Liquin https://liquinterminal.com/ A world of endless opportunities Thu, 01 Aug 2024 10:25:15 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 https://liquinterminal.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/cropped-Liquin-favicon-32x32.jpg Liquin https://liquinterminal.com/ 32 32 A day in the life of Nick – Dispatch Worker and Day Shift Operator https://liquinterminal.com/a-day-in-the-life-of-nick-dispatch-worker-and-day-shift-operator/ https://liquinterminal.com/a-day-in-the-life-of-nick-dispatch-worker-and-day-shift-operator/#respond Thu, 01 Aug 2024 10:25:11 +0000 https://liquinterminal.com/?p=3575 Meet Nick, 36 years old. He’s a Combination Worker at Liquin. With nearly 2 years of experience, he fulfills a combined role as a Day Shift Operator and Dispatch Worker at our TTR terminal in Rotterdam. What exactly does his daily work entail? Nick takes you through his varied world, in which he’s active both […]

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Meet Nick, 36 years old. He’s a Combination Worker at Liquin. With nearly 2 years of experience, he fulfills a combined role as a Day Shift Operator and Dispatch Worker at our TTR terminal in Rotterdam. What exactly does his daily work entail? Nick takes you through his varied world, in which he’s active both indoors and outdoors at the terminal.

Fixed working hours and varied tasks
Nick works from Monday to Friday, from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM. He appreciates the regularity and stability of his job. Yet, his work is anything but monotonous in his combined role.
“In the office, I handle orders from truck drivers who come to load or unload and process them for the operators outside. When I work outside as a Day Shift Operator, I execute the orders myself”, he explains.

Nick works exclusively with trucks and sometimes with wagons. Loading and unloading ships is the work of a Dispatch Worker, like Marc.

Trucks coming and going
Every day, around 40 to 50 trucks come to the TTR terminal to load and unload liquid chemicals. These trucks are handled by our day shift operators at four loading bays and four unloading bays. Each truck driver is assigned to a specific bay, depending on availability and the type of cargo to be loaded or unloaded.

“During my outdoor shift, I help with loading and unloading at the bay. We do this as a team, and it goes on all day.”

Much of the work at the bay is automated. Nick operates the panel to safely connect and disconnect the trucks.

Sometimes wagons also enter the terminal to load and unload. “We maneuver them into the right position, like a train conductor, and we also learn how to do that. Then we proceed to load or unload.”

Safety is the highest priority
When loading and unloading trucks containing various liquid chemicals, Nick ensures that the correct protective equipment is used.

“As both Dispatch Worker and Day Shift Operator, I take the order from the driver in the office and turn it into a detailed work order for the operator outside. This order clearly states what chemical substance is involved and what protective equipment the operator should use. A colleague checks this again to make sure everything is correct. We all work very precisely because we’re well aware of what we’re dealing with.”

Flexibility and challenge
The variety of tasks as both Dispatch Worker and Day Shift Operator gives his job an extra dimension.

“Sometimes I can be found behind a desk in the office, and the next moment I’m busy outside. Both aspects have their charms, but the combination appeals to me the most.”


Career advancement and a close-knit team
Nick is currently a 3rd Operator and aims to advance to the position of 2nd Operator. He likes the friendly team he works with and enjoys the mutual cooperation. “It’s a great atmosphere, and I enjoy my time here,” says Nick.

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A dynamic, interesting job with excellent opportunities for career development   https://liquinterminal.com/a-dynamic-interesting-job-with-excellent-opportunities-for-career-development/ https://liquinterminal.com/a-dynamic-interesting-job-with-excellent-opportunities-for-career-development/#respond Thu, 25 Jul 2024 09:05:03 +0000 https://liquinterminal.com/?p=3435 It’s our people who drive Liquin’s success. That’s why we do everything we can to attract and retain talented workers. By offering excellent opportunities for career development in a safe and supportive environment, people tend to stay with us for many years. Sjouke de Bruin and Jeffrey Kruimink are proud shift leaders at our Botlek […]

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It’s our people who drive Liquin’s success. That’s why we do everything we can to attract and retain talented workers. By offering excellent opportunities for career development in a safe and supportive environment, people tend to stay with us for many years. Sjouke de Bruin and Jeffrey Kruimink are proud shift leaders at our Botlek terminal and have worked at the company for over 10 years. They talk enthusiastically about their daily work, what makes the job enjoyable and what new employees can expect.

Every day is unique
“Every day at the terminal is different,” says Sjouke. “One moment we’re working with a vessel, the next we’re unloading train cars. It’s down to us to store and handle the products as efficiently as possible.” Jeffrey fully agrees that there’s never a dull moment on site. “We store about 30 different liquid chemicals,” he says.

“Each has its own characteristics and requirements and everyone at the terminal has to be aware of this. Clients also have their own specific requirements. To transfer different products, we have 10 different ways of preparing a pipeline. It’s interesting and complex.”

It’s this complexity and the nature of the chemicals Liquin handles, that makes safety a top priority. “We have safety procedures, work instructions, training courses, you name it,” says Sjouke.  “From the management team to the gatekeeper, we’re fully focused on achieving safe operations every day.”


A critical part of the supply chain
Jeffrey and Sjouke are also proud of the fact that Liquin is an important part of the supply chain for everyday products. “We store liquid chemicals for the fuel industry as well as styrene which is used to make food packaging and other plastics,” says Sjouke. “During the coronavirus pandemic, a great deal of disinfectant was needed, so a chemical storage company like ours was very important for this. No matter what’s going on with the economy or in the world, tank storage is a critical part of the supply chain.”


A clear training path with mentorship
Working with liquid chemicals safely demands skill and expertise, so every new employee at Liquin goes through a rigorous training programme. “When you join the company there’s a clear training path for what you need to learn,” says Sjouke. “We take on operators with an MBO level of professional and intellectual ability and develop their skills and knowledge so they can progress from 3rd operator, to 2nd and 1st operator.” New operators get a lot of support throughout the training process including a mentor who works closely with them so they can learn on the job. The training department also periodically tests operators to ensure they have reached the required level of skill. “People who have gone through this process say it’s a very positive experience,” adds Sjouke. 


Additional training
As well as internal training, people at Liquin also get any legally required training, like VCA, ADR, ADNR and RID, along with any additional education. “As an Erkend Leerbedrijf (Accredited Work Placement Company), we also facilitate external training like VAPRO B,” says Jeffrey. “We have mentors for this too, so if you need to get a diploma you get support in both theory and practice. Every shift has people who we’ve helped to get a diploma.” 


Career development
Once people are on board at Liquin there’s a wealth of opportunities for career development. “Everyone gets the chance to develop themselves,” says Sjouke. “I started as a third operator and worked my way up to 1st operator, then team leader and got promoted to shift leader. You have to seize opportunities and show what you’re able to do. Anything is possible! However it’s complex, it takes time.” 


Broader opportunities
Helping colleagues blossom and grow is a rewarding part of the job. “It’s been great to watch people come in with no experience and develop into fully independent, qualified operators, following the same career path I went through,” says Jeffrey.

“You see people, young and old, flourish and grow.”

Liquin also takes a broad approach to career development. If someone wants to switch careers, they can get support for that too. “We have one facility coordinator who’s developed into a technical specialist in electronics and instrumentation,” adds Jeffrey.


Ideal candidates
Liquin usually has a number of open vacancies for operators, so what sort of people fit the bill? “In the past, we took on operators with A or B training, but now it’s far more important to have motivated people who can and want to learn the profession and work in this sector,” says Sjouke. “If people have the will and the commitment we can develop them into an operator. They also have to contribute to a good work atmosphere. Who a person is matters just as much as their qualifications.” The work is also physically demanding so people have to rely on each other. “You can’t handle everything on your own, you have to be a team player,” says Jeffrey. 


Working in shifts
As well as motivation and a team spirit, people also have to be able to deal with shift work. “We operate 24/7 so we have two morning shifts, two afternoon shifts and two night shifts, each lasting eight hours,” explains Sjouke. “A week for us is ten days with six days working, one rest day and then three days off.” As a result,  terminal workers have a different kind of week and a different kind of social life. “You can often bring your kids to school or be present at things that would otherwise be difficult if you were working a normal day job,” Sjouke continues. “On the other hand, there are things you can’t always attend, like during the weekend or a friend’s birthday.” Although you can’t be free every Saturday for a sports team or be with your family on Christmas Day every year, shift work has other compensations. “I’ve been able to experience a lot of my two daughters’ growing-up because of our shift system,” says Jeffrey. “It has its advantages and disadvantages.”


Ready for the future
Jeffrey and Sjouke have seen a lot of changes over the years, most recently of course, the organization’s independence and rebranding. But this has only made them more optimistic about the company’s future. “We’re a growing company that’s become independent from the warm blanket of a larger corporation,”says Jeffrey.

“We have a lot more young people here, and with this new energy we’re a better company.”

Sjouke is equally positive. “With our new independence and the changes we’ve gone through, we have younger teams and we’ve become more motivated. As a result, we have every chance to become a future-oriented company,” he says.

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A day in the life of Marc – Continuous Operator https://liquinterminal.com/a-day-in-the-life-of-marc-continuous-operator/ https://liquinterminal.com/a-day-in-the-life-of-marc-continuous-operator/#respond Thu, 04 Jul 2024 18:30:05 +0000 https://liquinterminal.com/?p=3402 Marc, 27 years old, is one of our Continuous Operators at Liquin. He proudly works at our TTR terminal in Rotterdam. What exactly does his day-to-day work involve? Marc happily gives you a glimpse into his world, where every day is a new adventure as part of a fantastic team managing liquid chemicals. What’s it […]

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Marc, 27 years old, is one of our Continuous Operators at Liquin. He proudly works at our TTR terminal in Rotterdam. What exactly does his day-to-day work involve? Marc happily gives you a glimpse into his world, where every day is a new adventure as part of a fantastic team managing liquid chemicals.

What’s it like working in shifts?

The Continuous Service consists of three eight-hour shifts: morning (7:00 AM to 3:00 PM), afternoon (3:00 PM to 11:00 PM), and night (11:00 PM to 7:00 AM). With this schedule, operators succeed one another, and there’s always a team of 3 to 5 people present. “Many people think you’re away from home a lot, but the opposite is true,” says Marc as he describes his daily routine. Each Continuous Operator works two morning shifts, then two afternoon shifts, and then two night shifts. This is followed by a rest day and three days off. “I think I spend a lot of time at home. It’s all perfectly manageable with my life outside of work.”

“One of the highlights of my job is the night shift”, Marc explains enthusiastically. “The world behind the gate, the tank terminal world, has something magical. Especially at night. The harbor area has something that either grabs you or doesn’t. I find it fantastic.”

Marc


Safety first

Marc always arrives half an hour before his shift starts. “I like that”, he explains. “A cup of coffee in the office at the TTR terminal and some quiet preparation.” Marc changes clothes at the terminal, where he has two personal lockers. “We all have a clean locker and a dirty locker for our personal protective equipment. Our clothes are washed by a specialized company. My gloves, glasses, and shoes are also in there.” Safety is the highest priority at Liquin. “We work with hazardous substances, so we follow strict safety protocols. For example, we’re not allowed to use phones outside at the terminal. But that doesn’t bother me. I prefer to focus on my work without distractions.”


Getting to work

“My shift starts by reviewing the assignments and planning”, Marc says. “Everything we do outside at the terminal starts with a work order. I get information about the ships docking and what cargo they have. My task? Ensuring everything goes smoothly and safely.”

“I spend a large part of my shift at the quay, where I connect and disconnect ships”, he continues. “Every detail counts, from the paperwork to checking the pipelines. We double-check everything because a mistake can have significant consequences.”

“But my work goes beyond the jetty”, Marc explains. “I also work in the pump room, ensuring pipelines are properly connected to the right tanks and that everything is well-maintained. We also check each other’s work. You don’t want a load going to the wrong tank.” Sometimes Marc can also be found checking the storage tanks at the terminal. “And of course, enjoying the view over the Rotterdam harbor in between.” When he has nothing to do, he does a round of housekeeping. “This way, we all keep the terminal tidy. That’s also part of teamwork.”


Time flies

Marc takes a break when the work allows it, he says. “Often, it’s with a colleague. But if it’s very busy, I sometimes have lunch alone. I don’t mind at all. Time always flies by.”


Growing at Liquin

With 1.5 years of experience as a 3rd Operator at Liquin, Marc is determined to further develop his career. “At Liquin, you start as a 3rd Operator, after which you can advance to 2nd and 1st Operator. Each step takes about 1.5 to 2 years, depending on your motivation. I’m very motivated and hope to make the step to 2nd Operator soon.”

What particularly attracts Marc to the work? “It’s a combination of the challenge, responsibility, and teamwork. And of course, the harbor area’s unique atmosphere. It feels great to be part of this amazing company. The work environment is excellent, I feel valued, the salary is good, and there are plenty of opportunities for further growth and development.”

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Upgraded facilities at LTTR deliver improved safety, increased flexibility and faster client service https://liquinterminal.com/upgraded-facilities-at-lttr-deliver-improved-safety-increased-flexibility-and-faster-client-service/ https://liquinterminal.com/upgraded-facilities-at-lttr-deliver-improved-safety-increased-flexibility-and-faster-client-service/#respond Wed, 19 Jun 2024 11:38:02 +0000 https://liquinterminal.com/?p=3371 Continuously improving both safety and customer service go hand in hand at our terminals. Last year, we completed Melior, a major €32.4 million construction and renovation project at Liquin Tank Terminal Rotterdam (LTTR) which involved modernising one pump room and building an additional new one from the ground up. With the upgraded set-up in place, […]

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Continuously improving both safety and customer service go hand in hand at our terminals. Last year, we completed Melior, a major €32.4 million construction and renovation project at Liquin Tank Terminal Rotterdam (LTTR) which involved modernising one pump room and building an additional new one from the ground up. With the upgraded set-up in place, LTTR now offers the kind of highly flexible and safer terminal operation that clients expect from a multi-purpose liquid chemical storage facility.

Out-of-date facilities
By 2020, the storage tanks at LTTR were in good shape, but auxiliary equipment like pumps, valves, and pipelines were nearing the end of their operational life. In addition, working conditions needed to be upgraded to comply with the latest industry regulations. “Operators were working with out-of-date equipment to connect hoses containing dangerous chemicals,” says Ton Kok, Project Engineer. “Pump room 2 is a major operational centre at LTTR and its floor was covered with so many hoses, its nickname was ‘the snake pit.'”

Project goals
To address this situation, the Melior project was developed and implemented. “Melior means ‘better’ in Latin,” says Mike Lagerweij, Construction Coordinator. “The project involved renewing pump room 2 and constructing a new pump room – pump room 4 – to relieve pump room 2.” With these improvements, the Melior project aimed to prevent exposure to chemicals, improve working conditions, avoid spills and emissions, and bring a higher level of automation resulting in a more efficient operation. 

Uninterrupted terminal operations
While the project was being implemented, LTTR continued operating as normal in order to deliver uninterrupted service to clients. “It was almost like performing open heart surgery,” says Mike. “It required intensive teamwork and communication within our organisation. Right from the start, Customer Service was in contact with clients to keep them informed.” 

A brand new pump room
The first phase of the project was started in March 2021 when pump room 4 was built. To make space for it, a wastewater tank was demolished and the new pump room was constructed in its place. In addition, new pipelines were laid to the jetties and any obsolete piping was demolished. “The manifold we installed in pump room 4 was named after Martin Prins, a late colleague who used to work at LTTR and had the idea to improve the tankpit in the first place,” says Mike.

Rebuilding pump room 2
In the second phase of the project, pump room 2 was demolished and rebuilt. This presented a challenge for the project team since pump room 2 was connected to 16 tanks hired by Liquin clients and that had to remain in use. To maintain normal operations during the early stages of the project, a total of 32 tanklines were modified so they could be connected to the new pump room without affecting clients. Once these modifications were complete, the priority was to finish construction of the new pump room 4 so it could take over pump room 2’s operations. “We came up with an ingenious way to achieve this,” explains Mike. “In close cooperation with clients, we pumped the contents of each tank into another tank and modified the original tank’s pipeline. This allowed us to connect all the pipelines to the pump rooms at a later stage, ensuring that clients’ stored products remained accessible.” Once pump room 4 was in operation, work was started tearing down and rebuilding pump room 2. 

New pumps
Both pump room 2 and pump room 4 were fitted with new Bungartz pumps. These advanced pumps are stronger, faster and more reliable than the old pumps. They are also double sealed resulting in almost no emissions. In addition, the new pumps are more compact giving operators increased space to work. 

Upgrading the jetties
“Another important modification of the Melior project was the replacement of existing jetty lines,” says Ton. “The new Bungartz pumps in both pump rooms were equipped with new stainless steel piggable lines to the waterfront. Via motor operated 3-way valves, it’s now possible to choose which jetty a ship can be loaded or unloaded at.” To power all this new equipment, a new substation was built. The Melior project also re-installed jetty 3. This jetty was dismantled many years ago and is now fully operational offering more dedicated pipelines for specific chemical products and as a result, even greater flexibility.

Highest levels of safety
Throughout construction and renovation, safety was the highest priority. Standard safety guidelines were followed at all times and contractor personnel were required to pass the Port Introduction Training Exam. The construction team also included a Safety, Health, Environment and Quality Inspector to monitor safety and ensure compliance with guidelines.

Minimising disruption
To keep on-site work to a minimum, prevent disruption and reduce the risk of errors, key parts like manifolds, steel structures and supports were prefabricated offsite as much as possible. Construction personnel also worked in small, dedicated teams in well-defined locations.

Safer chemical handling and storage
Now that both phases of the project are complete, pump room 4 offers a lot more flexibility in the storage and handling of the most dangerous product, acrylonitrile. “We now have a fixed pipeline connection for acrylonitrile, with its own dedicated pump so the highest safety standards are met,” says Ton.

Morale boost
As well as improving safety and flexibility, the Melior project has helped reduce loading and unloading times at LTTR. But perhaps more importantly, the new set-up has had a big impact on staff morale. “When the Melior project was finally approved, it gave people an enormous boost,” says Ton. “During the construction period, we noticed almost every day that everyone was positive and helpful.”

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Re-routing wastewater for greater independence, sustainability and client satisfaction https://liquinterminal.com/re-routing-wastewater-for-greater-independence-sustainability-and-client-satisfaction/ https://liquinterminal.com/re-routing-wastewater-for-greater-independence-sustainability-and-client-satisfaction/#respond Thu, 25 Apr 2024 10:29:04 +0000 https://liquinterminal.com/?p=3309 Handling of wastewater is a crucial aspect of daily operations at Liquin terminals. Rainwater falling on tanks and equipment can become contaminated with products making it unsuitable for direct discharge into nearby surface waters without treatment. In addition, water used for regular cleaning of tanks, pipelines and other terminal infrastructure has to be properly treated […]

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Handling of wastewater is a crucial aspect of daily operations at Liquin terminals. Rainwater falling on tanks and equipment can become contaminated with products making it unsuitable for direct discharge into nearby surface waters without treatment. In addition, water used for regular cleaning of tanks, pipelines and other terminal infrastructure has to be properly treated before being discharged. 

Taking control of wastewater
At Liquin, the wastewater from its TTR and Chemiehaven terminals is currently pumped to a water treatment plant operated by a third party company, a few kilometres away. However, Liquin’s wastewater contract will soon come to an end. As a result, a major project is underway to re-route wastewater from TTR and Chemiehaven to Liquin’s own biological wastewater treatment facility at its Botlek terminal. By taking control of its own wastewater treatment, Liquin will not only be more independent, it will also be able to improve service to clients. In addition, the Botlek terminal’s wastewater treatment plant is currently operating at a low load. By adding extra streams to be processed, the plant will handle more wastewater, thereby operating more efficiently and sustainably.

New routing
“TTR and Chemiehaven don’t have their own water treatment plants,” says Marijan Gabrijel, Project Manager Liquin. “Botlek, as the largest terminal of the three, has its own biological wastewater processing facility.” At the moment, wastewater from TTR and Chemiehaven flows southwards along two separate pipelines running alongside the A15 motorway to the current third party wastewater treatment plant. With the re-routing project, the two pipelines will be disconnected at Chemiehaven and joined together so that Chemiehaven’s wastewater can be pumped to TTR. At TTR, wastewater flows from both terminals will be pumped via a joint, under the water pipeline connection, to the Botlek terminal for treatment.

New and existing pipelines
The re-routing project uses a lot of existing infrastructure but will require the installation of some new above ground pipelines at all three terminals in order to realise the new wastewater route. Besides this, the pumping facilities at TTR will also have to be expanded to ensure the transportation of wastewater from both terminals to Botlek. All the necessary permits have been secured and construction work has started. “We aim to carry out the so-called ‘cutover’, when we disconnect, in June, statistically a dry month, to minimise issues related to wastewater discharge,” says Marijan. “After that, we expect the new route will be operational at the beginning of July.”

Multiple benefits
Liquin will enjoy several benefits by being independent from an external wastewater treatment facility. “Wastewater treatment is an essential process for us and we need to be in control,” explains Marijan. “When you outsource it, the treatment plant has its own vision, and when there are problems they tend to prioritise their own operations.” With few alternative options for local water treatment, Liquin has also been at the mercy of any rises in processing prices. The new route will help reduce operating costs. “I also think we will be more conscious of how we deal with wastewater once we are doing it all ourselves,” says Marijan. “As a result of this, I believe that wastewater collected at the terminals will be less polluted. Finally, we expect this project will trigger new ideas and initiatives to further improve wastewater management across all three locations.”

Improved client service
Clients will also benefit from the new route. “During the rainy months, our operators have to manage excess water on-site as our external treatment supplier can’t handle it all. This situation can divert them from serving our clients promptly,” says Marijan. “With the new route, I’m expecting to see an increase in customer satisfaction during rainy periods.”

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Investing in Liquin’s future https://liquinterminal.com/investing-in-liquins-future/ https://liquinterminal.com/investing-in-liquins-future/#respond Wed, 13 Mar 2024 11:24:03 +0000 https://liquinterminal.com/?p=3178 On 1 December 2023, Infracapital acquired Vopak’s three Botlek terminals, adding them to its extensive infrastructure portfolio. At the same time, the former Vopak subsidiary rebranded itself and became Liquin. “We were looking for a liquid chemical storage company strategically located and with significant growth potential,” says Lee Hamano-Crossingham, Asset Management Director at Infracapital. “The […]

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On 1 December 2023, Infracapital acquired Vopak’s three Botlek terminals, adding them to its extensive infrastructure portfolio. At the same time, the former Vopak subsidiary rebranded itself and became Liquin. “We were looking for a liquid chemical storage company strategically located and with significant growth potential,” says Lee Hamano-Crossingham, Asset Management Director at Infracapital. “The Botlek terminals ticked all the boxes.”

Taking a long-term view

With a focus on Europe, Infracapital invests in, manages and builds a diverse range of next-generation infrastructure. It has invested in many assets including ports, terminal operators, renewable energy companies, transport companies, water utilities, telecom masts and fibre broadband networks amongst others. “We manage our investments with a view to sustainable growth,” Lee continues. “That means we take a long-term view with a horizon of up to 15 years. Over that time, we want to grow and develop our assets for the benefit of all our stakeholders.”

Operating independently

In addition to a long-term outlook, Infracapital also empowers its management teams to drive their assets on a day-to-day basis. “We are big believers in backing high-quality management teams. They need to have the skills, experience and ambition to be able operate independently,” says Lee. “Liquin already has a great deal of knowledge and experience across its team and are recognised leaders in chemical handling and storage. Our role is to support management to leverage these advantages to unlock maximum value from the newly independent business for all of its stakeholders.”

Supporting growth ambitions

How will Infracapital support the company in fulfilling its growth ambitions? “In addition to providing fresh capital to facilitate Liquin’s growth, Infracapital has experience delivering corporate carve-outs, such as our prior investments in Recharge (carve-out from Fortum) and Neos (carve-out from SSE). We will leverage best practice from across our portfolio of over 60 companies and help frame the long-term strategic vision for the company and its role in supporting the energy transition,” explains Lee. “We have regular contact with Liquin management and are always available to offer support and advice based on our own knowledge and experience.”

Becoming truly independent

In the short term, Liquin still has a lot of work to do to detach itself from Vopak. It still has links to the IT systems of its former parent company and frame contracts with suppliers need to be revised and localised. “Over the next 12 months, the focus will be on becoming a truly independent company,” says Lee. “These steps are essential, but when done strategically, they will provide the basis from which Liquin can deliver on its long-term ambitions.”

Growth opportunities

One of the key factors for Liquin’s future growth is the spare land available at its three terminals. This will allow the company to expand its facilities to include storage solutions for circular chemicals, renewable and sustainable products along with traditional chemicals. Upgrades to the existing facilities are also an option. “We’re very eager to support Liquin so it can create a range of new opportunities for its clients and grow the business,” adds Lee.

Fast, decisive action

Liquin’s commitment to its goals is demonstrated by the speed with which it rebranded after the acquisition by Infracapital. “We’re very proud that the new company name and logo were developed and adopted by the entire workforce in such a short space of time,” says Lee. “It shows that Liquin is a nimble and results-oriented company that can pull together to achieve high-quality results quickly, and that bodes well for the future.”

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Liquin is the new name for former Vopak terminals in Botlek https://liquinterminal.com/liquin-is-the-new-name-for-former-vopak-terminals-in-botlek/ https://liquinterminal.com/liquin-is-the-new-name-for-former-vopak-terminals-in-botlek/#respond Fri, 01 Dec 2023 16:14:02 +0000 https://liquinterminal.com/4th-lng-tank-gate-is-being-built-3/ Rotterdam, 1 December 2023 – The three chemical terminals in Botlek, Rotterdam, recently sold by Vopak to European infrastructure investor Infracapital, will continue under the name Liquin. This was announced today following the completion of the acquisition process. Liquin is a large and independent chemical storage company in the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp (ARA) region that provides high-quality […]

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Rotterdam, 1 December 2023 – The three chemical terminals in Botlek, Rotterdam, recently sold by Vopak to European infrastructure investor Infracapital, will continue under the name Liquin. This was announced today following the completion of the acquisition process.

Liquin is a large and independent chemical storage company in the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp (ARA) region that provides high-quality storage infrastructure services to its customers. Liquin has the ambition to grow in terms of sustainability, flexibility and efficiency under its new ownership. The world is changing and Liquin happily embraces those changes. By connecting the right parties, and identifying and seizing opportunities, the company will help its customers explore new avenues and grow their businesses. Liquin’s mission is: Building a world of endless opportunities. The company specializes in the handling and storage of complex chemical products. Liquin comprises the Botlek, Chemiehaven and TTR terminals where products such as ethanol, methanol, styrene and acrylonitrile are stored. Accordingly, safety is, and will always be, the number 1 priority for the company.


Confidence in the future

Our name has changed, but much will stay the same. The contracts and agreements continue unchanged, the management team and organization will also remain the same. We are confident that our company has a bright future. We are at the most advantageous location in the port of Rotterdam and, unlike many other companies, we still have space available to expand.

CEO Janhein van den Eijnden

Tremendous new momentum
Liquin employs 350 people, all of whom are involved in the transition from Vopak to the new company. Van den Eijnden: “The sale has created tremendous new momentum. Our employees want to make Liquin a success. Many of them have worked here for a long time and are eager to remain leaders in the handling and storage of liquid bulk and fine chemicals. Together with our clients, we want to explore new avenues, including the storage of renewable and sustainable products. Working safely remains of course our key priority.”

About Liquin
Liquin comprises a portfolio of three chemical terminals with a storage capacity of 1.5 million cbm. Liquin is strategically located in the Port of Rotterdam with excellent connectivity with surrounding chemical plants as well as with the Hinterland. Liquin offers extensive ship and barge access through 23 jetties, including 13 deep-sea jetties, and provides pipelines, truck and (un)loading facilities. A broad range of tank sizes offer our clients the flexibility to scale up or down according to current needs. Well-positioned for new energies and circular chemicals development, clients can start with smaller tanks and move to larger tanks as they scale up.

About Infracapital
Infracapital invests in, builds and manages a diverse range of essential infrastructure to meet the changing needs of society and support long-term economic growth. We take an active role in all of our investments, whether nascent or large, to fulfill their potential and ensure they are adaptable and resilient. Our approach creates value for our investors, as we target investments with the scope for stable and sustainable growth. Our portfolio companies work closely with the communities where they are based, to the benefit of all stakeholders. Infracapital is well positioned to deliver the significant investment required to help build the future. The founder-led team of experienced specialists has worked with more than 60 companies around Europe and has raised and managed €8.8 billion of client capital across seven funds. Infracapital is part of M&G Plc, an international savings and investments business, managing money for around 5 million retail customers and more than 800 institutional clients in 26 markets. Total assets under management are £342 billion (as at 31 December 2022).

https://www.infracapital.co.uk/

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A world of endless opportunities https://liquinterminal.com/a-world-of-endless-opportunities/ https://liquinterminal.com/a-world-of-endless-opportunities/#respond Fri, 01 Dec 2023 14:00:00 +0000 https://liquinterminal.com/4th-lng-tank-gate-is-being-built-2/ The world around us is changing rapidly. We embrace that change. We must if we want to remain a leader in the handling and storage of bulk liquid and special chemical products. Liquin stands for sustainability, flexibility and efficiency, with safety as our number 1 priority. By connecting the right players, and identifying and seizing […]

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The world around us is changing rapidly. We embrace that change. We must if we want to remain a leader in the handling and storage of bulk liquid and special chemical products. Liquin stands for sustainability, flexibility and efficiency, with safety as our number 1 priority. By connecting the right players, and identifying and seizing opportunities, we help our clients chart new courses, in the energy transition for example. And we help their businesses grow. As a result, we create a world of endless opportunities.

A new name, a new logo, a new identity
Combine liquid and industry and you get our new name: Liquin. A modern, invigorating name in a traditional sector. A name that exudes energy with a logo that communicates strength.

Best in port position
Liquin has a strong position in the Port of Rotterdam, both literally and figuratively. We are an important and independent storage terminal for chemical products in the ARA region (Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp). And we are located in a fantastic place, where – unlike many other companies – we still have space to expand. For existing and new clients. Together, we want to explore new avenues, including the storage of renewable and sustainable products.

The best service
At Liquin we deliver the best possible service. Always and everywhere. To our clients, business contacts and authorities. We understand what is important to them and act accordingly. Only the highest quality and safety standards are good enough for us. Where others stop, we go that extra step further. We offer excellent multimodal connectivity including deep-sea vessels, barges, pipelines, trucks and trains. Our unique location in Botlek with extensive access through 30 jetties for sea vessels and barges plus a broad range of tank sizes give clients the flexibility to scale up or down depending on their current needs. As a result, we make the world more sustainable, clean and safe.

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Vopak reaches agreement with Infracapital on the sale of its chemical terminals in Rotterdam  https://liquinterminal.com/vopak-reaches-agreement-with-infracapital-on-the-sale-of-its-chemical-terminals-in-rotterdam/ https://liquinterminal.com/vopak-reaches-agreement-with-infracapital-on-the-sale-of-its-chemical-terminals-in-rotterdam/#respond Tue, 19 Sep 2023 06:00:00 +0000 https://liquinterminal.com/?p=191 Rotterdam, The Netherlands, 19 September 2023 08:00 CEST  Vopak announces that it has reached an agreement with Infracapital on the sale of its three chemical terminals in Rotterdam (Botlek, TTR and Chemiehaven) for a total purchase price of EUR 407 million including a conditional deferred payment of EUR 19.5 million. Total expected cash receipt net […]

Het bericht Vopak reaches agreement with Infracapital on the sale of its chemical terminals in Rotterdam  verscheen eerst op Liquin.

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Rotterdam, The Netherlands, 19 September 2023 08:00 CEST 

Vopak announces that it has reached an agreement with Infracapital on the sale of its three chemical terminals in Rotterdam (Botlek, TTR and Chemiehaven) for a total purchase price of EUR 407 million including a conditional deferred payment of EUR 19.5 million. Total expected cash receipt net of transaction costs and net debt items at closing is around EUR 368 million. This divestment follows the strategic review as announced on 15 February 2023. The combined operational capacity of the three terminals is 1.4 million cbm. 

Infracapital, the infrastructure equity investment arm of M&G Plc, is a specialist European infrastructure investor with over 20 years of experience and a proven track record of owning infrastructure assets in the Netherlands. 

The transaction is subject to works council consultation and customary closing conditions and is expected to close before year end. 

Vopak expects to partially reverse the cash generating unit impairment charges, recorded in 2022 related to the divested terminal assets, for an amount of around EUR 54 million to be reported as an exceptional item. FY 2022 EBITDA excluding exceptional items of these entities was approximately EUR 45 million. 

Vopak Business Unit President Netherlands:

“Although within Vopak we will surely miss our colleagues at the chemical terminals in Rotterdam, we are convinced that our customers and colleagues will be well served by partnering with Infracapital who is a long term and an experienced infrastructure investor. We would like to thank everyone involved for their trust and contribution to Vopak and will work together, with among others the works council towards a closing and smooth ownership transfer to Infracapital.” 

Patrick van der Voort

Member of the Executive Board and CFO of Vopak:

“The divestment of the three chemical terminals in Rotterdam is in line with our strategic goals to improve the financial performance of the portfolio, grow Vopak’s footprint in gas and industrial terminals and accelerate towards new energies. We remain committed to actively manage our portfolio towards infrastructure investments that support the long term cash flow profile and return ambitions of the company.” 

Michiel Gilsing

Vopak’s Strategy – Shaping the future 
Our commitment to shaping a better future has led us to set ambitious goals to guide us towards 2030. Our aim is to improve the financial and sustainability performance of our portfolio. In addition, we aim to grow in industrial and gas infrastructure by investing EUR 1 billion by 2030 and to accelerate in infrastructure for new energies by investing another EUR 1 billion over the same period. We are proud to be leading the way in providing infrastructure solutions that are and will be essential to the economy and the daily lives of people around the world. 

This press release contains inside information as meant in clause 7 of the Market Abuse Regulation. 

About Vopak 
Royal Vopak is the world’s leading independent tank storage company. We store vital products with care. Products for everyday life. The energy that allows people to cook, heat or cool their homes and for transportation. The chemicals that enable companies to manufacture millions of useful products. The edible oils to prepare food. We take pride in improving access to cleaner energy and feedstocks for a growing world population, ensuring safe, clean and efficient storage and handling of bulk liquid products and gases at strategic locations around the world. We are excited to help shape a sustainable future by developing infrastructure solutions for new vital products, focusing on zero- and low-carbon hydrogen, ammonia, CO2, long duration energy storage and sustainable feedstocks. We have a track record of over 400 years in navigating change and are continuously investing in innovation. On sustainability, we are ambitious and performance driven, with a balanced roadmap that reflects key topics that matter most to our stakeholders and where we can have a positive impact for people, planet and profit and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Vopak is listed on the Euronext Amsterdam and is headquartered in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. For more information, please visit www.vopak.com 

Het bericht Vopak reaches agreement with Infracapital on the sale of its chemical terminals in Rotterdam  verscheen eerst op Liquin.

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