Brand new chemical storage terminal erected from 1,112 tons of steel

So it should come as no surprise that the Dutch tank storage company STANDIC had a new storage terminal built at the Fifth Harbour Dock. The highly automated complex covers an area of 95,000 m², includes tanks from 500 to 3,500 m³ and was constructed by ASK Romein from 1,112 tons of steel. The excellent cooperation and fine, constructive atmosphere on the construction site resulted in a sustainable success project.

With a storage capacity of 230,500 m³ and 163 tanks of virtually every type and size, STANDIC was already the reference for tank storage of chemicals, biofuels and raw materials for lubricants in the Netherlands. But thanks to the realization of its new terminal in the Port of Antwerp, which accounts for a total storage volume of 230,000 m³, the company's capacity has now doubled in one fell swoop. The reason for this ambitious multi-million dollar investment? Multi-modal accessibility and sustainable distribution. Transport by water (both barge and sea) and rail is the ideal way to supply niche chemical markets quickly, efficiently and environmentally friendly. "Port of Antwerp is one of the largest maritime chemical clusters in the world. Hence, we opted for an expansion in the city of Scheldt. This way we hope to further expand STANDIC's specialized storage activities and serve customers from all corners of the world," clarified Ronald Ooms, director of parent company Hametha.

Comprehensive prestige project

STANDIC's Antwerp terminal was realized by ASK Romein in just under a year. Since STANDIC project manager Raoul Cootjans had positive memories of a previous collaboration with ASK Romein, the Dutch tank storage company again knocked on the door of the reputable industrial builder from Malle. "From our side too, that was a pleasant cooperation then, so we were very pleased that STANDIC wanted to entrust us with this extensive prestige project," says Jack van Iersel, project manager at ASK Romein. "We delivered and assembled the steelwork for eight tank farms, including the walkways, railings, plastic grilles and stairs. In addition, we built an 18 x 30-meter hall, which houses all the associated installations and controls. As much as 1,112 tons of steel were required to construct this highly automated, state of the art terminal."

"Since some tanks had to be put into service earlier, we crisscrossed the terminal, so to speak."

Difficult puzzle

In most new construction projects, there is a logical order to the implementation process. But that was not the case here, stresses Jack van Iersel. "Since some tanks had to be commissioned earlier, we crisscrossed the terminal, so to speak. Moreover, while pouring the concrete foundation, we already started building the steel structure (adjacent to the construction pit), so we were able to significantly shorten the lead time. This despite the limited available space of only a few meters between the quay and the foundation, which also had to remain partially accessible for site traffic. Afterwards, we lifted the piperacks - including the stainless steel pipes, which we also installed - into place in one motion using two cranes and assembled them. We sat regularly with the other (sub)contractors involved to put together the difficult construction and logistical puzzle. Thanks to the fine, constructive atmosphere on the construction site, this worked out excellently! Everyone was motivated to make the most of it. Both STANDIC and ourselves are therefore extremely satisfied with the final result!"  

Builder
Hametha (Oosterhout, Netherlands)

Main contractor(s).
ASK Romein (Malle)