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LBC Tank Terminals, one of the world's largest global operators of bulk liquid storage facilities for chemical and oil products, has recently added extra storage capacity in Antwerp to help bunker players meet new sulphur oxide (SOx) restrictions, which are set to be introduced on 1 January, 2015.

The newly released storage capacity of LBC’s Antwerp terminal comprises six mild steel tanks ranging in size between 5,000 and 6,000 cubic metres (cbm). This includes 5,000 cbm of capacity for the storage of distillates and heavy fuel oil.

All the tanks benefit from dedicated product lines connected to a 568-metre quay that is capable of serving two sea-going vessels and two barges simultaneously, on a 24/7 basis.

"With an average occupancy below 20 percent, the barge jetty allocated to bunkers is ideally placed to allow reliable and cost effective bunker operations with the added benefit of optional blending and/or product treatments, should these be required, and a high level of reactivity and flexibility with two site-based surveying companies and an in-house customs service," LBC said in a statement.

LBC Antwerp is also permitted to receive slops and waste waters to maximize barge availability and reduce operational costs.

"This ISO 9001:2008, ISO 14001:2004 and CDI-T accredited terminal will leverage the site's existing comprehensive infrastructure, which caters for the transportation of products by water, road and rail, offering customers complete logistical flexibility, " LBC said.

LBC Tank Terminals has a global storage capacity of close to 2.9 million cbm across its international network of terminals in Europe, USA and China, delivering storage and handling solutions for a range of liquid products, including petroleum products, chemicals, base oils, vegetable oils and mineral oil.

2015 regulations

Emission Control Areas (ECAs) are sea areas where strict controls have been established to minimize airborne emissions from ships as defined by Annex VI of the 1997 MARPOL Protocol, which originally came into effect in May 2005. New regulations are set to be implemented as part of a phased approach over the coming years, with the next phase due to come into effect at the beginning of 2015.

From January 1 next year, ship operators will be required to comply with a 0.10 percent sulphur limit on marine fuel in Emission Control Areas (ECA).