy storage capacity would be about 500 gigawatts (GW) by 2050, 25% lower than the base case.
Coal would remain in the mix for longer. ‘Amid continued load growth, less policy support for renewables and mounting confusion over emerging technologies, the biggest states for coal-fired power generation – including Indiana, Michigan, Texas and Tennessee – would slow down coal retirements significantly. Companies would take time to decide how to decarbonize their power plant fleet and keep the lights on,’ says Brown. ‘To replace coal plants that are shutting down, natural gas is required to meet power demand. With slower growth in renewable generation, natural gas capacity in 2040 is 30 GW higher in our delayed transition scenario than in our base case. The growth of gas could be
supported by additional policy measures. Texas has already legislated for US$5 billion in loans to support new gas-fired power plants, and similar measures could be brought in more widely.’
In the delayed energy transition scenario, the pace of electrification would ease in the near term. However, industrial, residential, electrolytic hydrogen and EV usage would still combine to increase power demand by 2.0 petawatt-hours (PWh), a 45% jump from 2030 to 2050. With less policy support for renewables and continued load growth, there would be no way out of using coal. As a result, by 2040, coal generation capacity would be four times higher than the base case, with 104 GW on the system.
Low-carbon hydrogen could falter. The lack of federal demand-side targets, reductions in federal funding and cost inflation would challenge the investment case for low-carbon hydrogen. Eligibility for tax credits under the IRA could be adjusted to tilt incentives towards blue hydrogen. Near-term growth shifts to export markets in Europe and Asia; Wood Mackenzie’s delayed transition scenario would still foresee a 2 million tonne export market emerging by 2050.
DEVOLVING RESPONSIBILITY TO INDIVIDUAL STATES
A look at state-level policies shows that momentum for low-carbon investment can be independent of federal policy. Since 2020, California’s utility-scale battery capacity has expanded eight-fold to 8.4 GW. By the end of the year, Wood Mackenzie expects battery capacity to reach 11.7 GW.
State-level renewable portfolio standards and voluntary renewable energy targets supported wind and solar
capacity expansions of over 13% a year on average between 2016 and 2020, during the last Trump administration. California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) will help underpin investments in low-carbon hydrogen, direct air capture (DAC) and bioenergy across the country.
‘A slower transition scenario for emerging technologies does not mean the story is over,’ says Brown. ‘The emerging technology sector in the US will need to reassess costs, project sizes, and subsidy reliance. This should be approached through a position of confidence. The US has a track record of innovation – going from a net LNG importer to the world’s largest LNG exporter over the last decade.’
For more information:
Wood Mackenzie is the global insight business for renewables, energy and natural resources. The team’s monthly Horizons segment explores themes shaping the energy transition.
Read the entire report at: www.woodmac.com/horizons/delayedus-energy-transition-scenario/
01 Total capital investment for the US includes upstream oil and gas, power generation, power grid and EV infrastructure, hydrogen and CCUS. $11.8 trillion in capital investment in US energy is required on a cumulative basis from 20232050 to reach our net zero scenario. Investment is 55% lower in our delayed transition scenario
02 In 2050, net US energy-related CO2 emissions are 1 billion tonnes higher in our delayed transition scenario compared to Wood Mackenzie’s base case
Gastech, the world’s largest exhibition and conference for natural gas, LNG, hydrogen, climate technologies, energy manufacturing, and low carbon solutions, is returning to Houston, Texas, from 17-20 September 2024.
COMMUNICATION, ADVOCACY & EDUCATION
Tank Storage Magazine speaks exclusively to Leakhena Swett, the ILTA’s new president about the association’s new initiatives and growth
IN DECEMBER 2023, after four years as the ILTA’s executive vice president, Leakhena Swett assumed the position of interim president. ‘I was brought on to the ILTA to help with the memberships and marketing side of things,’ she says. ‘My first point of action was to do site visits to understand how the industry works, and how vital we are for the supply chain. When I then became interim president, we were trying to figure out the direction of the organisation. It was more about keeping the trains moving, with minimal disruption to our membership and to our staff. We were still trying to figure out the next steps for the organisation, especially looking for a new president.’ That new president came from inside the organisation, when Swett took on the role just four months later.
She recalls how her previous role within the organisation had prepared her: ‘I was never in a silo and worked with all the different departments, so that transition to president meant I had an opportunity to start again from the bottom, uncover different problems and look at what’s going on and how we could improve.’
ILTA’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY
Swett’s previous experience at ILTA shows had been behind the scenes and helping ensure a smooth experience for exhibitors and visitors alike. This year, as the ILTA turned 50, Swett was able to enjoy her fourth ILTA conference and exhibition front of house, representing
the organisation. ‘I was nervous at first,’ Swett recalls. ‘But the members and our partners made it such an enjoyable experience that took away any nerves.’
Being in the presence of a former president would be enough to amplify anyone’s nerves, though. ‘I have such a strong team and it was really them that made the interview with former president George W Bush possible,’ says Swett. ‘It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.’ While this was certainly a highlight for Swett, she’s also incredibly proud of how the show has grown. ‘A real highlight is how our Women in Terminals networking has grown,’ she says. ‘We’re moving into a
bigger ballroom next year because we’re maxing out the space – and even the conference sessions are standing-room only now. Being able to actually sit in on those and spend time in the sessions has been a real privilege this year.’
CHANGES TO THE ILTA
Communication has been the cornerstone of Swett’s presidency so far. The team has revived the ILTA’s newsletter bulletin for members, using data to drive a more personalised member experience. ‘At the same time, we want to make sure that we’re listening
to our membership,’ says Swett. ‘We represent close to 80 terminal companies and want to educate them on what we’re doing, but also make sure we understand the challenges they’re facing.’
She continues: ‘ILTA members are set to be big players in the wider energy transition. From biofuels like ethanol, biodiesel, sustainable aviation fuels, liquid hydrogen, and beyond, bulk liquid commodities are not going anywhere. This means terminal companies are only going to be more important in the future as they adapt to meet the changing energy needs of the world. As the industry representative, ILTA is proud to offer educational and training resources for our members, as well as our advocacy initiatives centered on connecting our members with regulators that are trying to map out the future of the global energy supply chain.’
GOVERNMENT ADVOCACY
Possibly the biggest change at the ILTA since Swett assumed the presidency has been the revival of the ILTA’s Government Affairs Committee. ‘We’re primarily an advocacy organisation, so we restarted the committee and reached out to all our members with government affairs departments to work out how they could all be a part of that process,’ says Swett. Each terminal member is invited to send a representative to join the committee, run by the ILTA team and board. ‘It’s a listening session, but also an opportunity to communicate to our members and the wider industry about the advocacy that ILTA is working on,’ says Swett.
Notably, ILTA has been hard at work on several key topics with considerable impact to the liquid commodity sector as a whole. First, the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) new air permitting rules present significant financial and operational obstacles to terminals across the country. ‘ILTA has led from the front in the industry challenge to these regulations, working with our 80 terminal companies to develop extensive comments and field tests to demonstrate the ineffectiveness of these rules,’ says Swett.
ILTA has also advocated diligently on the matter of a transition from PFAS-based firefighting fuels to non-PFAS alternatives (covered in previous editions of Tank Storage Magazine). ‘At the moment,
‘The bulk liquid terminals industry is here to stay and we are excited to be working on behalf of our members on whatever challenges the future holds.’
over 30 US states have legislation or regulations phasing out PFAS foams in the short- to medium-term future,’ says Swett. ‘ILTA has sought to have proactive conversations with both lawmakers and regulators on what a meaningful transition looks like and how private industry can work with the government on a solution to the matters of identifying and sourcing alternative foams.’
‘ILTA members are always working to embrace the shift to cleaner forms of energy and operations as a whole. This is why we have inserted ourselves in the center of the energy transition, air permitting, and PFAS foam transition conversations, which are only going to become hotter issues as time goes on.’
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
Swett cites the upcoming US election as a potential challenge for the ILTA’s approach to congress. ‘A change in leadership in Washington DC could mean we need to completely shift our way of advocating for policy change,’ she says. ‘We’re doing a lot of work and have the
benefit of having the White House on our doorstep, but a change in presidency could drastically impact all the support that we’ve garnered for our cause. But I think we’re able to get ahead of it because we’re right here, and our Government Affairs Committee is there to make sure we have a seat at the table and are driving home the right issues.’
Beyond that, Swett is focused on making sure ILTA keeps in close contact with its members, ensuring that it’s advocating for all the right changes. ‘We look forward to working with the 119th Congress and the Executive Branch in 2025. The bulk liquid terminals industry is here to stay and we are excited to be working on behalf of our members on whatever challenges the future holds,’ says Swett.
For more information:
The ILTA’s conference and trade show will take place on 9-11 June 2025 in Houston. Visit www.ilta.org for more information on the ILTA’s membership, resources and government advocacy.
www.ilta.org
01 Leakhena Swett speaking at the 50th ILTA conference & trade show in May 2024
02 Colonial Terminals’ Pratt Summers interviews former President George W Bush at ILTA conference 2024
The 2024 API Storage Tank Conference will give attendees an opportunity to learn about new and existing industry codes and standards, including industry best practices, and provide an opportunity to hear about emerging trends from industry experts. This conference offers over 25 sessions addressing the needs of individuals involved in production systems, pipelines, terminals, refining, and storage facilities. Each day focuses on presentations relevant to upstream, midstream and downstream.
GROWING PRODUCTION, GROWING DEMAND
GLOBAL OIL demand has been on the rise since the Covid-19 pandemic. Moreover, the Russia-Ukraine conflict caused major alterations in energy supply routes, which went in favor of the US shale drillers, including those in the Permian Basin.
Spanning Texas and New Mexico, Permian Basin remains the largest oil-producing shale player in the US. Strong global demand and geopolitical shifts continue to support growth and competitiveness of this critical energy region, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
GlobalData’s latest report, Permian Basin in the US, 2024, reveals that benefiting from a dense pipeline network and Gulf Coast infrastructure, Permian Basin’s crude oil production averaged 5.6 million barrels per day (mmbd) during the first quarter of 2024.
The growth was attributed to the strong global demand for fossil fuels in 2023. Looking ahead, the steady demand for hydrocarbons around the world will aid the crude oil and natural gas production in the Permian Basin to record a CAGR of more than 4% and more than 6%, respectively, between 2024 and 2028.
GEOPOLITICAL IMPACTS
Ravindra Puranik, oil and gas analyst at GlobalData, comments: ‘Europe’s strategic shift away from Russian energy exports has resulted in key changes to the global energy supplies. This is anticipated to benefit the US shale oil and gas drillers as well as LNG producers that are positioned to reap rewards from these evolving supply chain dynamics. The US shale oil production might also benefit from the Red Sea crisis that has added a risk premium to ship-based exports from the Middle East to Europe.’
The US Presidential election looms this year amid high inflation concerns, hence the presidential nominees are unlikely to pledge any new regulatory measures on shale drilling. This could bode well for the outlook for unconventional resource development in the country.
Puranik continues: ‘Recessionary pressures in major world economies,
along with geopolitical headwinds, such as the Gaza conflict and its wider implications on energy supplies from the Middle East are expected to keep the oil prices range bound this year.’
FINANCIAL CHANGES
Owing to the promising energy demand outlook, the competitive landscape in the Permian Basin has seen a wave of consolidation with several high-value deals transpiring in 2023. This trend has continued so far, even in 2024.
The merger and acquisition activity in the Permian Basin is set to make the market more competitive in the long-term. In May 2024, ConocoPhillips announced the acquisition of Marathon Oil for a purchase consideration of $22.5 billion (€20.4 billion). The deal is expected to be closed by December 2024.
Occidental’s announcement of the $12 billion acquisition of CrownRock in December 2023, and Chevron’s
The steady demand for hydrocarbons around the world will aid crude oil and natural gas production.
announcement of the $7.6 billion acquisition of PDC Energy in May 2023, were the other high-value deals in the Permian Basin shale play in 2023.
On the drilling front, the permit activity in the shale play grew marginally for the first two quarters of 2024 as compared with the same period in 2023, indicating largely flat growth in hydrocarbon output.
Puranik says: ‘Exxon Mobil’s acquisition of Pioneer Natural Resources was the biggest deal in the Permian Basin shale play in the recent years. The deal, worth $64.5 billion, has put ExxonMobil on the top of the pedestal, surpassing competitors in this play, such as Occidental and Chevron. Continued investment and strategic acquisitions in the Permian Basin will be essential to maintaining its leadership in the US shale industry, especially as global energy dynamics shift and demand for reliable oil and gas supplies remains strong.’
For more information:
Read the full report at www.globaldata.com
MARCH 2025
“Every time the awards gets better, networking with international customers. Every time I see new people around me which is really good for our business"
- GIZIL
GIZIL
NAVIGATING NEW REGULATIONS
Earl Crochet, owner of Crochet Midstream Consulting, explores the fast pace of regulatory changes in the aboveground storage tank industry
AS SOMEONE who has been dealing with aboveground storage tanks (ASTs) for more than 36 years, I have seen drastic regulatory changes over that time. And the pace of this change continues to increase.
In 1988, when I started on Plantation Pipe Line, a pipeline regulated by the Federal Department of Transportation (DOT), now known as the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), the only regulation required was to do a yearly inspection on a tank (and no one even told us what inspection was required).
In addition, there were Environmental Protections Agency (EPA) standards for emissions, called Kb, and a few state regulations on emissions but even those were relatively simple. My, how things have changed.
The first federal regulations on tanks happened in 1999 when DOT and PHMSA mandated breakout tanks (tanks that either receive and deliver products from a regulated pipeline or receives surges from a regulated pipeline) to follow the American Petroleum Institute (API) Standard 653 Tank Inspection, Repair, Alteration, and Reconstruction (the 1999 version) for inspection and repairs. Since 2002, EPA has required owners and operators storing any kind of oil (crude oil, refined products, vegetable oils, etc.) to follow the Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasures (SPCC rules) and to follow API 653, the Steel Tank Institute (STI) SP001, or have a professional engineer in the state to write their own plan, among other items. Fast forward to today, there are even more state and federal regulations on emissions from ASTs and many states have passed their own sets of regulations on inspections, repairs, and overfill prevention (Pennsylvania, Florida, North Carolina, Wisconsin and Texas to name a few). The rest of this article will address some of the more recent and impactful regulations on both a state and federal level. Plus, there are now even localspecific rules, such as the South Coast Air District of California that just began requiring optical gas imaging (OGI) to help reduce the release of volatile organic compounds (VOC).
API 2350: OVERFILL PREVENTION
DOT and PHMSA recently updated several of the API standards that they incorporate by reference into their regulations. One of the most impactful updates for tanks is requiring the new API 2350 Overfill Prevention for Storage Tanks in Petroleum Facilities 5th edition, for breakout tanks. API 2350, 5th edition requires owners and operators to perform a risk assessment on each tank.
Until this risk assessment is performed, the owner and operator must comply with the category system (0, 1, 2, and 3), which is based on the technology on the tank (no gauge, local gauge, remote reading gauge, independent alarm). These categories require a minimum of 30, 60, 90 or 120 minutes of capacity at the top of the tank in order to try and prevent an overfill or other damage to the tank.
EPA EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS
In May 2024, EPA published the final Gasoline Distribution MACT and GACT, National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) - 40 CFR 63 Subparts R & BBBBBB. The purpose of this new regulation is to reduce emission from facilities that distribute gasoline, including the tanks that store the gasoline. Some of the major changes include:
• Additional fitting requirements for storage vessels (tanks) with external floating roofs,
• Adding a requirement for storage vessels with internal floating roofs to maintain the concentrations of vapors inside a storage vessel above the floating roof to less than 25 percent of the lower explosive limit (LEL)
• Require semiannual monitoring using either Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) or EPA Method 21 and repair leaks identified from these monitoring events or leaks identified by Audio, Visual, and Olfactory (AVO) methods during normal duties.
UPDATE TO KB
EPA also announced in 2023 that it was intending to update the Kb tank emissions regulations to Kc, officially ‘Standards of Performance for Volatile Organic Liquid Storage Vessels (Including Petroleum Liquid Storage Vessels) for Which Construction, Reconstruction, or Modification Commenced After (TBD)’. For reference, Kb has been the industry standard since 1984.
Since this is a proposed regulation only, none of the following items are final but as of now, the following are some of the major changes proposed:
• Tanks impacted would be ones constructed, reconstructed or modified after October 4, 2023
• Proposed rule asserts that service changes to higher-volatility liquids (such as diesel to gasoline or potentially even from a lower Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) to a higher RVP gasoline) would count as a modification, this is major change from 40 years of past EPA guidance
• Any tank greater than 20,000 gallons with no true vapor pressure (TVP) minimum
• Significant changes to seal requirements (actually outlawing several existing seal types in certain situations)
• New requirements for guide poles
• If the atmosphere above a tank roof exceeds 25% LEL it would be considered an inspection failure and ‘must be remedied as such’.
Examples given include repair within 45 days, clean the tank, or ask for an extension. In addition, results of LEL readings greater than 25% could lead to needing additional controls (e.g. converting a bolted internal floating roof (IFR) to a welded IFR), replacing rim seal systems, or replacing the IFR.
There are many more proposed changes to the Kb regulations, but this list shows some of the more concerning items.
CLEAN WATER ACT
Another new regulation anticipated for 2024 is Final Rulemaking on Clean Water Act Hazardous Substance Facility Response Plans from the EPA. EPA just recently finalised regulations requiring covered facilities to plan for worst case discharges of Clean Water Act hazardous substances to navigable water. The planning requirements apply to facilities that could reasonably be expected to cause substantial harm to the environment, based on their location. While obviously there are many details to this new law, a simple way to think about this regulation is that it will be essentially the SPCC program for many chemicals for larger facilities. It is based on the Reportable Quantity (RQ) for Hazardous Substances and if the facility stores 1,000 times the RQ and is within 0.5 miles of navigable water or a conveyance, then the facility is in the program.
At an industry conference earlier this year, a speaker from the EPA stated that it was estimated it would impact over 12,000 facilities. If you assume a minimum of 10 tanks per facility, then that means over 120,000 more tanks will soon be regulated.
The AST world will continue to become more challenging for owners and operators to comply.
STATE LAWS
Turning to state regulations, Texas passed a law last year called SB 900 (officially titled Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Chapter 338 –Aboveground Storage Vessel Safety Program) that will impact around 36,000 tanks unregulated currently, per the TCEQ. The reason the law references aboveground storage vessels instead of ASTs is because, in the state of Texas, the term aboveground storage tank had a different definition.
This new rule became law on 1 September 2023 with full compliance by 1 September 2027. Basically, the rule applies to all tanks 21,000 gallons (500 barrels) that are not currently regulated and contain contents that would impact the waters of the state of Texas if the contents was to get out of the tank. Major provisions of the new law reference parts of the following: EPA 40 CFR PART 68 (Risk Management Plan); EPA 40 CFR PART 112 (SPPC plan); API 653, parts of Sections 4 and 6 and all of Sections 8 and 9; API 2350, Sections 4 and 5; NFPA 30, Chapter 22 and API 2001Sections 5-11.
Additional recent state regulations include seismic regulations in Oregon and Washington. Washington is requiring ‘seismic protection measures for all oil storage tanks and transfer pipelines regulated under WAC 173-180 built prior to July 2023’. Specific items include:
• ‘Flexible mechanical device(s) between storage tank and piping or sufficient piping flexibility to protect the tank and pipe connection and prevent the release of product
• Foundation driven pilings; anchored storage tanks
• Another seismic protection measure proposed by the facility and approved by ecology, as long as such protection measure equals or exceeds those required in this section. This may include demonstrating the storage tank meets API Standard 650 (2020) seismic design requirements, including Annex E and section E.7.3 Piping Flexibility’
In Oregon, ‘effect on September 1, 2023 and their mandated standards, performance objectives and performance criteria for seismic design, evaluation and retrofit including but not limited to the following: …d) For tanks ASCE 7 and reference standard for seismic criteria such as API 650 and API 653.’
Things certainly have changed in tank regulations over the years, and I don’t expect the new regulations on tanks to slow down or stop anytime soon. The AST world will continue to become more challenging for owners and operators to comply. Rest assured, I plan to be around for many more years to see what happens and to try and make sense of changes to the regulation.
For more information: www.crochetmc.com www.epa.gov www.api.org
01 Earl Crochet, Tank Whisperer
THE IMPORTANCE OF NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING IN OIL & GAS
Saudi Aramco’s Mohammed Abufour explains why advanced NDT solutions are essential to enhance asset integrity quality in the oil & gas industry
BEING ABLE to predict the reliability of oil and gas assets and inspect their integrity is a high priority for oil and gas operators. Of the possible degradation problems affecting oil and gas operating facilities, corrosion, hydrogen and stress-related corrosion, and cracking in steels are among the most serious.
These types of damage are difficult to detect, especially in the large volume of operating equipment that require thorough inspection. As a result of the severity of these inspection challenges – and the major failures they can cause – there has long been motivation to develop advanced non-destructive testing (NDT) technologies for related defect and crack detection.
WHAT IS NDT?
Non-destructive testing is a valuable technique used by many industries to evaluate the properties of a material,
component, structure or system without causing any damage. There are five main conventional types of NDT: visual inspection, radiography, ultrasonic testing, magnetic particle testing and penetrant testing. Many advanced NDT techniques are used to verify the integrity of plant equipment in the oil and gas industry.
WHY IS NDT IMPORTANT?
NDT is an infinitely important quality control and quality assurance (QA) management tool in the oil and gas industry. QA inspections are a crucial process that prevent flaws or defects within assets before they occur. These inspections help identify gaps in the equipment quality and any process anomalies before a disaster can happen.
A quality inspection involves measuring, examining, testing, or gauging various characteristics of an asset and comparing those results with a set of specified
standards to determine whether it complies or not.
Non-destructive testing is an efficient and accurate way to carry out QA inspections. Using NDT technologies helps ensure smooth operation, which will assist in preventing failures that could put safety, reliability, and the environment at risk. Finding a defect before it can cause an incident will avoid sudden failures or unplanned shutdown, which can be a huge cost to terminal operators. Plus, a sudden failure can damage a company’s reputation, impacting its long-term business.
ADVANCED NDT TECHNOLOGIES
Advanced non-destructive testing (ANDT) solutions offer highly-precise measurements and rapid inspections of oil and gas assets. These provide greater insight into the assets’ conditions compared to usual NDT technologies.
ANDT technologies are an extremely useful tool for completing inspections without damaging the asset. They can provide valuable information on a crack’s location, geometric features and status or severity. Most of these technologies can provide a permanent record of the tests that show any defect’s location, size and shape. That data can then be monitored to keep an eye on any changes or growth. Preserves Asset Integrity: Can inspect and assess tank integrity while causing no damage to the tested components.
Detecting Hidden Defects: Can discover/detect hidden defects or anomalies that are not evident to the human eye.
Accurate & Reliable Results: Provide precise measurements, thorough imaging, which will help to develop the required decisions and plan for maintenance, repair, or replacement methods if needed.
Cost & Time Efficiency: Minimizes costly repairs, delays, or shutdowns.
ACOUSTIC IMAGER TECHNOLOGY
Acoustic imager technology is mainly used to detect gas leaks. This technology works by capturing the sound of a leak point with a microphone array and combining it with a high definition camera to capture real-time video and images. This can then be displayed on a screen, giving a visual representation of the leak. This technology allows for a rapid surveying of all plant equipment and pipelines. This quick turnaround reduces labor and maintenance requirements and costs – and in the long run helps prevent costly environmental crises.
UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) – also known as drones – are aircraft with no pilot onboard, that can be controlled remotely and fly autonomously based on pre-programmed flight plans. They are particularly helpful in inspection settings as they cause little-to-no disruption while
operating, and remove the need to put people in dangerous situations. UAVs are able to live-stream a visual inspection of flare stacks and elevated structures, as well as conduct ultrasonic thickness measurements and conduct IR surveys. By eliminating the cost of scaffolding and man-hours, this can be a cost-effective and safe solution.
ROBOTIC VIDEO CRAWLER
Just as the name suggests, a robotic video crawler is a visual inspection robot designed to record videos as it examines the inside of pipe and plant equipment. It should be able to assess the internal condition of an asset, including corrosion, and is a great way to maintain asset integrity without opening equipment up.
ULTRASONIC TESTING TECHNIQUES
Phased array ultrasonic testing and advanced ultrasonic techniques have shown to be effective in detecting and quantifying HIC, hydrogen blistering and subsequent step-wise cracking. It provides reliable defect detection; characterization and precise defect measurement. Stress corrosion cracking can also be detected this way, and later proven through metallurgical analysis. The phased array technique provides an easy-to-interpret image of the defects and any possible linkages between them.
Automated ultrasonic testing (AUT) corrosion mapping is another way to use ultrasonic technology. It is used to assess the condition of fixed equipment in plants such as storage tanks, pipelines, pressure vessels and other critical equipment. A robotic scanner accurately measures the remaining wall thickness in a pipe or tank, scanning in a radial direction while moving in the longitudinal direction. This can target corrosion-prone areas and replaces circumferential corrosion mapping systems.
AUT corrosion mapping robots can also be used to detect and measure hydrogen-induced cracks (HIC) and
REPLACEMENT & BUDGETING STRATEGY
Advanced NDT technologies can provide valuable information on the location of cracks, geometric features of cracks, corrosion growth and their status. Data from the advanced NDT technologies are very helpful for monitoring defects, supporting fitness-for-service studies, and permitting operational personnel to forecast and plan plant equipment repairs or replacements. They have been shown to be effective in detecting and quantifying all types of pipe and weld anomalies. These technologies provide reliable defect detection, characterization, and precise defect measurement. All this information will help significantly in planning ahead for any equipment or piping replacements and obtaining early management pre-approval for additional budget if needed.
hydrogen blisters. The precise nature of these measurements makes it ideal for accurate growth predictions. For hydrogen, this is particularly important as the plant equipment and pipes can be susceptible to low temperature hydrogen attacks.
ACOUSTIC EMISSIONS
Acoustic emissions are a screening tool for detecting active corrosion, cracks and deterioration in storage tank floors. By identifying potential leaks early, a tank can be properly maintained before an incident occurs. A tank can also be put back in service immediately after inspection.
3D LASER SCANNING
Laser technology can provide a fast and reliable external inspection. The handheld tool rapidly scans external areas of pipe and equipment to create a visual image of the topography. These scanners can inspect complex geometry and offer precise measurements, replacing manual methods such as a pit gauge.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, using advanced NDT technologies with a qualified operator can help provide valuable information on the location, geometric features and growth indication of corrosion or cracks.
This information helps engineers conduct evaluations and assessments to ensure safe operation, enhance personnel safety, improve plant integrity, supporting fitness for service studies, plan for repairs and replacement.
For more information:
Mohammed Abufour is Saudi Aramco’s head of advanced NDT services, with over 40 years of NDT experience in the oil and energy industry.
His extensive experience and expertise gained him the gold award for Outstanding Achievement at the Global Tank Storage Awards 2024. Read his full interview on page 58 of this edition.
www.aramco.com
www.tankstorageawards.com
ENSURING ASSET INTEGRITY IN EARTHQUAKES
The experts at LUSAS Consultancy Services explain how base-isolation can protect the structure of LNG tanks in tectonically
PANAMA AND Central America are tectonically active regions, and LNG tanks represent critical structures with strict design requirements under accidental and earthquake conditions. In this case, base-isolation systems have become a cost-effective solution for increasing seismic demands in the design of large storage tanks.
LUSAS Consultancy Services has extensive experience in carrying out a wide range of analyses for large LNG storage tanks. Over the years, the team’s specialist engineers have assisted numerous companies, including Korea Gas Technology Corporation (KOGAS-Tech), on various projects and analyses. This includes the seismic isolation analysis of a 180,000 m³ fullcontainment tank for the Costa Norte LNG Terminal in Panama. Completed in 2018, this became the first LNG reception terminal in Central America.
This tank has a 32.7 m high, 9% nickel steel, inner tank of 89 m diameter, where the LNG is stored under normal operating conditions. This is insulated from a 91 m inside-diameter post-tensioned concrete wall, intended to contain any accidental spillage of the product. The base insulation sits on a concrete base
slab supported by 400 pedestal-mounted isolators, which are cast on top of a reinforced concrete piled raft foundation. The overall tank height to the top of the roof dome is 53.4 m.
ANALYSES UNDERTAKEN
LUSAS Consultancy developed several FE (finite element) models to perform a detailed seismic assessment of the LNG
tank under different earthquake and accidental conditions. These included the following:
• Time history seismic analysis using lumped-mass stick (beam) models
• Static and peak seismic loading application using shell models
• Coupled thermal-structural analysis for spillage/aftershock event using solid models
ISOLATION SYSTEM
Triple friction pendulum bearing (TFPB) isolators were located under the tank bottom slab in order to decouple the tank from the earthquake ground motion and reduce the transmission of seismic energy to the tank components. In all, 400 pedestal-mounted TFPB isolators were used, with four sliding concave surfaces and three friction coefficients. These were modeled in LUSAS’ software using specialized joint materials which included hysteretic damping and the variation of friction with sliding velocity and normal pressure. As friction properties are variable with time and also axial force, lower and upper bound properties were used for the empty and full tank cases. Under peak conditions, the base isolation was able to provide an overall effective damping of up to 33%, with peak displacements circa 200 mm, well within the 605 mm bearing capacity.
SOIL-STRUCTURE INTERACTION
The tank foundation included a large number of closely spaced steel piles, fully embedded in rock. Piecewise linear joint materials of varying depth were used in LUSAS’ software to simulate the nonlinear response of soil, including lateral bearing capacity, skin friction and end bearing resistance.
TIME-HISTORY SEISMIC ANALYSES
Lumped mass modeling was used for fluid/structure interaction of the LNG tank and for soil/structure interaction of the pile arrangement. The nonlinear hysteretic behavior of the isolation system required a detailed dynamic analysis. Using nonlinear transient dynamic analyses in LUSAS’ software, time-history responses were obtained under simultaneous horizontal and vertical ground motion.
Bedrock input motions of 0.33 g (Operational Basis Earthquake) and 0.54 g (Safe Shutdown Earthquake) from the seismic hazard analysis provided by KOGAS-Tech were used to develop multiple ground motion records to satisfy code requirements. The peak averaged results from the dynamic analyses were combined with normal operation static loading to perform a detailed stress analysis on a 3D shell model of the structure.
SPILLAGE AND AFTERSHOCK
A critical design condition of LNG tanks is the aftershock (SSEaft) event following an accidental spillage, which is assumed as a result of a prior SSE
earthquake that has damaged the inner tank. The aftershock earthquake was estimated as 50% of the SSE, and the time-history analysis was repeated on the lumped mass model considering that in this case the LNG is in direct contact with the outer tank. A 3D solid model that included a state-of-the-art nonlinear concrete material was developed to carry out a semicoupled steady state thermal analysis to assess the effects of the spillage on the tank wall.
Similarly, as for the shell model, peak hydrodynamic pressures were subsequently applied to the solid model
and the liquid tightness and collapse prevention of the concrete tank were assessed.
CONCLUSION
Using the most advanced finite element analysis/modeling techniques for isolated LNG tanks, LUSAS Consultancy Services was able to provide KOGAS-Tech with a design basis for the tank checks under OBE, SSE and SSEaft conditions; including relevant results for foundation forces, isolator response, freeboard, concrete tank forces, liquid tightness, crack widths, and more.
After completion of the project, KOGASTech’s civil & arch dept manager, Jung-Hoe Kim, comments: ‘LUSAS has provided us with a powerful design capability and advanced technical support for over 20 years. On the Costa Norte LNG Terminal project, the use of Lusas successfully verified our tank design for a highly seismic region. With LUSAS, we can always ensure that our LNG tank designs meet the strict requirements of our clients.’
For more information: www.lusas.com
01 Tank overview
02 TFPB pedestals
03 Beam stick modelling
04 Hoop axial forces
THE FUTURE OF EMERGENCY LEAK SEALING
RAPID SEALING of leaks at a storage terminal facility can be the difference between a major incident costing millions, and a minor bump in the road. A fast response is crucial to reduce environmental impact, cost of cleanup and reputational damage.
The RuptureSeal is an advanced solution to seal ruptures, leaks, and punctures in various containers. Engineered for quick deployment, the RuptureSeal is perfect for emergency scenarios involving fuel tanks, chemical tanks, and other vessels that require immediate leak containment.
The RuptureSeal is straightforward and user-friendly, needing no specialist training. With one hand, flip the pin from the perpendicular to the parallel position, insert it into the rupture, hold the plug and with your free hand, pull on the handle until the clicking stops. The silicone compresses into the rupture, conforming to its shape. This immediately creates a mechanical seal, effectively plugging rough, unclean, or splintered surfaces. It is an ideal solution for controlling water leaks, fuel and chemical spills.
VERSATILE CAPABILITIES
In emergency spill situations, quick deployment and the ability to handle diverse chemical and fuel compounds are key. The RuptureSeal can manage over 100,000 different chemical and fuel compounds. This makes it a versatile option when preparing for every potential emergency situation.
The flexibility of RuptureSeal means the product can handle punctures from 4mm to 150mm. For larger
ruptures, gang multiple units together. The ability to handle a range of leak sizes makes the RuptureSeal an ideal product in an emergency.
The RuptureSeal has already been integrated into spill response kits by major companies and organizations, including Armour Transport, Atlantic Pacific Trucking, Transocean, CN and CP Rail, multiple provincial and state Departments of Environment, and over 600 fire departments worldwide.
COMPLIANCE & CLEANUP
All RuptureSeal products comply with California’s Proposition 65 regulations, ensuring they are free from cancer-
causing agents or substances, and do not require warning labels. After a spill is contained, cleanup is straightforward. Cut away and discard the RuptureSeal. There is no chiseling or specialist tools required, saving money and valuable time.
For more information: www.ruptureseal.com
Trust the brand used by US Homeland Security, US Department of Transportation, US/CAN Coast Guard, DOW, BASF, and over 600 Municipal Emergency Response providers.
Chemical compatibility – Rupture Seal products are available in 4 sizes and compatible with over 100,000+ substances –more than any other product on the market.
Speed and e cacy – Rupture Seal can be deployed in less than 20 seconds. Far faster (and cleaner) than competing products like wooden bungs or screw plugs. In the event of a leak or spill, response time is crucial to reduce environmental impact and cost of cleanup.
Reliability – Simple to use, Easy to Deploy mechanical seal lasts for hours and Meets Spill Kit requirements for Insurers.
– Simple to use, Easy to Deploy mechanical
www.youtube.com/ @RuptureSeal/videos
www.ruptureseal.com
Wood Plugs & Wedges
ADVANCED HEATING FOR INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES
capital cost perspective and works well with lower viscosity neat asphalts. Due to the limitations in manufacturing and materials, spiral fins are prone to fouling
particulates. QMax’s new patent-pending fin technology, the MakoFin, is the bulk liquid industry’s only purpose-built fin specifically for modified asphalt.
high fin efficiency. The singular fin does not create small interstitial spaces where overheating can occur, and there are no areas where particulates can collect if they fall out of suspension. When arranged in a serpentine bank configuration the collective fins create parallel heat transfer ‘channels’, that generate a greater buoyant force than standard coils, increasing flow velocity over the fins and promoting tank turnover and mixing.
For more information: www.qmaxindustries.com
IMPROVEMENT, INNOVATION AND EXCELLENCE
Winner of the 2024 Tank Storage Award for ‘Outstanding Achievement’, Saudi Aramco’s Mohammed Abufour, speaks to Tank Storage Magazine about securing the gold award and what it took to get here
LIFETIME MEMBER
of ASNT
(The American Society for Nondestructive Testing), Mohammed Abufour has over 40 years of non-destructive testing (NDT) experience in the oil and energy industry. He has acquired this experience in a number of different positions, including NDT inspector, NDT supervisor, NDT consultant and engineering specialist. An accumulation of these positions has led him to an impressive career, and to a Gold Award at the 2024 Global Tank Storage Awards. Abufour’s contributions to his field have been widely recognized. Previous accolades include the 2006 ASNT Technician of The Year, the 2012 Fellowship Award, the 2018 Mentoring Award, the 2022 Charles N. Sherlock Meritorious Service Award and the ASNT 2023 Gorge C. Wheeler Excellence in Personal Certification Recognition Award. Reflecting on these titles, as well as his 2024 Global Tank Storage Awards win, Abufour says: ‘I am deeply honored that the Global Tank Storage Awards committee and the panel of judges recognized me as a standout individual, playing a pivotal role in both my organization and the broader industry. This recognition is not just for me, but for all those who have supported me along
this journey. I express my gratitude to my family and to my management at Saudi Aramco, particularly the engineering services/inspection department, for their unwavering support throughout my career journey.’
Abufour is a strong believer in close collaboration in the industry, particularly among ASNT’s different sections in the Arabian Gulf region and India. He is using his position as ASNT region director to generate a closer link between all the ASNT sections in the Gulf region to better facilitate this collaboration. Through his tenure, Abufour is respected and well known by a great number of local and global ASNT members, and he believes there is a wealth of information within different ASNT sections that needs to be disseminated among all members to push the industry forwards.
With such a long career, naturally comes impressive contributions to the industry. Abufour has previously developed and improved numerous NDT techniques, reviewed procedures, and certified and qualified company and contractor technicians. In addition to this, Abufour has also managed advanced inspection services in compliance with across international codes and standards.
The Global Tank Storage Awards’ international judging panel similarly recognized Abufour’s impact on the industry. Management systems consultant and judge Joanne Carrol comments: ‘Mohammed Abufour’s extensive experience and expertise in non-destructive testing make him a standout candidate for this award. With nearly 40 years of experience at Saudi Aramco, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership.’
Reflecting on his career, Abufour says: ‘My journey in this industry has been marked by a series of inspection challenges, invaluable learning experiences from setbacks, and significant victories. From my initial forays abroad in pursuit of top-tier NDT training to my current role leading proficient teams equipped with the latest NDT technologies, I have contributed to the development of innovative NDT techniques that transcend conventional limitations. Each milestone in my extensive career has been a stepping stone leading to this honor.’
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
In his current day-to-day, Abufour works as the head of Advanced NDT services unit at Saudi Aramco, leading a team of experienced inspectors with advanced technologies and techniques. His extensive career naturally features a range of highlights, and this role at Saudi Aramco is amongst these. ‘In this role, I led highly qualified engineers and technicians to provide Advanced NDT services to all downstream and upstream facilities,’ he says. ‘This involved testing numerous NDT applications, developing new NDT techniques, reviewing procedures and specialized techniques, scouting for new Advanced NDT technologies, and approving all Advanced NDT reports before sharing them with the end users.’
His admirable career has allowed him to work with local and international experts, networking with many other Advanced NDT technology developers. Sharing knowledge of this through technical paper presentations at local and international forums and conferences. ‘This experience not only made a significant impact on my career but also established me as a wellknown NDT professional in the oil and gas industry. It also provided an opportunity to support several NDT programs in the Kingdom, mentor many engineers, share knowledge through ASNT Saudi Arabia Section monthly meetings, and provide guidance to the next generation of NDT professionals.’ You can read one of Abufour’s papers on page 44 of this edition.
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO THE INDUSTRY
Abufour heralds his gold award at the Global Tank Storage Awards as a lifetime achievement. ‘I feel incredibly proud of this accomplishment, which adds great value to my record,’ he says. ‘I believe this award is the result of years of hard work, continuous effort, and an unwavering commitment to excellence in the field of non-destructive testing locally and globally.’ This was mirrored in the judges’ comments, with the Chemical Business
‘I believe this award is the result of years of hard work, continuous effort, and an unwavering commitment to excellence in the field of non-destructive testing locally and globally.’
Association’s CEO, Tim Doggett, noting that Abufour was ‘a very strong and impressive entry.’
After reading the criteria for the award, Abufour decided to nominate himself. ‘It was by accident that a close friend of mine from the United Kingdom sent me an email two years ago, asking me to vote for him to win one of the Global Tank Storage Awards previously,’ he recalls. ‘I did vote for him. Additionally, I reviewed all the award requirements and decided to nominate myself for the Outstanding Achievement award this year. I felt particularly confident due to the significant contributions and achievements I have made during my long career in the field of NDT within the oil and energy industry.’
Abufour adds that after winning five awards from the American Society for Non-destructive Testing he wanted to try to secure an accolade from Europe – and where better to start than with the Global Tank Storage Awards. Bagging the prestigious gold award at the 7th edition of the gala in March 2024, Abufour can now truly say he has made a global contribution to the industry.
‘I also want to raise awareness among NDT and quality professionals in the oil and gas industry about the Tank Storage Awards,’ says Abufour. ‘The recognition
serves not only as a personal achievement but also as a testament to my hard work and dedication over almost four decades in developing and implementing innovative NDT techniques.’
Abufour’s advice for others looking to enter the Global Tank Storage Awards involves striving for continuous improvement and innovation, whilst always seeking feedback and support from peers and mentors. ‘Document your achievements meticulously and be prepared to showcase how your contributions have made a tangible impact on the industry,’ he says.
‘Recognizing and celebrating your accomplishments can inspire others and contribute to the overall advancement of the field.’
Abufour continues: ‘The principle of excellence has been the beacon guiding my endeavors. Words fall short to express my profound gratitude, especially towards my family, the dedicated personnel of the company higher management, my colleagues across various departments, ASNT executive directors, staff, members, and friends worldwide.’
For more information:
Nominations for the 2025 Global Tank Storage Awards will open on 24 September 2024.
www.tankstorageawards.com
Find out more about Saudi Aramco at www.aramco.com
01 Mohammed Abufour, Saudi Aramco
02 Portfolio director Margarett Dunn announces Mohammed Abufour as the winner at the Tank Storage Awards ceremony in March 2024
CONNECT WITH TRANSPORT PARTNERS AT AXL
TAKING PLACE place in Antwerp, Belgium, on 8-10 October 2024, AXL is Europe’s high-quality, focused breakbulk and project cargo event. Cargo owners such as those planning new storage tank or wind turbine projects can expect an insightful conference tackling the most difficult-to-answer questions, as well as plenty of networking opportunities to connect with a variety of logistics partners that will help get your components from A to B, easier, faster, and with less hassle.
ENERGY UPDATE
‘The AXL conference programme is shaping up to be a jam-packed agenda, offering a wealth of learning opportunities,’ says Margaret Dunn, portfolio director at AXL. ‘We are thrilled to bring together industry leaders and innovators who will inspire fresh perspectives on navigating the evolving landscape of maritime logistics.’
On the morning of 9 October, AXL’s conference will kick off with a keynote speech from the Energy Industry Council’s market intelligence manager, Sharanya Kumarumurthy. Taking a deep dive into energy policy across the globe (and how certain events might see this change) she’ll be examining how different policies will determine demand for various components. Kumarumurthy will
then moderate a discussion between the S&P’s Susan Oatway and Drewry’s Peter Molloy about how these different energy policies will impact shipping routes, vessel demand and supply chains.
‘The global pursuit of decarbonisation is driving substantial investment in the ocean and renewable energy sectors,’ explains Kumaramurthy. ‘Offshore wind projects, hydrogen, and carbon capture technologies are becoming more prevalent, adding complexity to the market and presenting significant opportunities.’
Wind energy will be a big topic at AXL this year, with Orsted and Vattenfall joining the programme in intimate fireside chats, speaking to the AXL team in detail about the challenges facing wind projects. Similarly, Hitachi Energy’s Igor Alves will be sharing insights from a complex project transporting a large, fragile reactor from India to the USA. ‘We encountered numerous geopolitical, environmental, and financial challenges, including the Red Sea Crisis, political uncertainty in the US, and the tragic collapse of the Baltimore Bridge,’ says Alves.
LOGISTICS & SUPPLY CHAIN COLLABORATION
Beginning with a drinks reception on the evening of 8 October, AXL is primed to connect shippers and forwarders with the people in need of their services.
Throughout the event, visitors can enjoy multiple opportunities to connect with exhibitors, including happy hour at the networking bar (sponsored by North Sea Port) as well as a late-night afterparty in the centre of Antwerp, hosted by Konecranes.
The opportunity to meet with logistics partners on site and discuss projects in person will help foster a greater collaborative environment. Logistics partners should work with customers on innovative solutions, such as a new packaging method, to help reduce risks and address budget and safety challenges. Internally, navigating geopolitical instability and the upcoming US elections has accelerated shipment demands, necessitating clearly defined budgets and fixed-price agreements. This requires close cooperation between sales, forwarders and logistics teams to manage risks, consolidate cargoes, and involve engineers and different ports.
Tank owners and builders visiting AXL will have the opportunity to ask questions to logistics partners, discover how their projects can be delivered and find new innovations in the shipping and transport industry.
For more information:
Scan the QR code opposite to register now for AXL on 8-10 October 2024
Save the date for future AXL events:
4-6 November 2025
6-8 October 2026
www.antwerpxl.com
THE BLUEPRINT FOR SUSTAINABLE STORAGE
Get ahead of your peers with insightful conference sessions, brand new innovations and meet with industry leaders at StocExpo on 11-12 March 2025
EUROPE’S PREMIER event for the storage terminal and energy infrastructure industry is set to return in March 2025 – celebrating 20 years of exceptional service and insights to the industry. After an incredibly successful year in 2024, the team is looking forward to a standout celebration in 2025, and as the event’s sister publication, Tank Storage Magazine is excited to bring you this exclusive scoop of what’s new at the show for next year.
TECH INNOVATIONS
Partnering with Sprint Robotics, StocExpo 2025 will bring you the latest in drones and robotics innovations – with a newly developed demo space hosted at the Sprint Robotics Zone. This area will allow storage terminal owners and operators to see first-hand how new innovations in drones and robotics could improve safety and efficiency on site. It will be a rare opportunity for companies to reach a global audience of tank storage and maintenance professionals.
What’s more, the Future Fuels Stage at StocExpo will focus solely on innovations in future fuels storage – helping to prepare operators for challenges they may face in the energy transition. Covering fuels such as SAF (sustainable aviation fuel) and biofuels all the way to blue-sky thinking with hydrogen, StocExpo is the only event bringing insights from across the value chain.
CONFERENCE TOPICS
Celebrating 20 years of serving the tank storage industry, this year’s conference will take a look at how the industry has developed over the last two decades. ‘Fire safety, digitalisation, future fuels storage and emissions control are just some of the topics we’ll be covering across the two stages at StocExpo this year,’ says head of content Anamika Talwaria. ‘I’m excited to hear stories from terminals all around the globe, as well as how different suppliers have changed (or not!) their products as the years have gone on.’
StocExpo has also partnered with Association NH3 Event to produce the Clean Ammonia Storage Conference – for one day only at the event. This specialist conference will give insights into the challenges of storing and handling ammonia as well as ammonia’s role in the energy transition.
‘StocExpo prides itself on being the global meeting place for those involved
in safe and sustainable energy storage and logistics,’ Margaret Dunn, the event’s portfolio director explains. ‘Hydrogen is going to be a key part of the future clean energy mix. The energy transport, storage and logistics sector is going to be crucial to match hydrogen supply with international demand. Hydrogen carriers, such as ammonia are part of the solution, but require dedicated infrastructure and safe handling. This partnership with Association NH3 Event will ensure logistics service providers from all over the globe can stay up to date with the latest future fuel regulations and meet the partners they need to develop this rapidly growing market.’
For more information:
Save the date for StocExpo 2025 on 11-12 March and register your interest at www.stocexpo.com
Interested in booking a booth? Contact grant.elrick@easyfairs.com
NORTH AMERICA: DON’T MISS OUT!
New for 2025, StocExpo has launched its American Pavilion, aimed at bringing more international viewpoints to the show. This is a unique opportunity exclusively for North American companies looking to attract international attention to showcase their storage expertise.
New companies to the show can enjoy a full turnkey solution, with a booth including carpet, furniture and lights all included, as well as a dedicated marketing campaign. Just bring some roller banners, brochures and your team!
GLOBAL EVENTS 2024/25
Media
Raffles City, Singapore www.commodityinsights.spglobal.com
Media
Media
Media Partner IE WEEK London, UK www.ieweek.co.uk
Media
Media Partner & Women in Terminal Operations Panel Organiser TANK STORAGE ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION Coventry, UK www.tankstorage.org.uk
Media Partner ASIAN DOWNSTREAM SUMMIT Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Singapore www.asiandownstreaminsights.com
Official Publication GLOBAL TANK STORAGE AWARDS Rotterdam, Netherlands www.tankstorageawards.com
Official Publication STOCEXPO
Rotterdam, Netherlands Celebrating 20 years, join the leading event for the tank storage and energy infrastructure industry. www.stocexpo.com
Media
Media
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