________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Around the clock and at ports around the world , Vopak provides infrastructure solutions for storing essential products that enrich everyday life . The company has been doing this for over four centuries . “ We ’ re a global company with 73 terminals in 23 countries ,” begins Maria Ciliberti , President USA & Canada . “ We have over 5000 employees and operate nine business units . I ’ m the President of one of the larger units which is the US and Canada . I ’ m a chemical engineer and have worked in the petrochemical industry throughout my career , both in the US and across Europe , before joining Vopak in 2022 .
“ Our lifespan in this industry is quite incredible . We ’ ve been in business for over 400 years and are one of the safest bulk liquid storage companies in the world . Our standards are global , and products are stored in line with the appropriate safety legislation . Our longevity in this space brings a lot of knowledge . Likewise , as a global organization , even if decision making takes place in the US , we ’ re able to work with our customers wherever their need arises . We are also independent ; we don ’ t own any of the products we store , so we can be objective . There ’ s never any question about prioritization .”
Advancing partnerships
Since Energy , Oil & Gas last spoke with Vopak , the company , in partnership with AltaGas , has announced a positive final investment decision on the Ridley Island Energy Export Facility ( REEF ), a large-scale liquefied petroleum gas and bulk liquids terminal with rail , logistics and marine infrastructure on Ridley Island , British Columbia , Canada . Following a five-year environmental preparation and review process , extensive engagement with multiple stakeholders including Indigenous rights holders and local communities , the joint venture is set to deliver a world class export facility that will operate with industryleading environmental stewardship .
“ The construction has already begun ,” Maria elaborates , “ key procurement contracts have been executed and are valued at over 350 million Canadian dollars . A project of this size is significant , but it fits with our growth strategy to expand into liquefied gases . Another project we ’ re very excited about is the completion of repurposing 22 oil tanks that we have at our Los Angeles terminal . We ’ ve invested in repurposing those assets and they ’ re now storing renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel which is used by Los Angeles International Airport . We ’ re carrying out similar repurposing activities at our other sites too to further drive our renewable fuels strategy .
“ We do have land adjacent to many of our existing sites and continually explore opportunities to develop our capabilities for hydrogen storage with pipeline connectivity into California . We ’ re also looking at low-carbon ammonia as a hydrogen carrier ,” she continues .
Indeed , Vopak strives to actively shape a sustainable future , by advancing partnerships that accelerate the development of infrastructure solutions for new energies . The company is focusing on new infrastructure solutions in the areas of low-carbon and renewable hydrogen , CO₂ , sustainable feedstocks , and long duration energy storage . These future vital products are used as sustainable transport fuels for airplanes , flow batteries for storing clean electricity , and hydrogen , which can be used to store and transport renewable energy .
“ The joint venture approach is often a viable option for us ,” Maria shares , “ and particularly so when we go into new geographies or if it involves different technologies . The new energy space , for example , is extremely capital intensive , so collaborations can help to distribute the burden .”
110