Systems Navigator supports VTA in finding the best waterside configuration to secure the logistical flexibility for its customers
DELFT; November 2, 2020 - Systems Navigator assists Vesta Terminal Antwerp (VTA) in identifying the impact of waterfront expansions, in combination with the construction of new tank pits and the corresponding increase in throughput. Various products, such as Jet fuel, can be stored in the new tank pits to better serve changing customer demands. The project provided insights into the expected terminal performance and service levels of the terminal during various future tank pit and waterside configurations.
Next to the focus on berth occupancy and waiting times, capital investment costs and impact on the operational expenses are included to find the best waterside configuration and corresponding changes to current infrastructure.
The first phase of the VTA expansion consists of five new tanks (30,000m3 capacity each), which are partly replacing existing older tanks. The new tanks can be used to store Jet fuel, (Bio) Diesel and hydrotreated vegetable oil. Since Jet fuel is a new product to store at VTA, Systems Navigator has provided insights into the expected Jet fuel logistics in terms of fleet mix, parcel size and flow rates.
Together with the Port of Antwerp and Ineos, VTA is realizing a shared quay wall to further expand its waterside infrastructure. With the new quay, VTA is able to handle the biggest product vessels (up to 280 meters and 160,000 ton DWT). All combinations of potential product group connections to the new quay are analyzed in order to find the marginal gains of any additional product group connection. By comparing the waiting time reduction with the investment and operational costs, the best investment decision can be made.
As flexibility is very important to Vesta, the terminal performance is analyzed with different type of products in the new tanks, each having a different fleet mix, expected number of tank turns and flow rates. Because of VTA’s long term relationships with their customers, it was important to avoid increased waiting times for the current customers at every phase of the expansion when adding the new tanks with the corresponding throughput achieved.
According to Vesta Terminals: “For our upcoming expansion of storage capacity, and new quay wall, Systems Navigator supports us in assessing the impact of this new infrastructure. Simulation of different scenarios gives us more insight into expected jetty occupancy, throughput potential and further expansions or improvements to our waterfront infrastructure. This study, therefore, supports our decision-making and helps us to improve our service level to customers.” – stated Michiel Flier, Managing Director Vesta Terminal Antwerp.
On Systems Navigator side: “It is always very interesting to analyze the terminal operations for a new customer such as Vesta Terminals. Thanks to the great collaboration with the Vesta Antwerp project team, we were able to model the current terminal operations in great detail, resulting in a very accurate base for all experimentation done” – stated Daan Merkestein, Systems Navigator Sr. Consultant.
About Vesta Terminals
Vesta Terminals is an independently operated company offering its customers safe and reliable logistics services in the form of storage and transshipment, primarily for crude oil, refined petroleum products, bio fuels and petrochemicals.
Vesta currently wholly owns and operates three storage terminals in Antwerp (Belgium), Flushing (The Netherlands) and Tallinn (Estonia) with a total capacity over 1.6 million cubic meters. The corporate headquarters are located in Utrecht, The Netherlands. Vesta’s terminals benefit from deep water access and excellent hinterland connection via seagoing vessel, barges, rail, road and pipeline. All of our sites have expansion possibilities.
We have a strong ambition to grow our company to serve the demand of expanding customer base. Our diverse customer portfolio includes international oil traders, major oil companies, petrochemical producers, local fuel distributors and bunker suppliers.
About Systems Navigator
Systems Navigator is a global leader in advanced and predictive decision support technology. Systems Navigator assists their customers in making better decisions on where to spend their capital by demonstrating the impact of change through simulation modelling. Systems Navigator’s Dropboard platform for planning & scheduling helps companies optimize their operations, improve customer service and maximize the use of their assets.
To learn more about this project or Systems Navigator, please contact our office at +31 (0) 15 750 1030, email us or visit the website at www.systemsnavigator.com.