Vopak opens new rail infrastructure in the port of Antwerp
Vopak Terminal ACS in Antwerp opened a new loading station for loading block trains, increasing the capacity to handle tank wagons at the terminal by 400%, the company said in its press release. The Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Internal Affairs and Security, Jan Jambon and the Alderman for Port, Industry and Work of the City of Antwerp, Marc van Peel, attended the opening.
With the new infrastructure, Vopak ACS strengthens the role of the Port of Antwerp as a chemical hub for North Western Europe. The product group most frequently treated at Vopak ACS are Acetyls, vital raw materials used in many different end products. Think of dashboards in cars, various coatings, and packaging as well as pharmaceutical products.
The Acetyls are first supplied by Vopak's customers via ship in Antwerp. Since the majority of the processing takes place in Germany, the Acetyls are then transported there via rail, therefore, it’s important for the Port of Antwerp to be well connected with this hinterland.
Thanks to the new loading station at Vopak ACS, customers will be able to make better use of the railway transportation. In total, Vopak ACS has 107 tanks, many of which are equipped with stainless steel tanks with all necessary facilities. The total capacity of the terminal is 202,000 cbm. The terminal has loading and unloading facilities for ships, tank wagons and tankers. The personnel of the terminal specializes in the safe storage and handling of Acetyls and HACCP certified products.
