In a remarkable display of engineering and logistics, Stolthaven Terminals recently captured the attention of onlookers and local media in New Zealand as it floated two enormous tanks down the coast of the North Island. The tanks, measuring an impressive 25 metres in diameter and 16 metres in height, embarked on a five-day, 290-nautical-mile sea voyage from Whangarei to the storage terminal at Mount Manganui.
Manufactured by Culham Engineering in the far north-east of the North Island, these empty tanks, weighing a staggering 225 metric tonnes each, were certainly hard to miss. Despite a 48-hour stopover along the way due to adverse weather conditions, the journey went smoothly, and the tanks arrived safely at their destination.
Brent Metson, the general manager of Stolthaven Mount Maunganui, emphasised the need for stable weather conditions during the barge journey and unloading process. To ensure a successful operation, precautions were taken, including conducting the land transportation and heavy lifting operations overnight, which required road closures. Metson expressed his satisfaction, stating that everything went smoothly, and the tanks are now securely positioned on-site.
These impressive tanks, each with a capacity of 8,100m3, were commissioned by Stolthaven Terminals to store very low sulphur fuel oil for one of its valued customers. VLSFO is in compliance with IMO 2020 regulations set by the International Maritime Organisation, which aim to reduce sulphur oxides emissions in the maritime industry. The customer plans to utilise the VLSFO stored at the terminal to replace heavy fuel oil for ships at the nearby Port of Tauranga.
Metson highlighted the strategic location of the Mount Maunganui terminal, perfectly positioned to serve the port’s needs. The final preparations for the two tanks, including insulation and tank pit wall enhancements, are currently underway. These tanks will take up most of the remaining land at the terminal and significantly increase Stolthaven’s operating income. Soon, they will be ready for the customer to utilise, further solidifying Stolthaven Terminals’ commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the industry.
This captivating story of Stolthaven Terminals’ tank storage expansion showcases their dedication to innovation, expansion, and service excellence. As a leading name in the industry, Stolthaven continues to provide top-notch storage solutions that meet the highest industry standards.
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