The Port of Antwerp-Bruges has announced that Dutch tank storage company, Vopak, is acquiring the shares of Gunvor Petroleum Antwerp (GPA) from commodity trader, Gunvor Group.
This acquisition will give Vopak access to the Gunvor concession in the Antwerp port area.
Vopak will reconfigure the concession with the primary aim of making a positive contribution to the decarbonisation of the industrial cluster on the Antwerp port platform.
Where necessary, soil remediation will take place in close consultation with internal and external experts and authorities.
Furthermore, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges and Vopak will continue discussions to structure a common strategic ambition, which is to jointly develop a new green energy hub.
The site is some 105 hectares in size and offers deep-sea, river, road and rail access, as well as pipeline connections to Northwest Europe.
The adjacent and future pipelines are suitable for transporting propylene, ethylene, CO2 and hydrogen, and more.
Regarding Vopak, Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO Port of Antwerp-Bruges, said: “This Dutch global player has been an established value on the Antwerp port platform for many years and will continue to focus on green ammonia, sustainable fuels and finer chemical products at the new site.
“Not only does this allow Vopak to continue to grow within our port in line with the strategy of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, but we’re also demonstrating how, as a port, we’re shaping the energy transition together with businesses.”
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Patrick van der Voort, Europe and Africa Division President, Vopak, said: “We’re very pleased to have access to this prime location in Europe’s leading petrochemical cluster.
“It offers us a unique opportunity to implement our strategy, forge new partnerships and support the industry in its decarbonisation by developing critical infrastructure.
“The site’s extensive size, strategic location and connectivity to Northwest Europe offer unparalleled opportunities.”
This announcement comes less than a month after Vopak embarked on a joint venture with German hydrogen company, Hydrogenious, for the storage, transport, and supply of hydrogen via hydrogen carrier, benzyltoluene.
