Sheet Piling of Tankput 19 VOPAK Terminal Rotterdam, Netherlands

Project Description

ESC after working very closely with Europile BV in the Netherlands for several years experienced the first breakthrough into Europe with this order.

VOPAK Terminal in Rotterdam, Netherlands needed to have an impervious fire proof barrier put in place under the Netherlands Government legislation. The oil tanks had to have a perimeter that would withstand the possible scenario of a massive failure of the tanks and all the contents flowing out into the surrounding area. In addition, this liquid could well be on fire at the time so the perimeter had to cater for this potential issue as well. Several alternatives were lobbied by various contractors.

Geka Bouw B.V. won the project with a sheet pile option supplied by ESC. ESC worked closely with Geka Bouw B.V. through its agent in Europe, Europile B.V..

Calculations were carried out by ESC in order to ensure that the stringent requirements of the Client (Royal Vopak N.V.) and the Contractor were met whilst at the same time the budget constraints needed to be adhered to.

Figure 1 Loading of the containers for shipping

Figure 2 Sheet Pile Section Details

Figure 3 Here we see the loading container properly secured for its sea journey to Rotterdam

All sheet piles were painted on the top 4 metres (both sides) with 375 microns of Jotamastic 87 black paint. The capping beams were completely coated using the same paint and thickness. All painting works were carried out in the ESC factory in China.

Extra clutches were sent along with the shipment to ensure that if any special corners were needed to be turned or obstacles caused a variation in the driving line then Geka Bouw BV was able to perform the onsite fabrication without any delays to the project timetable.

All deliveries for the project were carried out in December 2007.

Figure 4 Installation is underway on the site

Figure 5 During installation a simple guide was used to ensure the piles maintained a straight finish

Figure 6 Ongoing installation at site

Figure 7 The installation of the perimeter wall is nearing completion

Figure 8 Installation is almost completed for the first section