Consider running for cover

The market for covered storage continues to edge up as dry bulk terminals look to diversify the range of materials they handle.
 
Biomass is certainly one growth area, but housing stockpiles under a roof  is also driven by speciality minerals and agricultural produce, which risk degradation if left outside. In many cases, a forecast decline in demand for legacy minerals, like coal, is freeing up land in densely packed terminals.
 
This was the case at European Bulk Services (EBS), which announced earlier this year an expansion of its covered storage facilities in the Port of Rotterdam. At its Laurenshaven terminal, EBS will construct 126,000m3 of storage sheds. In addition, EBS plans to put up a 40,000 m3 storage shed at its Europoort terminal. 
 
These new multipurpose warehouses are in addition to the existing 525,000 m3 covered storage, bringing the total capacity to 691,000 m3 . At the end of May, EBS took a 60,000 m3 storage shed into operation the commissioning of which was announced in June 2016. This shed, supported by a long term contract, is suitable for various dry bulk products.
 
Engineering and construction companies Cordeel, Tosec and TES constructed the multipurpose storage shed for EBS in nine months, within the agreed deadline and timeline. 
 
The concrete shed on the quay is made up of six compartments, each of 10,000 m3 . The hatches are mobile, and are operated remotely by the crane drivers. An advanced security system prevents the grab of the crane damaging the walls of the shed, while the roof is fully insulated and prevents condensation from forming.
 
Managing director Jan de Wit said the new capacity will allow the terminal operator to better serve the demand for storage in Rotterdam. “By investing in state-of-the-art land-based facilities, we can reduce the cost for floating storage in barges, while improving the quality and safety of operations. The design will be carried out with a strong focus on flexibility for our customers, and our safety and environmental standards,” he commented.
 
The move followed the announcement by EBS parent company HES International to grow its bulk liquid storage business. HES CEO Jan Vogel said the group’s strategy is to become a European market leader in the handling of bulk products that require covered storage, such as agricultural products, biomass and speciality minerals. The expansion of warehouse facilities will also be pursued in other European ports.
 
The new shed at the Laurenshaven will be equipped with a new crane, and will also be suitable for minerals, biomass and agricultural products. Construction will occur on land previously used for coal storage, and is expected to start immediately after receipt of the building permit. 
 
Going green
 
Dome manufacturer Geometrica has raised the question of whether open bulk storage yards are a thing of the past. That might be considered as unrealistic, but an increasing need for environmental compliance is, in some cases, driving uncovered stockpiles under cover at mines, ports, power stations and cement plants.