A strategic location, a state-of-the-art port setting, and clear vision in leadership is what makes the terminal a driver of growth in the region

The Arabian Chemical Terminals Abu Dhabi (ACTAD) has completed work on the first phase of a major liquid bulk storage tank and distribution facility in Abu Dhabi, the UAE.

Located at Khalifa Port, Abu Dhabi Ports’ flagship deep water facility, ACTAD will be the first independently owned tank terminal in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi on such a scale. Phase One was commissioned in July 2023 and and is fully operational.

The two-phased project will help meet the growing demands of the downstream, midstream, and chemical and petrochemical sectors in line with the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 and Adnoc’s regional growth plans.

It will also act as a key driver of sustainable growth in the GCC region and the UAE’s In-Country Value Program (ICV).

Once fully built, ACTAD will cater to diverse industries from around the world, including chemicals and petrochemicals, oil and gas, food and pharmacy and renewable solutions developers, including those invested in methanol, hydrogen and ammonia projects.

The facility is said to have unrestricted product licence that allows it to handle and transfer all types of liquid hazardous materials.

STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES

The greenfield facility is ideally located adjacent to Khalifa Economic Zone Abu Dhabi (KEZAD), and between Al Ruwais industrial city and Dubai’s Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA).

It boasts vast storage capacities, ensuring efficient handling and distribution of all possible bulk liquid products.

According to Raed Al Souki, Commercial Manager of ACTAD: "The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art process automation, highest in class HSE measures, and a very experienced operational team. Our facility meets the highest industry standards and we are committed to sustainability, implementing eco-friendly practices throughout our operations to minimise our ecological footprint."

Furthermore, ACTAD stands to leverage Khalifa Port’s strategic location and advanced infrastructure to deliver optimised and competitive liquid bulk logistics and industrial services for the fluid industry.

It will be further bolstered by the port’s multi-modal connectivity with deepsea access, and modern connections to the UAE’s extensive road infrastructure and GCC railway network.

"With cutting-edge infrastructure and advanced technologies, we are poised to deliver unparalleled services and solutions to our valued clients," says Kasper Castricum, CEO of ACTAD.

MANAGING PRODUCT CONTAMINATION

Since the terminal handles different materials and chemicals, the need to keep them isolated is a top priority.

ACTAD upholds good distribution and manufacturing practices to ensure medical, food and pharmaceutical grade products are handled safe, meet their intended use, and comply with highest regulations.

"Decades of experience tells us that one of the major touch points arising between a terminal operator and a client is the issue of product cross-contamination or unwanted blends. Our terminal is designed in a way that each tank is equipped with a dedicated pump, dedicated line and a dedicated loading arm and dock-lines," says Frank De Leng, Operations Manager.

This creates a safe, closed-loop system to ensure any potential risk of cross product contamination and subsequent quality issues, is prevented.

All tanks also have dedicated vapour balance lines towards the road-tanker gantries ensuring transfers are emission free and it’s safer for dock operators and drivers.

CATERING TO CUSTOMER EXPECTATIONS

As the global market for liquid products expands, the need for efficient and cost-effective storage solutions has become increasingly important.

"At ACTAD, we understand the challenges our clients and consignees face when it comes to managing their liquid products, which is why we are proud to offer our bonded warehousing and storage tank services in Khalifa Port," comments Al Souki.

He continues: "Our state-of-the-art facilities provide a range of benefits for businesses that need to store and handle liquid products. By using our bonded warehousing and storage tanks, our clients can reduce the costs of storage and handling, while also increasing efficiency and minimising risks."

ACTAD can safely and securely handle large marine tankers and smaller feeder barges, break-bulk large parcels into flexi-bags, drums and IBC’s, storage and buffering of liquid products in tanks and pipelines, intermodal transport and transfer docks with ISO tanks to connect deep-sea container liners, road transport with road tankers to distribute products and connect industrial users with their plants, decarbonise logistics and emission free supply chains with innovative product transfer equipment and environment-friendly operations.

Insulated and heated or chilled tanks offer a range of benefits for businesses in the Middle East looking to preserve their liquid products and reduce their environmental impact.

BOOSTING LOCALISATION IN UAE

The UAE has established a national In-Country Value Program (ICV), which aims to enable the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology to improve the performance and sustainability of the industrial sector.

Being a local entity, ACTAD has an advantage to contribute to the national In-Country Value Program (ICV).

Moreover, it can also help other UAE companies enhance their ICV scores by representing them overseas as as their exclusive distributor.

"We bring conventional oil and gas and chemical and an alternative energy experience to Khalifa Port and offer full logistic solutions to support our customers in Abu Dhabi and beyond," says Al Souki

FUTURE OUTLOOK

ACTAD will continue to expand its presence in the energy sector, particularly through strategic locations in the UAE and wider GCC region. Arabian Chemical Terminals also owns and operates terminals in Saudi Arabia.

"We’ve a healthy pipeline of future projects and are eager to support the region with our facility and experiences services. This expansion will enable us to cater to the emerging needs of the local energy market, providing vital care solutions for clean energy storage and distribution," says Castricum.

And with the increasing demand for diversified and sustainable energy sources, the terminal is well-positioned to contribute significantly to this rapidly evolving industry.

"We foresee the expansion of our infrastructure in further phases to accommodate the handling and storage of a wide range of new-energy products, including methanol, ammonia, hydrogen, and other green fuels or carriers," says Castricum.

"By specialising in these alternative energy products, we contribute to the growth of the renewable energy sector. Moreover, methanol, ammonia and hydrogen are offer significant business opportunities and investment potential for large-scale energy storage and distribution in the region," he adds.

With plenty of space available, the terminal has the potential to build additional larger tanks and jetties.

"Expanding into the energy sector in the GCC will not only allow us to tap into emerging markets but also contribute to regional economic growth and the transition towards a greener future," concludes Castricum says.

Arabian Chemical Terminals is exhibiting at this year’s Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (Adipec) at Stand CN6.