In addition to offering storage and transshipment of C3 and C4 gases, ITC Rubis is also able to transload these products with no tank involved as intermediary storage, as is the case at other tank terminals. The vessel pumps the product directly into the rail tank cars (RTCs) through a pipeline via a loading arm.
ITC Rubis is the first location in the Port of Antwerp to provide this type of state-of-the-art operation. It is expected to deliver a much-needed solution for clients, considering the sizeable demand for importing liquefied gases into the ARA region and the fact that very few facilities can store, transship and/or transload them.
The facility will also play a major role in shifting volume from road to more efficient rail transport and will contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions in the Port of Antwerp.
Along with the investment in the construction of the transloading installation, ITC Rubis has also invested in the expansion of its rail infrastructure. The transloading operation involves pumping the product from the vessel via a pipeline directly into the RTCs, which are connected to the gas RTC loading station. This loading station has been expanded from two loading positions to eight positions in total (four on each track). This enables ITC Rubis to unload the vessel directly into four rail tank cars simultaneously. Apart from the extension of the loading station ITC Rubis have also expanded their rail track capacity by building extra rail tracks along the length of the terminal to enable storing and shunting of the block trains in an efficient manner.
The installation will be suitable for all C3 and C4 gases. Typical C4 gases which will be handled are isobutane, butadiene and crude C4 whereas propylene will be the main C3 gas. However, other liquefied C3 and C4 gases can be handled as well.