Situation

LBC Tank Terminals is an international storage company for liquid bulk goods, such as chemicals and base oils. The company has several strategically located terminals in Europe and the United States. In Antwerp, the company is expanding its storage capacity by 80,000 m³.

The expansion includes the construction of 28 new tanks, an advanced loading station for trucks and railcars, and a brand-new loading quay for maritime transport. To prepare and design this expansion, KH Engineering has been selected as the engineering partner. For a smooth project execution, in addition to engineering a practical design, advice was given to align the executing contractors with the engineering by other parties.

​Solution

KH Engineering swiftly commenced to translate the project objectives into a practically feasible design, which could be constructed within the operational environment of LBC. The project involved creating space by demolishing old tanks and constructing 28 new storage tanks, each 29 metres high – the tallest tanks in Antwerp. This also included the installation of complex piping, a new loading station, and a new loading quay with an ergonomic distribution station.

A key responsibility in this project was for KH Engineering to integrate the existing external engineering parties into the design process and ensure multidisciplinary engineering. We acted as an interface on behalf of the client and reinforced our overarching steering role towards the other involved external parties and our own advisory role. To continue facilitating the terminal operations for LBC’s customers, product flows are being redirected to other loading positions.

Customer benefits

With the expansion of storage capacity, LBC can handle more loads and, due to our thoughtful design, switch more quickly between different types of products. Additionally, a new ship loading facility has been added, further increasing the loading capabilities.