The new infrastructure is being inaugurated together with local logistics partner Tanktransport Peeters
Evonik has modernised the infrastructure of its Antwerp site to strengthen its business with AgraLi and blueSulfate, two by-products of methionine production that are mainly used as fertilisers. Along with two new storage tanks, a new, fully automated loading station for tank trucks will increase the safety and efficiency of the loading process to ensure seamless customer service. The new infrastructure is being inaugurated together with local logistics partner Tanktransport Peeters.
“The fact that we can return nutrient-containing by-products from our methionine production to the natural material cycle fits perfectly into our sustainability strategy,” says Dr. Gaetano Blanda, head of the Animal Nutrition business line. “Since AgraLi and blueSulfate are produced continuously, year-round, yet marketed seasonally, we had to make sure we had sufficiently large storage capacity.”
For the necessary modernisation of the infrastructure, Evonik opted for a leasing model with Tanktransport Peeters as its partner. Evonik in Antwerp has been working with the freight forwarding company, which has regularly transported AgraLi and blueSulfate, for 40 years.
“The Evonik team and Tanktransport Peeters were the ideal combination to realize this ambitious project,” says Ivan Pelgrims, managing director of Evonik Antwerp NV. “Our partnership in this project shows our appreciation for Tanktransport Peeters and our trust in their know-how and experience.”
“Our financial investment, together with Evonik’s commitment to digital optimisation, has produced an outstanding result,” said Bob and Jef Peeters, managing directors of Tank Transport Peeters.
In the first stage, the existing tanks were replaced by two externally built steel tanks. The delivery and installation of the giant storage tanks, each weighing 175 metric tons, required months of preparation and went smoothly thanks to the cooperation of the project team members in Hanau and Antwerp.
Most recently, a fully automated loading station with automatic license plate recognition was built. Here, drivers are responsible for loading their own tank truck. This operation is performed at a safe distance and without the need for trucks to drive through the production facility. One of the benefits is that overloading is no longer possible. The new automated procedure and the reduced loading time led to a noticeable increase in both the safety and the efficiency of the loading process.
The loading station for AgraLi and blueSulfate has been accessible for tanker drivers in 20 languages since early summer 2023.
