THE WORLD OF OILTANKING VOL. 20/2 AUGUST 2008 connections

Reaching for the Sky EDITORIAL

Showing our true colors Big bunker bargain

“Mirrors reflecting However, we have to be prepared for unexpected events that Oiltanking Odfjell Terminal (OOTS) and Matrix Marine Fuel Pte Ltd signed constantly changing might come out of the blue. Therefore, it is good to know that a long-term contract for the of fuel oil and gas oil tanks to provide patterns made of whatever we have to face, our company has many dedicated chemical parcel tankers calling at OOTS’s jetties with bunkers. bits of colored glass” employees with plenty of grey matter. — that is what you see when you look I am tickled pink to be able to convey some of our colorful When vessels in through a kaleidos- business to you in this new issue and hope you will like reading Singaporean waters need Simultaneity Supplying bunkers to vessels calling at Oiltanking Odfjell cope*. When you hold a mirror up to our business, you will our red-hot news. fuel, they normally re-fuel Terminal Singapore is a welcome discover that it has a number of similarities to this device that when anchored, which is a addition to the company’s overall became one of the most popular optical toys of all time. Gust Spaepen very time-consuming service package. Managing Director Oiltanking GmbH procedure. The signed Just like the tiny fragments of glass in a kaleidoscope, our contract between Oiltanking daily business is continually shifting, transforming and being * Kaleidoscope: was already known to the Greeks. Its name is derived from Odfjell Terminal Singapore the Greek words kalos (beauty, eidos (form) and skopein (to look at). In volatile. And let us not forget the colors: in our dealings with 1816 it was re-invented by the Scot Sir David Brewster. (OOTS) and Matrix Marine “black gold”, we experience both bright and black days. Fuel, however, means that Sometimes we might see things through rose-colored • Black Gold = oil • To enjoy the rub of green = to have vessels calling at OOTS • Black Day = unlucky day good luck spectacles before discovering, for example, that red tape can • Red-hot news = latest news • To have plenty of grey matter = to jetties can be supplied with often halt the progress of a project for some time. We observe • Red tape = bureaucracy be intelligent fuel via a pipeline, • Blue chip = first class • To be tickled pink = to be delighted how enterprises turn out to be true blue chips or become • Out of the blue = suddenly • To see something through rose- concurrent with their cargo white elephants. • White elephant = a supposedly colored spectacles = to see operations. To facilitate this, valuable possession whose cost something better/brighter than it Luckily, up to now Oiltanking has enjoyed the rub of the green. exceeds its usefulness actually is three tanks have been custom built for the purpose of storing and supplying bunker fuels for Matrix Highlights in this issue Marine. The two 6,000 cbm fuel oil tanks and the 1,000 cbm gas oil tank will be ready on August 1, 2008, while the official commencement of services is scheduled for one month later. OOTS will receive both products by Port Authority of Singapore to conduct annual volume of 144,000 MT for fuel oil ship and, on behalf of Matrix, load the board to board operations for chemicals. and 12,000 MT for gas oil. GOAN HOUSES products onto the vessels. Besides saving time, this also carries New tank Color under various other advantages. The new In recognition of the favorable conditions 5 field party 8 one roof This is a first in Singapore and will further project will help alleviate the port’s mentioned Odfjell Shipping, one of the enhance OOTS’s role as an attractive and congestion and reduce the risk of oil largest chemical tanker owners and efficient “one-stop shop” for ships calling pollution compared to the current operators, has signed a long-term at the terminal. OOTS already provides a bunkering operation while anchored. contract with Matrix Marine to off-take range of simultaneous services to vessels bunkers at OOTS whenever any of its aimed at reducing the vessels’ time in Matrix Marine supplies fuel oil to ocean- vessels call there and require fuel. The port, such as supplying fresh water, ship going vessels around the world. It already initial positive response from certain EUROPE CULTURAL tank preparation via nitrogen purging, has a similar established position in vessel owners, operators and customers Financial EXPERIENCE bunker by barge, and transshipment , Texas, with Oiltanking Houston. is already illustrative enough of the win managers From (both board to board and via ship-shore- The signed contract gives Matrix Marine win-situation for all parties involved. meeting 12 to Sohar 14 ship lines). By the way, OOTS is also the a much sought-after entry into the local only location approved by the Maritime & bunker supply market. Matrix targets an

2 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 3 SOUTH AMERICA NEWS

Successful pipeline S outh A merica commissioning in Honey sweetens business in Argentina Oiltanking completed construction management What has honey got to do with as a means of Oiltanking? You could say that Oiltankers payment rather contract for Petroandina Resources are as busy as bees … but actually the than money. He fact of the matter is that Oiltankers at offered two kilos the Ebytem terminal in Brandsen, per beehive, Argentina, had honey delivered to which meant sweet news for the them. How did this come about? Only terminal: a delivery of 80 kilos of about nine hectares of the land that honey per year! However, at first the was bought to build the terminal beekeeper had to see if the bees Oiltanking Ebytem S.A. are used. The produce honey on that piece of land. rest, approximately 77 hectares, is Sometimes bees reject places! Luckily, rented out to a person who keeps cows the bees accepted their new apiary for grazing. Last year, Oiltanking and recently Oiltankers welcomed the Ebytem was approached by a beekeeper, delivery of the first batch of smooth who asked if he could use a small part and perfect honey. Now we know what of the land for his business. After all the buzz is about! What on earth analyzing all possible issues and are they going to do with so much In 2007, Oiltanking founded a new company in Argentina, in contract negotiations and provided advice to OTLA’s team. exploring every possible scenario honey? It goes without saying that Oiltanking Logística Argentina (OTLA), with the purpose of Seeing that time is of the essence in most projects, work was associated with having beehives fairly not only will they delight in it for their developing storage, marine, and transport facilities to serve the conducted seven days a week during all the start-up and close to the terminal, Oiltanking Ebytem very own consumption but the honey fuel, chemical, petrochemical, and other bulk liquids markets, and construction phases, thus posing great demands on the project had no objections and gave the green will also be put to good use as to offer management and logistic services to third parties. team members. light. In return for the use of the land to corporate presents. What a sweet In May of that very same year, OTLA won an , It is worth noting that the project was completed without lost keep bees, the apiarist suggested honey idea to smack your lips over! procurement and construction management contract from time accidents for both of the parties involved during the Petroandina Resources (PAR) for a new head pump station construction, thanks to the efficient and safe working and crude oil pipeline that required building between the conditions implemented by the different companies. EUROPE Mendoza and Neuquén provinces. Moreover, the stakeholders had to overcome a very challenging PAR, a Canadian company, is the operator of a joint venture hurdle, namely the crossing of the Río Colorado river. Initially Steady growth at Oiltanking Ghent agreement between PAR and Repsol YPF for an oil field located the project called for a directional drilling crossing, however in the southern part of the province of Mendoza. Production further detailed studies proved that it was technically On 3 July 2008, Oiltanking Ghent N.V. had no there has been steadily on the increase and currently accounts impossible to implement this solution due to the non-favorable shortage of good reasons to make a public for 4,000 cubic meters of oil per day. characteristics of the river bed. Therefore, the crossing was announcement. In a joint initiative by Oiltanking The 81 km long, 12 inch diameter pipeline links the oil field in carried out by utilizing an existing pipe bridge owned by Repsol Ghent and the Port of Ghent the national and local Mendoza with the receiving station in the province of Neuquén, YPF, which had to be repaired and upgraded to allow for the press were informed about the opening of a new which is a Repsol YPF facility and head of another pipeline that additional pipeline. tank field with four tanks each containing 18,750 feeds the Lujan de Cuyo refinery. The crude oil can also be The first crude oil was successfully delivered in Neuquén on cbm. At the same time, the starting signal was transferred to Oldelval’s head pump station where the ultimate July 16, 2008. Needless to say the project team was very given for the construction of four additional tanks destination is the Puerto Rosales Terminal, on the Atlantic coast, enthusiastic about this event after having put in a good solid with a capacity of respectively 55,000 cbm. With which is owned and operated by Oiltanking EBYTEM (OTE). year of hard work. Congratulations to both the team and OTLA this expansion the total storage capacity will reach The main construction contractor was Skanska, a multinational for yet another triumphant development in Argentina! 1,000,000 cbm in 2009 and it is no great wonder enterprise. OTLA contracted Arcan Engineering for the that Sas van Rouveroij, President of Ghent Port engineering review and field supervision support. Long distance connection The 81 km long Company, emphasized the importance of Oiltanking The project was more than challenging from the very beginning pipeline links the oil field with the receiving station. Ghent for the port. in terms of finishing as quickly as possible in order to keep down operating costs, since trucking operations continued to transport After the press conference, customers, contractors IN STYLE Huib Jansen (right) and Sas van all the crude oil from the field to its final destination. and local authorities were invited to a cocktail and Rouveroij during the “signing ceremony”. Oiltanking’s Project Manager was Grover Leiva, Claudio Gonzalez dinner party at the charming estate of Kasteel van was appointed Assistant Project Manager and Mariano Astobiza Wippelgem. To the rousing rhythm of a Brazilian band playing Oiltanking logo on a virtual tank shell with true zest. completed the team as the project engineer. Holger Donath, Director on real drums, Huib Jansen, Managing Director Oiltanking Undoubtedly the forthcoming project will enable them to of OTLA, acted as Project Sponsor where he actively participated Ghent, and Sas van Rouveroij, put the finishing touches to the continue writing many more success stories.

4 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 5 PORTRAIT PORTRAIT

We Can, We Care

… in “logistics” Within Oiltanking terminals there are various departments and each of them is crucial for a smooth The “logistics” department and satisfactory work process. Let’s have a closer at the terminal also look at what happens in “logistics” — at the Oiltanking includes “customer services” or “sales”. Our colleagues elsewhere terminal in Amsterdam, the . may call it differently but “sales” and “customer services” are combined here to improve contact with the clients. Such an organization means that all functions handled. In 2007 the throughput was terminal, “customer services” works that require frequent interaction with over 11,000,000 Mt (only incoming most actively together with the customers are aware of all of their products), while manipulations are over department “operations”. The sales clients’ activities. Five colleagues work 6,000 a year. department works closely with “Finance”, in this department: Boris Oudenbroek as well as the Managing Director, Coen and Roderick de Rooij in “sales and “On a very busy day when a queue is Huebner. customer services”, Peter van Leuven building up outside the locks and and Caja Wemmers in “customer everyone wants their vessels to come at When we asked Boris Oudenbroek what services” and Anthony Verpoorten in the same time, our department has to he thinks is the most essential criteria “customs related activities”. How does a make choices and balance it in such a for working in his department, he typical day look like? way that nobody is put at a disadvantage.” underlines that the will to work hard Needless to say, to do the job as and being omnipresent is very important. There is a routine, but it is never the optimally as possible you need a cool Fluency in both spoken and written same! Sounds strange, doesn’t it? But head. A “normal” working week Dutch and English is a must Operational the routine is the planning, and the comprises between 45 to 50 hours – but knowledge helps to give advise to clients planning is never the same due to when is a week “normal”? Colleagues in the best possible way. As for the different loading/discharge orders, with on-call duties easily soar to 60 “sales” part, a qualification from a vessels, products, weather conditions hours and more. Not counting all the business school is of course desirable etc. “Every moment of the day we have sleepless nights … but not essential. And last but not least, to work on our strategy as to how to he mischievously adds that “a good meet our clients’ needs and at the same For the documentation, as well as for a sense of humor!” can move mountains. time decide how to optimize the smooth process, our colleagues from infrastructure and jetties of the terminal” “customer services” work with the explains Boris Oudenbroek, Sales Oiltanking Stock Accounting System Manager. In other words — to make all (OSAS) developed in-house. This parties involved happy. No easy software supports order processing and The A Team (from left) Caja Wemmers, Roderick de Rooij, undertaking in general and knowing stock accounting for the thousands of Boris Oudenbroek and Peter van Leuven keep track that the terminal in Amsterdam is the orders that have to be processed every of tasks and stay cool even in tough situations. second largest of Oiltanking’s 62 year. In order to plan and optimize the terminals worldwide makes it even tougher. On a yearly basis, about 720 vessels and over 3,600 barges are

6 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 7 C O L O R my world C O L O R my world

Holi-day The Festival of Colors called Holi is a popular and meaningful Hindu spring festival where people throw colors at each other.

Gay day Holi, a vibrant Hindu festival, is celebrated with great Color under one roof zeal and enthusiasm.

The Hindu festival Holi may carry various different names and people might follow varying traditions, but what makes this celebration so unique is its spirit, which remains the same wherever it is Spectacles of color Colonial houses in Goa were colorfully painted, thus becoming a sign of individuality and wealth. celebrated. Under the guise of colors, people seem to merge into one big fraternity as it is solemnized by people Color is not only an expression of personal preferences; it also plays an important role regardless of caste, creed, color, sex or in the architectural history of colonial homes in Goa, . age. Worldwide, Holi has the theme of universal brotherhood.

Dramatic and vibrant colors used in abundance with a and color became a tool to discern ownership and creativity. Holi starts the day after the full moon in tinge of white are a typical combination adorning colonial The range of colors was derived from natural pigments — the month of March according to the Hindu homes in Goa. The color concept dates back to the Portuguese yellow ochre from slaked and burnt lime; blue from indigo; calendar and lasts two days. This year, who colonized Goa in 1510 and stayed for more than 400 red from bruised clay; later on shades such as green, pink, this festivity of the rejuvenation of nature, renewed hope of YELLOW stands for optimism and is also regarded as an years. Upon their arrival, Goan houses were either built in lavender could be added due to new techniques. With a color happiness and peaceful existence was celebrated on March auspicious color. It denotes the awakening of new local red stone or in red mud. Only temples and mansions wash, the house looked “dressed” and therefore displayed the 22. On the first day, people gather to light bonfires, which blossoms and is associated with Mother Earth. used black soapstone and were whitewashed. economic well being of the family that lived in it. Not only signifies the destruction of evil — the burning of “Kolika” — a Christians but also Goan Hindus have respected the color mythological character. On the following day, people meet on RED denotes festivity, energy and love. As among Christians white was (and still is) associated with practice over the years. Therefore an interesting and the streets and playfully drench each other with colored water purity and people seemed to be impressed by stately white aesthetically pleasing trend developed. With the change in and brightly pigmented powders are applied to their faces. GREEN means compassion, purity and understanding, and buildings, moreover the new rulers had their own ideas to regime and modernization along with globalization, values The vibrant use of colors symbolizes the advent of a radient is a token of prosperity. draw more believers into their churches. They ordered the have changed over the past few years, too. The indication of and prosperous spring season. compulsory annual painting of houses, after the monsoon had wealth is not a criterion anymore. Houses are still being BLUE expresses new beginnings, trust and peace. passed, and introduced painting regulations: only churches painted after the rains to give them a fresh look, but the Originally, only natural and herbal colors were used. and chapels enjoyed the privilege of being painted completely natural colors of the past have been replaced by synthetic Nowadays, however, darker and longer-lasting tints are After a fun-filled, exciting and vivacious day coupled with white. For private houses, white could only used for highlighting ones in view of the leaps and bounds that have been made in favored so synthetic dyes are also included. The colors dancing to the rhythmic beats of the drums and singing Holi architectural details like quoins and cornices, and window painting technology. Nevertheless, the colors are still vibrant overcome the barriers of language and convey true feelings, songs, the evenings are spent sober-minded. People meet edges and balustrades to contrast with the walls. and a captivating medium that reflects individuality. They but also a message: friends and relatives, exchanging sweets and festive As a result, houses began to develop their own individuality remain typical of Goa. greetings.

8 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 9 LEISURE LEISURE

Hurray, hurray 6 1 it is a happy 7 holiday! Not only are Oiltankers very flexible but they are also willing to face new challenges.

2

8 Spot our colleagues

1) Bullish mood Rashmi Surve, Indian Oiltanking, in front of the Hindu God Nandi, in Mysore, India. 2) Hairy tale Karin Meeussen, Oiltanking GmbH, eye to eye with a leopard in Gomo, South 3 Africa. 3) On the road Kay Schlette, Oiltanking GmbH, viewing a mosque in Samarkand ind Skahr-i-Zindan, Uzbekistan. 4) World heritage Rohit Kalia, Indian Oiltanking, exploring the Elephanta caves, in , India. 5) Earthly beauty Annette De Bruyn, Oiltanking Stolthaven , and her husband 4 admiring the Gullfoos Waterfalls, Iceland. 9 6) In disguise Pele Wendt, Oiltanking Singapore, during the Carnival of Venice, Italy. 7) Malaysian meeting Zakharria, 5 Rozzani, Ibrahim Banding, M Ismail, Ajet and Latiff — colleagues from Oiltanking Singapore, went together with their families to Port Dickson. 8) Husky on the right track Inke Burmeister, Oiltanking GmbH, visited a husky farm in Harriniva, . 9) Nature wonder Susanne Kroeger (left), Oiltanking GmbH, in Rose Valley, a large area in the Göreme National Park in the Nevsehir Province of Cappadocia, Turkey.

10 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 11 EUROPE EUROPE

Spring meeting 2008 WebOffice 2.0. — From May 6–7 2008, Oiltankers from all over the world opportunity for Oiltankers from four continents to get to know congregated once again for the annual Oiltanking spring each other and rekindle old friendships. Everybody had the knowledge is never enough meeting. This time, it took them to a beautiful area just occasion to enjoy the sights during a walking tour around outside the German capital of . Schwielowsee in the Potsdam, including the former residence of the Prussian WebOffice 2.0., a tool for administration and knowledge-sharing, seems to have been the vicinity of Potsdam proved to be an ideal venue for the two-day kings, and learn something about its history. Finally, all the latest craze at Oiltanking for the last half a year. But what does it actually mean and how meeting. Besides updates on new projects in the ever-growing participants gathered for a delicious barbecue in the delightful does it help Oiltanking as a company? Oiltanking world, one of the main focuses of this year’s spring garden of a historic café in the Dutch quarter of the town. meeting was once again HSSE, especially work safety. Here, discussions and talks Although Oiltanking has been doing quite well in this respect, were resumed and continued In today’s information-driven society, the term • Organized filing provides for a structured allocation and, the efforts to improve the performance and minimize accidents well into the night. knowledge-sharing is omnipresent and has become an thus, document search and incidents will continue to be a top priority. All in all, the 2008 spring indispensable element of our everyday lives. In an organization • Access options allow the user to limit access to his/her documents Furthermore, the participants were briefed on future market meeting once again as decentralized and geographically dispersed as Oiltanking, • Interlinking of documents offers the possibility to connect trends on the increasingly volatile international oil markets. A provided a great opening know-how represents a very volatile asset that is not always information of a different nature under several documents feedback session on the “weboffice 2.0” roll-out, Oiltanking’s to intensify the unique available when it is needed. It is important for an organization’s simultaneously new-look knowledge-sharing tool, rounded off this year’s Oiltanking team spirit and competitiveness to exchange and preserve its experiences for • Enhanced correspondence features allow the exchange of spring meeting with valuable input from the users. exchange views and ideas the following reasons: correspondence within WebOffice in a useful, easy and fun way As well as serving as a platform for professional updates, the for the future of the Colleagues go • Staff turnover. Often when a colleague leaves the company • An inquiries & contacts database, when fully utilized, will spring meeting was once again highly entertaining and a good company. beyond words. or is moved to another location, knowledge walks out of the replace the highlights feature and give a detailed and up door with him/her. todate overview of the organization’s activities worldwide. • “We don’t always know what we know”. It is vital that expertise learnt and applied in one part of the organization It took a little over a year for the WebOffice team to design and Financial managers meeting is communicated to another, where it can be used to achieve build the application. Prior to the rollout, a trial database had common objectives. been set up where all the features could be tested at first hand. • Accelerating change. In an environment of constant and The official rollout of WO2 commenced on March 13 , 2008 with accelerating change, information has to be the Singapore terminal and is fast approaching the updated in order to prevent the proficiency finish line with only Latin America waiting its turn base from eroding. in August 2008.

In the case of Oiltanking, the Lotus- Notes based WebOffice was the answer to the knowledge-sharing issue. The WebOffice we are speaking of today (WO2) is the second generation of an application that was first introduced in 2003 as a In the process of the rollout, a “train the tool for the administration of addresses and trainer” method has been applied. This correspondence. It is now known as WebOffice 1. means that a small group of WO2 specialists In spite of its vast potential, it had a number of flaws such travel to each profit center to train selected persons, as low operational speed, unorganized structure and poor now commonly known by the fancy title of “super-user”. The usability. To overcome these hurdles and thus reinforce the choice of super-users was made based on their individual Put in the picture The female colleagues showed off their knowledge and their new Oiltanking shawls. prospects of such a knowledge-sharing tool, WO2 has been capabilities and the nature of their daily work in the organization. introduced. Unlike its predecessor, WO2 has been fully Their tasks include training their colleagues in a profit-centre, On May 19, 2008, twenty-four colleagues from finance embedded in a series of presentations covering the latest developed and built internally. This means that it is designed to providing basic technical assistance and supervising the departments all over the world convened in Berlin, , developments in the group. meet the needs of the company’s industry and, more importantly, implementation and use of WO2. Today, in spite of some initial for three days for the annual Financial Managers Meeting. During the meeting, the colleagues not only had the possibility can be adjusted to satisfy the requirements of its users. skepticism, the WebOffice team is pleased to see the increasing This year, two main issues were on the agenda. One of them to talk shop but also see old faces and get to know new ones. support for WO2 worldwide. It is a pleasure to experience the was a discussion on how to ensure uniform reporting among Excursions such as a city tour through Berlin, a relaxing boat WO2 includes the following features and advantages: transformation in the people’s mindset from “we have to use it” profit centers. The other was an individual training session on trip on the river Spree and a visit to the historical Berliner • WO2 is remarkably faster than WO1 to “we want to use it”. With WO2, knowledge-sharing is no OutlookSoft for each financial manager. The sessions were Reichstag topped off the successful event. • Documents can be accessed off-line by creating local replicas longer a mere catchword but an efficient reality.

12 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 13 CULTURE EXPERIENCE CULTURE EXPERIENCE

A CAMEL on its merry way Where the rocks The Grand Mosque in to one of the many camel jut out of the sea. Muscat and in the background races which take place from the mountain range. From October to April.

summer, the temperatures often reach 50 degrees Celsius to the streets. At the beginning I thought it would be hard with very high humidity. staying here since I am used to a large variety of entertainment Hamburg and cultural events in Hamburg. Meanwhile, I have to admit The day after my arrival, I had my first trip by car from Muscat that I rather enjoy the calm neighborhood and the relaxed to to Sohar. I was surprised by the quality of the road — with two way of life. And if I feel like some entertainment, Sohar has a lanes in each direction that are in much better condition than big advantage: it is located in the middle of the country. You many of our German autobahns — and a road system are only a two-hour drive from Muscat or, in the opposite connecting all major cities and villages in the mountains. The direction, Dubai or in the . main road from Muscat to Sohar runs parallel to the northeast coastline and then on through the mountains towards the Only recently, Sohar itself started to develop due to the Sohar northwest and eventually Dubai. All major motorways in industrial area around the harbor and a special development are illuminated throughout the night, a fact that I found zone for further industrial production settlements. Besides very convenient when driving late in the evening. It really the booming economy, it seems that everything is flourishing makes sense, too, considering that the dark hours are much in Oman: a lot of people here still have some small farms or longer here than in Europe. Even during the summer time, the plantations and, of course, there is also the prospering sun sets shortly after 7 p.m. University and College of Sohar. Incidentally, the Sultan After two and a half years working for Oiltanking GmbH in Hamburg, Germany, Joerg provides free education and a piece of land for every local Neetzke was offered a job at Oiltanking Odfjell Terminals in Sohar, Sultanate of Oman. Traveling from Muscat to Sohar by car takes two hours with Omani. modest traffic. You still need to get used to the roundabouts, As an Arabic country, most of the inhabitants of Oman are Less than a seven-hour flight away from Hamburg, the country is a complete new which appear every 10 to 20 km (except in Muscat itself) to Muslims and traditions are treasured. The industrial experience in terms of culture, climate and geography. stop people from speeding. Once you are used to the development, of course, means new and different influences roundabouts and passing goats or wild donkeys that do not care about modern transport, driving long distances becomes Before flying to Muscat, the capital of the Sultanate of When I got off the plane in Muscat in the middle of the night relaxing and is a stark contrast to the crowded and hectic Oman, for the first time I had to study the world map in order at the end of July 2007, it was not the heat but the humidity, traffic in Germany. But what really made driving a treat were PORTRAIT to find out which part of the world I was heading to. I realized which instantly turned my body into a sponge. Before arriving, the low fuel prices in comparison to Europe. Just imagine: one Jörg Neetzke joined Oiltanking that the Sultanate of Oman is located in southwest Asia, on I had known it would be hot but I never expected it to be that liter of “Super” costs not more than 0.12 Omani Rial, which is GmbH in April 2006 and worked the southeast coast of the Arabian Peninsula — thus being the hot, especially at night, and was somewhat unprepared for less than € 0.25 cents! in the Central Engineering most eastern Arabian country. From the airport it would be a the humidity. At first, I calmed down by telling myself that this Department as Engineering two-hour drive to Sohar, my final destination and new home must be an exception since I could not imagine that someone I had the impression that moving from Hamburg to Sohar is Manager in Hamburg, Germany. for the next two years. Moreover, I only had had little to no could actually endure such unbearable conditions for a longer like moving to a small village. Sohar has got only two hotels, Since the end of August 2007, he experience of the Arabic culture, language, climate and period of time. Even though people had warned me, I did not two supermarkets — a popular meeting place for the Indian has been working as a project traditions up to then. Therefore, I tried to read up on the believe it until I experienced it personally. To my horror, I was and Pakistani guest workers — and the city center at the manager for the newly built country as much as possible and asked colleagues who had forced to acknowledge that from May to the end of September market (souk) with dozens of small shops. During the day Terminal Facilities of Oiltanking Odfjell LLC in Sohar, moved to Oman earlier about their experiences of living the climate conditions would not change. Quite the contrary, time, the city always looks deserted and only during the Sultanate of Oman. there. in fact: August would be even hotter and more humid! In evening hours after the hot air cools off a bit does life return

14 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 15 CULTURE EXPERIENCE ASIA

and also a huge amount of foreign laborers coming into the In the area of Muscat/Mutrah, you can see the mountains country. Approximately 30 percent of them reside here already. “disappear” into the Arabian Sea, towering high above the I was impressed by how the Omani inhabitants deal with this shore-line. Traveling by boat along this coastline is simply situation. They are very open-minded and respect other stunning. You will always find small bays with romantic cultures as long as one respects their traditions, too. They are beaches between the rock formations — most of them only always friendly, greet you and have a small chat with you accessible by boat. Along the southeast coast, the desert wherever you meet them, be it in the queue at the supermarket, extends to the coast. Oman’s coast stretches about 2000 km bank or any other places. And they are very hospitable. It along the Arabian Sea. Needless to say, I just love the happened more than once that I was invited over for dinner or landscape of Oman, which is very attractive in many aspects tea by an Omani. Once in a while, my neighbor would show up and offers a variety of adventures, e.g. diving, sailing, fishing and offer me some fresh fruit from his garden. and going for trips in the desert and mountains. The highest mountain actually is more than 3000 m and is the place where However, it was not only the cheap fuel prices that flabbergasted you can find some cooler temperatures during the hot summer Black rain me or the amazing friendliness of the Omanis or the heat and months. On June 12, 2008, “black rain” poured down on the Oiltanking terminal the humidity that took my breath away, but also the country’s in Daya Bay, . A “black day” for our colleagues and the facility? beautiful nature and geography. It shares its borders with the Oman offers many attractions in addition to its natural beauty. United Arab Emirates in the northwest, Saudi Arabia in the There are a lot of historical monuments such as old forts along west and Yemen in the southwest. The Arabian Sea is situated the coast and in the mountains, not to mention the Grand to the south and east of the country, with the Gulf of Oman to Mosque in Muscat. However, it is a country with moderate On June 6, the Observatory Station issued a the northeast. Central Oman is dominated by a huge desert. tourism. In contrast to the other Gulf Countries, Oman is “black rain” warning for the city. The next day, many parts of Did you know? To the north lies the mountain range of Jebel Akhdar, separating trying to harmonize each new building with the landscape. You Hong Kong were inundated with 1.5 meters of floodwater and The rain season in Hong Kong, China, is normally between the desert from the fruitful area along the coast-line. The will not find any skyscrapers here! the highway to the International Airport was closed for a day. April and September. The rain can be particularly heavy mountain range stretches from the north to the northwest and But that was Hong Kong and the Oiltanking terminal was well and persistent during May and June. The rainstorm meets the sea around the area of Muscat/Mutrah. Just imagine Oman is opening up quite fast to the Western world whilst out of harm’s way approximately 90 km north-east of the city, warnings “amber”, “red” and “black” are a set of signals that those mountains were formed approx. 150 million years thankfully preserving its culture and cherishing its nature. I or so Yeong Kwek Leong, General Manager Oiltanking Daya which are used in Hong Kong to alert the public to the ago when the oceanic crust was pushed up, which was a very admire many aspects of the country, especially the people. To Bay (OTDB), thought. However, he was gravely mistaken … risk of heavy rain, which is likely to cause major rare if not unique process. Traveling through the mountains be honest, the differences in both culture and climate seem During the night of June 12, 2008, heavy rain started falling disruptions due to traffic congestion and floods. They and driving, walking or climbing actually on a “seabed” or huge for someone moving from Hamburg to Sohar. I had to again — this time over Daya Bay. The downpour continued also act as an early warning system for the emergency visiting a nearby Wadi with its quietness, breathtaking beauty get used to a lot of new and exotic things, while the high throughout the following day and although the terminal itself services to be in a position to deal with the situation and wildlife is indeed impressive. During winter-time when the temperatures during the summer months were probably the was not badly affected by the rain, there were signs of flooding swiftly. The Hong Kong Observatory is responsible for temperature is a moderate 15 to 25 degrees Celsius, a lot of hardest to cope with. However, the opportunity to face new on the main road leading into the petrochemical park. At 3.30 launching these signals, which are broadcast over the Wadis have sweet water basins that are inviting for picnics or vocational challenges, get to know a new culture, experience pm, the management of OTDB asked colleagues to stop work radio and on television. The signals mean: even wild camping. I have seen the darkest nights and the new customs and find new friends from all over the world is earlier than usual and set off for home. In hindsight, it turned brightest stars there. definitely worth every droplet of sweat! out to be a very wise decision! By 5.30 pm, it was already Amber: Heavy rain has fallen or is expected to fall impossible to pass through the main streets of Autou and generally over Hong Kong in excess of 30 millimeters per Huiyang, both towns near the terminal. The rainwater hour, and is likely to continue. High Up In the mountains just one overflowed from the rivers and soon reached a depth of two Red: Heavy rain has fallen or is expected to fall generally hour drive from Sohar. meters in the main street of Autou. All sundry shops and over Hong Kong in excess of 50 millimeters in an hour, businesses on the ground floor were completely swamped and and is likely to continue. the muddy torrent destroyed everything in its path. Cars were Black: Very heavy rain has fallen or is expected to fall also submerged and badly damaged. By 6.00 pm, nobody generally over Hong Kong in excess of 70 millimeters in could enter the family resort Palm Island as the connecting an hour, and is likely to continue. bridge to the resort was submerged under one meter of water. Normally, the river flows some 10 meters below the bridge! When the black signal is issued, Hong Kong grinds to a Families living on the resort were marooned while others had complete standstill. Schools will not dismiss students to find shelter and camped out in hotels for the night. Luckily unless there is a visible risk in staying at school, and the heavy rainfall eased off the next day. It was several days everyone is advised to seek shelter immediately. Buses before the normal power and utility supplies could be fully and other forms of public transport, however, may be restored. suspended later to allow commuters to go home, The highway Heading For The day of the “black rain” certainly was not a rosy day for our depending on the demand and the level of risk along the Muscat with one of the countless roundabouts. colleagues in Daya Bay but they dealt with the situation route. MTR (Mass Rapid Transit) services are limited or Many of them boast many brilliantly and fortunately the day was neither black for them suspended due to the risk of flooding. decorative monuments. nor the terminal.

16 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 17 OT SPORTIVE OT SPORTIVE

Two Oiltanking colleagues take team bonding 10,000 feet higher … A safe bet Reaching In June 2008, not only did the weather appeal to the Oiltankers, but also the European Football Championship, for which they had placed bets.

Which football team wins in a © Telemarco/pixelio © Alchemie/pixelio league system? There is a relatively for the sky! simple way of determining this, and there is the method the organizers of the European Football Championship exercise. In fact, their regulations are so complicated that Kay Schlette, Oiltanking GmbH, felt compelled to program the rules in an Excel It was a sunny day in March in Lobos, spreadsheet, as he could not find any a small town outside the city of Buenos fit spreadsheets on the Internet. Aires, Argentina. The adrenaline level the adrenaline rush, the freedom of free- Based on this Excel file, he then was sky high, at least for one of the two falling, and the ultimate relaxed state of created a soccer betting game for his friends, who was being kitted out for a mind … As the club had been informed of colleagues and managed to win over parachute jump. The other person, a their visit, everything happened quickly 48 of them to participate and that was seasoned parachutist with almost 15 upon their arrival: the parachutes were back in 2004. This all proved to be a years of jumping experience, was also ready, the aircraft’s engine was roaring ball for various reasons but well worth excited because of what it meant to be and Holger put on his Oiltanking shirt. mentioning has to be his very own able to jump together. There was no time for second thoughts. designed soccer website including Alvin Anaya, project coordinator, active This was it! some videos which feature the friendly

© Alchemie/pixelio in the office and former It took about 20 minutes for the small rivalry between his Dutch and German member of the national Bolivian skydiving plane to reach the agreed altitude. When teammates. Football (beting) expert Johannes Moerlein, team, had been trying to convince his the pilot gave the signal, the side door Tank Terminal Manager Oiltanking Gera, training a Oiltanking colleagues in the office to take was opened and suddenly it all became When Kay indicated to Gust Spaepen, special young talent, his grandson Oskar. up the challenge for ages. For him, the very noisy … Alvin walked down a footrail Managing Director Oiltanking GmbH, thrill lay in being able to share his passion on the wing until he reached a safe his intention to organize a fresh for this sport with someone else. Holger position away from the main door. Holger betting round for the European Football Donath, Managing Director of Oiltanking and the instructor prepared themselves. Taking the plunge Holger Donath Championship 2008, he jumped at the chance. No points for The betting scores were just as thrilling as the soccer in Argentina, an outdoor sports enthusiast One, two, three … and out!! All three plus (right) and Alvin Anaya, OT Ebytem, guessing who won the last bet in 2004 and the bottle of matches themselves. In the end, it was Johannes Mörlein, in general, liked the idea from the a camera-man jumped simultaneously. had an unforgettable adventure. champagne? Tank Terminal Manager Oiltanking Gera, who appeared to beginning, but needed some time to At first, it was as if someone had stopped be the most knowledgeable about football and he was the take the plunge. time … however the feeling of air literally silent and suddenly the plunge became Three weeks before the tournament kicked off, Kay took the lucky one who could proudly carry home a bottle of Mid-morning, the Oiltanking colleagues cushioning the body immediately took more like a sightseeing tour. Gradually, first steps to update the Excel spreadsheets and the website. champagne. Unfortunately, there was only one winner. and a friend left the bustle of the city for over and the adrenaline was at its peak. the main building of the club drew closer He received eager support from his fellow workers Steffi However, there were no real losers since all the players had the countryside. It was a perfect day, The tiny fields and houses down below and closer, until everyone landed. “Wasn’t Braun and Keith Bezzina, Oiltanking GmbH, as well as an endless supply of great conversation topics — a good since there was barely a cloud in the sky. quickly became larger, the bodies were it great?” asked Alvin. “It was more than Antoine Debono, Oiltanking . In addition, the IT time was had by all. When it comes to the World Soccer Although the summer was coming to an embraced by the roaring sound of the great, it was incredible! Just like you had department in Hamburg provided valuable assistance and Championship in 2010 in , Kay thinks it will be end, the weather was still warm. During airflow, and it felt like nothing Holger told me”, replied Holger. The two friends backing. Once the website was all set to go, Oiltankers a safe bet in terms of even more. the journey to the skydiving club, Alvin had ever felt before. The instructor gave hugged. Both knew that it had been a (both Europeans and non-Europeans) were invited via email explained why he loved the sport so another signal, Alvin drifted away and day like no other. And then it was high to partake in the gaming stake. This time, 75 colleagues much. The beauty of the great outdoors, the parachutes were opened. It all fell time for a cold beer ... from all around the world caught the soccer fever.

18 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 19 C olor my world C olor my world

Color palette TRUE-BLUE The universal Preference for Do you feel blue? Do you see red? Do you look at things through rose-colored “blue” might be rooted in human evolution and the natural penchant spectacles? We are surrounded by colors in our everyday lives — both physically and for a clear blue sky as it signals good weather and stands for pure water. verbally. Have a look at our examples and you will soon see that there are no red herrings! © Alchemie/pixelio

BLACK

SWEET sensory surprise The Spanish word © Erfolg79/pixelio “Vainilla” (from which all other forms are derived) is a diminutive of “vaina” meaning “sheath, pod”, owing to the sheath-like shape TRUE-BLUE. Now it is written in black and white: Women of the fruit. really do like pink and purple more than men. However, the favorite color of both sexes is blue. These likings do not POLY CHROME. When talking about beaches most people depend on culture, character, education or other social tend to think of the white powdery tropical ones like for ORANGE. At least once a year, many Dutch citizens paint factors, but are rooted in human evolution. This is the instance in Boracay, the Philippines. However, do not forget the town red — or rather “orange”. On April 30, the so result of a recent test conducted by Anya Hurlbert and the legendary pink beach on Harbour Island, the Bahamas. called “Queen’s Day”, a national holiday to mark the Yazhu Ling, two neuroscientists from Newcastle University, Or Rabida Island, the Galapagos Islands, which is known Queen’s birthday, the country erupts into one big, all-day UK. In their study, young adult men and women were asked for its unusual red-colored beaches. In addition, there are street festival. Amsterdam and Utrecht tend to draw the to select, as rapidly as possible, their preferred color from black beaches in Costa Rica or Lanzarote, Spain, not to biggest crowds. However, you can also find concerts, games a series of pairs of, colored rectangles. “Although we mention the unforgettable Costa Verde, Sardinia, with its BLACK. “Black Friday”, “black out”, “black humor”… but fireworks and flea markets, where mostly children go to expected to find differences between the sexes, we were famous gold-colored sand. And what about a green beach? what about “black flower”? The natives of Mexico were sell and trade their second-hand goods, all over the country. surprised at how robust they were, given the simplicity of Just head for South Point, Hawaii, and you can wander familiar with vanilla. The Aztecs named the vanilla beans Furthermore, many Dutch citizens abroad stick to the our test,” comments Anya Hurlbert. The researchers explain around in sand that is as green (due to olivine crystals) as “Tlilxochitl”, a word that is derived from tlitic (black) and tradition of making decorations and/or getting dressed in the different color preferences based on the human’s grass. xochitl (flower) referring to the color of the pods. The orange in honor of the color of the royal house, the House hunter-gatherer theory, where women — the primary vanilla vine that has been cultivated in Mexico for hundreds of Orange. gatherers — would have benefited from the ability to stock of years has been introduced into other tropical areas. up on ripe, red fruits. Also associated with red shades was POLYCHROME Madagascar still provides the majority of the world’s vanilla, the rosy-looking face of a man as he sought a promising although there are various other export countries like ORANGE partner to produce healthy offspring. Reunion, the Comores Islands, India and . Another species grows on the island of Tahiti.

It is not easy to grow vanilla. Good cultivation conditions are needed. The pale yellow flower of this orchid lasts only a single day and each flower has to be pollinated by hand. This is why vanilla is one of the most expensive spices. © nvollmert/pixelio

picture courtesy Hollandse Club, Singapore Club, Hollandse courtesy picture GreEn with envy? No need to turn red — many people dream of spending their vacation on a Orange Is The Order Of The Day A lot pristine sandy beach. of Dutch citizens (as well as foreign well- wishers) get dressed in orange in honor of the Queen’s birthday. © Nataraj/pixelio

20 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 21 FAMILY AFFAIRS READER ’ S C O R N E R

We are family ... and action! Try to solve our riddle and don’t miss the chance to win! Please send In order to promote the notion of being “one big family”, once a year some Oiltanking your entries to: [email protected], or contact us by post: offices organize a special day — and sometimes the “real” family members of Oiltanking GmbH, connections Team, Admiralitaetstrasse 55, 20459 Oiltankers are even invited. Here are two recent events. Hamburg, Germany or by fax: +49(0)40 370 99 499.

Wadi family day During his welcoming remarks, Gerard Reumer, CONGRATULATIONS The sum of four numbers equals 89. Chief Executive Officer Oiltanking Odfjell, The first number is 11 less than the thanked one and all for Quiz solution second. The third number is seven contributing to the successes and We knew we could count on you but we were overwhelmed more than the second and six less accomplishments of the by how much our readers enjoyed our brainteaser in the last than the fourth. Can you work out the company during the issue. Some solutions even reached us while the print was previous year. He also still wet. Many thanks to all of you! Maybe next time you four numbers? encouraged each and will have as much luck as Michael L. Smith, Motiva Biofuels, ! everyone, including the whose name was drawn from a hat. Congratulations, the golf The right numbers children, to enjoy a day full balls are on their way to you! of fun and excitement. are: 9, 20, 27 and 33. Hudhud Travels prepared fun games like Pictionary, N E W Q UIZ Oiltanking Odfjell Terminals & Co. LLC (OOT) recently held its waterfilling, sweet-hunting, catapulting, and bridge-building. 3rd Annual Family Day at Wadi Al Abyadh on 15 February 2008. Each person participated in the games, including the little Approximately sixty people, consisting of management, staff ones. Then a hungry group feasted on delicious traditional Can you do the trick? and spouses, children and other relatives, attended the event. Omani food prepared by Ali Mohammed Ali. S U M M E R The family day is becoming a traditional event aimed at The day was a great triumph. Everybody is already looking In 1963, Hayley Mills played the female lead in the comedy promoting camaraderie outside the office. forward to the 4th Annual Family Day! Summer Magic, directed by James Neilson: - M A G I C If identical letters correspond to the same number and viceversa, which numbers need to be inserted for the Go, Trabi go! subtraction to be correct? (A leading zero does not feature.) = M I L L S An afternoon packed with new experiences awaited the Oiltankers from head office in Hamburg on June 5, 2008 on their so-called office outing. After being divided into teams, each group was given their first challenge: driving a Trabi*. This car, with its cumbersome column gear-shift, was the most popular vehicle in former East Germany and now enjoys Healing hues something of a cult status. After picking the drivers, the next According to the principle of chromotherapy, otherwise known as color hurdle came: each team consisting of two cars had only one therapy or colorology, colors have healing properties. This alternative city map and one guide between them. The trick was to stay method of treatment uses color and light to balance a person’s body in touch all the time. In addition, a questionnaire had to be wherever energy is lacking, be it physically, emotionally, spiritually, or filled in with the correct answers, good group pictures had to Trabi tour mentally. Chromotherapists believe that colors trigger emotional reactions be taken and practical tasks, such as tying a sailor’s knot Oiltankers in people and use Luescher’s color test to diagnose patients (developed by exploring correctly, had to be completed — and as quickly as possible to Swiss psychologist Prof. Max Luescher in the early 20th century), which Hamburg on maximize the chance of winning the medal (made of liquorice). involves applying color and light to specific areas and pressure points on their office Not out of the blue People have The Trabi tour took the teams all over the city of Hamburg and outing. believed that colors can dramatically the body. Specific colors — in the right amounts — are thought to have eventually to a delicious buffet. The perfect end of a day filled affect human health, inner harmony healing properties. The chromatherapist’s toolbox includes gemstones, with fun, facts and figures: anything goes! * The name Trabi is derived from the German word “trabant” (fellow traveler). and even emotions for centuries. candles, wands, prisms, fabrics, especially silk, and colored lenses.

22 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 23

L ast but not L east

Papa, patata, vol 20/3 14.10.2008

Although the potato cultivated Deadline: worldwide belongs to just one botanical species, solanum tuberosum, Copy the tubers come in many varieties which differ greatly in size, shape, potato texture, cooking characteristics, taste, and … color! Take, for example, the 3 a times year so-called Vitelotte, a gourmet Bloom Potatoes became French class prized for its deep

fashionable thanks to Queen Marie Published blue skin and violet flesh, Desiree, Antoinette, who loved to wear a red-skinned potato with yellow potato blossoms in her hair. flesh and a distinctive flavor or the Tubira, which has a pink skin and white flesh — to name but a few. While the Incas called the potato papa, Spaniards called it patata, apparently confusing it with another New World crop, the sweet potato (known as batata). In 1797, V.I.G. Druck & Media GmbH, Hamburg & Druck Hamburg GmbH, Media V.I.G. the English herbalist Gerard referred to the sweet potato as Print “common potatoes”, and for many years solanum tuberosum was known as the “Virginia potato” or raz design “Irish potato” before finally displacing batata as the potato. Design Noting that the potato is a staple food in the diet of the world’s population and recognizing the need to focus on the role that the Eijkholt Renate potato can play in providing food Editor security, the United Nations has declared 2008 the International Year of the Potato. Oiltanking GmbH, Corporate Center, Admiralitaetstrasse 55, 20459 Hamburg, Germany, www.oiltanking.com, Telephone +49- 40- 370 99 485, Fax +49- 40- 370 99 499 Gabi Wuestenberg, Manager Communications Communications Manager Gabi Wuestenberg, Published by Coordinator connections Vol. 20/2/2008 [email protected] [email protected] IMPRINT E-Mail