VTTI is a global leader in the storage of energy and other essential products, such as chemicals. The company is also developing new energy infrastructure that the world needs for a carbon-neutral future. ‘We are a non-conventional company in a conventional industry’, says Erik van Ommeren, Vice President Global Project Development at VTTI.
‘That unconventionality comes from the fact that we are constantly thinking forward at VTTI’, Erik believes. ‘We are constantly investing in storing and producing green and transitional fuels, such as LNG. In addition, we focus on converting waste streams such as old tyres, plastics and used fats into green fuels. We introduce new working methods, improve safety standards and implement changes to make our business ever more sustainable.’
Drive for innovation
This drive for innovation is necessary given the company’s substantial ambitions. Erik explains: ‘By 2028, we aim to be three times larger than we are now, partly through acquisitions.’ VTTI currently owns sixteen terminals in fifteen countries across five continents. These are located at key shipping intersections and supply gateways. The total storage capacity is now around ten million cubic meters. ‘Additionally, we want at least half of our revenue to come from storing green energy, including LNG, RNG (Renewable Natural Gas), biofuels, green hydrogen, CO2 and waste that can be transformed into energy or new raw materials. Moreover, we aim to have halved our harmful gas emissions by 2030, compared to 2019.’
Responsible investment decision
As Vice President Global Project Development, Erik focuses on designing and developing ideas, concepts and their business cases within VTTI. KH Engineering plays a significant role in this. ‘KH Engineering provides the basic engineering of the new designs and a development of the BOD (Basis of Design). In doing so, they depict the main process steps in process diagrams, along with mass and energy balances, and present a high-level design. Along with their budget quotes and investment estimates, we can more accurately gauge the intended investments and operational costs, leading to responsible investment decisions.’
Scaling up
‘I have known the people at KH Engineering for years. During my time at Koole Terminals (2012-2021), I also worked with them frequently. It’s a smooth collaboration. They always provide sufficient capacity and can quickly adapt to changes. This benefits our speed; we can be quite an impatient client, partly due to our ambitions. We’re well-positioned and being a major player is an advantage. It gives us an extensive network and the right (local) contacts. Our size also gives us the space and resources to transition to more sustainable products. Meanwhile, we’re scaling up organisationally to bring in enough people and expertise to manage the intended growth.’
Confidence
Erik believes this transition to a more sustainable world is essential: ‘Previously, permits and government regulations were the determinants of greening and emissions of harmful substances in the industry. Now, it's your customers and public opinion that decide what's acceptable. This gives me confidence for the future.’
For more information about VTTI: https://www.vtti.com/