THE WORLD OF OILTANKING VOL. 19/1 APRIL 2007 connections

UNDER COVER Lee Chee Soon (left) and Hanafi bin Ghazali (right) together with Othman bin Jemadi during the recent chemical spill exercise at the Oiltanking terminal in .

BIO-DIESEL HE IS A KNIGHT Erratic legislation for Former Managing bio-diesel in Director Oiltanking imposes adaptation highly and investment upon decorated by the Oiltanking Germany. Dutch Minister EDITORIAL PORTRAIT

„A Make“ and „Etiquette“

Since Oiltanking was liquids, we are aware of our responsibility and our widening Quite Right — founded in 1972, the ethical role and we will act accordingly. company has grown considerably and has In a world where borders no longer set limits, we also have to become truly international. familiarize ourselves with other customs in order to achieve an He’s a Knight When expanding, it is effective inter-cultural communication. Mutual understanding

always challenging and also implies learning and respecting the unwritten code of KNIGHTING Yke Vermeiden difficult to find the right conduct of other countries, amongst others, preserving global When Yke Vermeiden, Managing Director Oiltanking played fearless and blameless path between change and and local etiquette. Amsterdam, stepped down from his duties at the end of pioneering roles for the conservatism. While adaptation to new conditions and port of Amsterdam and was circumstances is imperative, cultivating existing core values If there is one principle of good behavior which is globally December 2006, he actually stepped forward. Not only in decorated as a result. such as the company’s identity is crucial as well. applicable, it is politeness. Within this context, I would like to the figurative sense as being a pace closer to leisure time kindly invite you to have a look at this new issue with but also literally when he had to come forward several times For years, the motto of our company has been “doing the contributions among others about our conscientious health, common uncommonly well”. This spirit is not going to be safety and environmental policies as well as — of course — all in order to receive awards. modified in the future. On the contrary, it is the basis of our kinds of ethics related topics such as energy consumption, success and we will continue to act according to this motto. business etiquette and lifelong promises. We have always adjusted ourselves to the ever changing Yke Vermeiden, who started his career at Furthermore, there market conditions and environmental requirements in a Gust Spaepen Oiltanking in 1975, can look back at turbulent and is another decoration flexible way. Because we handle hazardous and sensitive Managing Director Oiltanking GmbH exciting years. Since the very beginning, he has Yke Vermeiden can played a vital role within the company. His be proud of. Out of COMING UP ROSES As a entrepreneurship for Oiltanking Amsterdam BV the hands of the passionate leisure sailor Yke was characterized by his far-sightedness and wise Alderman of the Harbor Vermeiden always knows how to decision-making. However, his devotion went even of the municipality circumnavigate impediments further than the terminal itself. Located at the port of of Amsterdam, Mr also businesswise. Certification for Quality Standards Amsterdam, he also set his heart on the Amsterdam Harbor Lodewijk Asher, he In November 2006, Oiltanking’s terminals in , and Terneuzen simultaneously and the North Sea canal areas. To honor this effortless received the “Frans dedication over the last 25 years, he was made “Officier In de Banning Cocq medal” obtained three main quality certificates, which underline the company’s determination to Orde van Oranje Nassau” by the Minister for Traffic and Water of the city of offer quality service at its best. Condition, Mrs Karla Peijs, on November 24, 2006. Yke Amsterdam. It is an Vermeiden again brought his influence to bear equally for Order of Merit and The implementation of the Integrated Quality Management the evaluation, follow-up and up-dating of the system. The those who are the weakest and most vulnerable: children. His one of several System for the three terminals began in 2004 and was certification, guided and executed by KIWA, is just one of inspiring enthusiasm and his vigorous efforts for the Klaipeda decorations the completed in less than two years. It complies with all many perpetual endeavors to improve the quality of OT’s Foundation (an orphanage in Lithuania) during 10 years was A m s t e r d a m requirements of the ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 performance and hence customer satisfaction. admirable. This achievement may also have influenced the Municipality people HANDSHAKE After the standards (*). decision to decorate him. The small ribbon can be worn every day receive for serving knighting congratulators whereas the cross is only meant for very special occasions. Amsterdam during a were queuing up The Integrated Quality Management System is built around period of at least 10 the operational processes that are set up and updated by the years. The medal is different departments with the purpose of realizing continuous named after the Captain of the Night Watch of the City of improvement. This constant improvement and control of Amsterdam, Frans Banning Cocq. processes is based upon the Deming principle (plan-do-check-act). People decorated with this Order of Merit usually sat in councils At present, the system contains about 1,200 documents, or were on committees and have done and meant a lot for the forms and procedures and is fully operational throughout City of Amsterdam. This was exactly the case with Yke the whole organization. A steering committee consisting of THE NIGHT WATCH Vermeiden, who had functions on the Board of the Amsterdam A part of Rembrandt’s famous seven managers representing the three terminals ensures Ports Association (Amports), the Chamber of Commerce, painting showing Frans Banning Cocq, the Captain of Scheepvaart Vereniging Noord (now ORAM), Havenraad * ISO 9001 is the international standard for quality management systems ISO 14001 standardizes environmental management systems A GOOD REASON TO SMILE OT colleagues proudly the Night Watch of the City of (National Harbor Council), and was active on several other OHSAS 18001 applies to occupational health and safety management systems present the quality certificates that are valid for three years. Amsterdam (left). committees.

2 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 3 ASIA

SINGAPORE SINGAPORE Chemical spill exercise OOSH! On November 9, 2006, a Tier 1 spill exercise was carried out at the Oiltanking Odfjell Every other year, Oiltanking terminal in Singapore in order to refresh the participants familiarity with the up-dated Singapore and Oiltanking Odfjell Chemical Spill Contingency Plan. Singapore will hold their customer appreciation party. This year it EMERGENCY CALL Immediately Oiltanking’s fire truck and the haz-mat (hazardous took place on March 7, 2007 at material) truck arrive with well-trained emergency response unit getting ready to OOSH — not only a stylish location tackle the chemical spill. but also a nice play on words for celebrating Oiltanking’s Outstanding the product the SRT wore the PPE (Personal Singapore Hub. Protective Equipment — in this case the level 1 and encapsulated suit) and put a clamp over the If you want to celebrate an important ruptured part of the hose. At the same time event, it’s sometimes hard to find an appropriate water was sprayed over the area to prevent a location. When Oiltanking Singapore and TASTY TEMPTATION waiting at the generous buffet. vapor cloud from drifting towards the shore. Oiltanking Odfjell Singapore (OOTS) invited their customers this year there were several After one hour the drill was not only finished but reasons to toast. One was to thank the customers for their also successfully and jointly conducted. It continuous loyalty and confidence. Yet, the venue chosen — a provided exercises in the coordination and brand new and sophisticated alfresco restaurant called OOSH cooperation in case of a chemical spill situation, — was just perfect for the second reason: the successful Imagine the following scenario: a ruptured hose from and also practiced the call-out of SOSRC and the commissioning of Phases 6 and 7. This state-of-the art which benzene is leaking turns into a fire outbreak at a jetty. notification to the Port Master Department of Singapore. It expansion has a total capacity of 430,000 cbm with three Of course, no one hopes that such a crisis will happen, but it was immediately followed by a debriefing where all participants jetties, which brings the total capacity of OTS to almost 1.2 is better to be prepared. Therefore, each Oiltanking terminal shared their experiences and identified areas that can be million cbm. has its own contingency plan according to their specific improved further. conditions and surroundings. The terminals in Singapore keep Rutger van Thiel, Managing Director, welcomed almost 300 * SOSRC (Sembawang Oil Spill Response Limited), a company engaged by OOTS growing and are becoming more complex. In order to to assist in case of a chemical spill. guests and provided some insights on future developments of familiarize the colleagues with the up-dated plan the above Oiltanking in Singapore and in his speech. emergency was exercised by the Shift’s Spill Response Team Furthermore, the next customer party is already scheduled: ENJOYING THE EVENING (from left) Patrick Tan and (SRT) at the beginning of November 2006. The intention was once Oiltanking’s new terminal in Merak, Indonesia is Rutger van Thiel (both Oiltanking), Alex Ng and Sue also to assess the effectiveness of the spill response commissioned, prospectively mid 2008. Lin (both Morgan Stanley) communication and mobilization procedures as well as the preparedness of the SOSRC* personnel. Here is the simulated Tier 1 situation:

During a benzene loading operation with a vessel moored alongside Jetty 11, one of the loading hoses ruptured and WELL DONE! OT’s professional responders proudly approximately 20 barrels of benzene were inadvertently spilled display the Fully Encapsulated Chemical Suit. onto the jetty structure and from there into the sea. The loading master on duty immediately discovered the spill.

What to do next? He immediately informed the Oiltanking DEBRIEF After the exercise where all SWEET SURPRISE Odfjell Control Room via UHF radio set and the loading participants shared Oiltanking miniature operation was stopped right away. The duty Shift Leader was their experiences and OOSH The name of the stylish restaurant HAVING A GOOD TALK (from left) Terence tanks filled with delicious the On-Scene Commander and he activated all in–house identified areas for where the customer party took place. Leung/Exxon Mobil, Lim Kok Leong/TMC, chocolates as a give-away resources to mitigate the spill. Due to the hazardous nature of improvement. Aluin Koh/CKG and Lin Boon Seng/Exxon Mobil. for the guests.

4 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 5 BUSINESS ETIQUETTE BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

business meeting normally begins with casual “chatting” is considered rude and negative aspects of behavior are often before talks get serious. On the contrary the Americans, the expressed through metaphors. “Entre la poire et le fromage” Dutch as well as the Germans get straight down to business. When in a restaurant they launch into business matters right Dinner has been served, all topics have been discussed and it Between the pear and the cheese after having chosen the food. Don’t be astonished when seems like the right time to leave, last but not least the Americans call you immediately by your given name or take question arises: who is going to pay? Don’t wonder when Business for Oiltanking is international. off their jackets without asking permission and make your Dutch partner who might have asked you out to dinner themselves comfortable — it’s just a sign of “work in progress”. says “let’s go Dutch” — meaning that everybody pays his own Therefore, cross-cultural and intercultural In , Belgium, and the UAE it is common practice to bill. In Germany, pay attention to whoever enters the communications have become critical wait until the starter has been served. Whereas in restaurant first — he’s going to be the one who will take care required elements for its employees. This the show is got on the road when the atmosphere is relaxed of the bill. Your partner in the UAE, where business and privacy for instance while having coffee at the end of the meal or as isn’t so strictly separated, will probably even invite you to comprises understanding the various the French say “entre la poire et le fromage”.** come to his home — so no headache about the bill. If you’re different cultures and, of course, knowing invited to a Mexican business lunch, you don’t have to think and respecting other manners and But what do you do when you don’t like the food that’s about the check either but maybe about the duration. Business being served? Try to be polite and eat a small amount — that lunches can start at 2.30 in the afternoon and easily last until behaviors. What‘s right, what‘s wrong? We applies for every culture. But, when you like the dish very 5.30 p.m. haven’t re-invented the Knigge* — we’ve much try not to eat the last crumbs when you’re in , just asked our colleagues worldwide what’s or Singapore. It’s considered to be impolite and you Finally, the business meeting is over, and you’ve survived. No could come across as being greedy. As for America or Europe, offences, no hurt feelings, just a good get-together with typical for their country and a crucial aspect a “clean” plate is rather a compliment to the cook’s culinary promising prospects. Maybe you should show your host a of their business etiquette. art. You’ve never eaten with chop sticks? No problem, just sign of gratitude, or even give a present? Be careful. In remember not to stick them in your rice between bites or drop some countries people aren’t allowed to accept gifts or are them — it’s believed to bring bad luck. Remember that afraid of having their name associated with bribery. Yet there Here’s the next one. If you meet a business partner for the Americans use their knife only for cutting and later on only are countries where little gifts may be appreciated or even first time, you’ll probably exchange business cards. Your their fork. And don’t be amazed when you’ve to eat with your expected. If you’ve to find one, ... here comes your next American partner doesn’t place great emphasis on titles and hand indeed your right hand in at a special occasion. dilemma. What makes a nice present? What size, what color, status, so she/he will likely just glance at the card and put it how many? Another terrain for cultural differences where away. However, for your Chinese and Singaporean partners When talking business, where do you look and for how etiquette is asked for, but that’s something for the next business cards are vital. Giving and receiving a business card long without offending somebody? While someone is issue! is done by holding it with both hands, and reading it carefully. talking it’s the norm almost everywhere to look at her/him as Never write on the business card or put it in your wallet or it’s seen to be showing interest. Especially the Finns and pocket, but in a cardholder. If you manage to remember Estonians think that giving steady and unbroken eye contact all the names of the participants in the meeting, means a high level of honesty. Avoiding eye contact might be To be on the safe side congratulations! taken as a sign of weakness or deceit. However, in Oman eye contact with Omani ladies should only be short, and try not to Do you want to know a “safe” topic for small talk and for the Next in line is the important question of who sits where? stare at someone too long in China or Singapore. As a “warm up” phase before doing business? You could: Quite easy in Malta: let your guest select where she/he wants westerner you might wonder why your Indian counterpart - ask about the guest’s trip (“How was the flight?” “Was it to sit. As a polite gesture in Belgium and Argentina the guest seems to be shaking his/her head constantly. Don’t worry it difficult to find us?”) will be seated where she/he has the nicest view. However in isn’t a sign of disapproval but rather one of kindness and - mention the traffic the guest will sit on the inner side of the table. The interested listening. Also keep cool when an Indian partner - talk about the weather Let’s imagine a business meeting is planned for 10 a.m. rules are also strict in Singapore and Oman where the guest raises her/his voice, it’s also just another way of communication - ask if she/he has had lunch already When do you show up? Whilst it’s considered polite to be a will sit with the back to the door. In China the host will sit as which has nothing to do with anger or frustration but is merely - explain the surroundings bit late in Belgium, e.g., 15 minutes after the arranged time, far away as possible from the entrance with his most important a sign of being high up in the hierarchy. Nevertheless, when - sports (e.g. soccer, golf) try to be punctual when you meet for instance Dutch, German guest to his right. Your Bolivian host will occupy the head meeting a Chinese partner don’t talk too loud. Shouting, wild and American business partners. In order to reassure your place with the invited business partners to his side at the gesticulations and loss of self-control equals losing face — the business partners in Estonia, and that the corner. In Latvia you should better avoid placing a guest at the worst thing that could happen in the Asian culture. And, when * The German Adolph Freiherr Knigge (1752–1796) and his book “On Human Relations”, is known as the authoritative guide on behavior, politeness and meeting will take place you’d better arrive early, about 10 corner of a table, as young people believe that they won’t your Chinese partner laughs it would be better to check if it’s etiquette. minutes before the scheduled time. Also your Indian marry in the next seven years. You won’t find thirteen people because of something really funny or maybe it’s just the **This expression dates back to before 1660 at a time when one was given a interlocutor will appreciate your coming earlier. Okay — we’ve at a table either. Chinese way of politely covering up their embarrassment. So pear to refresh one’s mouth before ending a meal by eating cheese. To discuss made it over the first hurdle, no offence committed concerning The next difficulty is already looming ... talking business — don’t forget to be courteous and, patient at all times! The a subject between “the pear and the cheese” is to choose the right moment during a meal when people feel relaxed with each other in friendly and cordial the timing! but when do you start! Don’t rush in . Here your same applies to the UAE where every single sign of impatience surroundings.

6 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 7 NORTH AMERICA EUROPE

THRILLING DRILLING Oiltanking completes the Longest Single Directional Drill ever achieved in history. approximately 6,000 feet. However, the through the exit hole back towards the entrance of the original Department at Oiltanking ordered a soil analysis investigation drill. The frictional and gravitational forces of pulling 8,300- across the projected 8,300-foot drill site. This analysis allowed feet of ten-inch pipe are enormous. To address these challenges the contractor to be confident they could succeed in completing and reduce the frictional and gravitational forces, a mud the project. With the right soil conditions and tools, they could engineer was contracted and used a mixture of mud and soap drill 8,300-feet and possibly longer. The contractor, Janco to reduce the drag coefficient on the pipe. After the pipe was Directional Drilling, reviewed soil analysis borings and selected totally installed in the drill, then the remaining portion and a layer of clay approximately 160-feet deep. They then used a other smaller drills were finished by conventional methods. 220-ton American Augers rig with 4-1⁄2 inch drill pipe to drill the pilot hole. There are several major obstacles to overcome The pipeline was completed in December of 2006 with a when making a drill of this length. One impediment is having successful hydrostatic test using water and pressure. Currently the ability to track the drill head through the drilling process. the Engineering Department is installing the required pumps It is imperative for the driller to know the location of the drill and metering systems to operate the pipeline. These steps will bit (both depth and direction) so he can steer the drill bit be completed the first week of March 2007, approximately along the correct path. The tracking device is a signal emitted one year after signing the customer’s contract. from the drill bit and this signal is received via cables along the surface. This drill was exceptionally difficult because a large portion of the drill was located underwater and under the vessel traffic of the Houston Ship Channel. The surface Breaking a World Record receiving cables were placed along the channel and “floated” via long poles placed in the ground. A portion under the In December, 2006 Oiltanking Houston (OTH) successfully completed the of channel was actually drilled without receiving the signal a historical seven-mile pipeline connecting its terminal location on the Houston Ship because cables could not be placed within the channel area. Channel east to its customer’s pipeline in Baytown. This pipeline project of approximately After the pilot hole is complete, the driller uses a reamer to $ 9.2 million set a record for the longest directional drill to date of 8,300 feet. enlarge the hole to the desired diameter. The next step is to weld the joints of 10-inch pipe together and stage the pipe BRILLIANT PERFORMANCE The drilling crew The new ten-inch diameter pipeline will begin began the process of obtaining permits from the regulatory close to the exit hole of the drill. The pipe is then pulled of Janco Drilling Co. transporting condensate and other liquid hydrocarbons in a authorities, such as permits for public road crossings from the continuous operation for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in County and railroad crossings from the Railroad. In addition, March 2007. The benefits for Oiltanking Houston (OTH) of this OTH acquired permits from the Port of Houston for crossing continuous operation will not only be the fact that the pipeline the Ship Channel twice, crossing Carpenter’s Bayou and Exploratory visit will flow with product for at least the next ten years, but also crossing Burnet Bay. OTH was also forced to obtain a permit that OTH will free up its current barge dock for other customers. from the Army Corps of Engineers to cross the Houston Ship When the recently appointed German Ambassador Karl The construction of this pipeline posed an exciting new Channel – a license that required separate environmental Andreas Freiherr von Steglin was invited to Oiltanking Malta’s challenge to the Engineering Department because of the route reports and an archaeological investigation due to historical annual reception last December, he expressed his interest required. The pipeline location was scheduled to run through sites in the general vicinity of the pipeline route. visiting the terminal. He also made it clear that he intends to industrial property but also included numerous landowners, play a more active role with respect to representing the interests multiple waterways, and crossing existing pipelines. One of The next step is to secure the right of ways (permission) from of German Companies operating in Malta. He also underlined the water crossings demanded a world record breaking the landowners. Although the route was mainly through an his willingness to assist them when interacting with the Maltese directional drill under the Houston Ship Channel. The OTH industrial area, the various landowners were not receptive to Government. Finally, on February 9 2007 the visit to Oiltanking’s team, with the key contributors Shaun Revere, Kim Ivy, Chuck allow OTH’s pipeline cross their property. Some landowners terminal was on the Ambassador’s agenda. Unfortunately, the Thompson, Mark McCaslin, Luis Perez and Gil Chartier, rose to even viewed the pipeline as competing with their respective weather was not very inviting that day – actually very bad. the challenge to ensure that this project is completed within businesses. In addition to the industrial landowners, OTH Even though he and Olaf Rieck, Economic and Commercial the budget and on time, using Sunland Construction Inc. as procured right of ways from a church, a pool club, and a Affairs Officer, could not go on a tour round the tank facilities the general pipeline contractor. baseball minor league association. In all, it took six months to they spent almost two hours at the terminal. Alex Fenech, obtain right of ways from twenty-one different landowners. Operations Manager Oiltaning Malta (OTM), introduced them to The first consideration in building a pipeline is to select the the operational part, and facts about health, safety, security, route. This decision is based on cost, ease of construction, and After the permits and right of ways were secure, OTH was environment, quality (HSSEQ) were explained by Jeffrey PUT IN THE PICTURE Leddy Evangelista, Managing the probability of obtaining rights of way and permits. The ready to start construction. The most critical and risky part of Micaleff, Manager HSSEQ. The Ambassador was also shown the Director OT Malta, explaining Freiherr von Steglin (left) pipeline’s route was changed twice early on in the process due the pipeline construction was the 8,300-foot drill under the and Olaf Rieck facts about the terminal control room where he was especially impressed by the to issues with landowners. Once the route was selected, OTH Houston Ship Channel. The longest drill to date had been surrounding technology.

8 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 9 SOUTH AMERICA EUROPE

ARGENTINA GERMANY „Healthy Storage“ Erratic German Bio-Diesel Market While Oiltanking Ebytem, Argentina, predominantly offers storage of crude oil, it also The German bio-diesel market has undergone a lot of changes in recent years. What are proved its competence in dealing with non-hydrocarbon liquids such as sunflower seed oil. the impacts on Oiltanking Germany of a shifting legislation and how can variable customer It has equally successfully expanded its service to liquid fertilizers and is looking to extend needs still be satisfied? it to other products, too. For Germany, the regulatory framework for bio-fuels is the came quickly: the B 100 market went down drastically and the EU directive, which requires member states to ensure that a market became even livelier. Palm oil storage Until a few years ago, Oiltanking EBYTEM (OTE) only minimum proportion of bio-diesel and other renewable fuels requests at the sales department were submitted stored different types of crude oils at its 480,000 cbm tank are brought onto the European markets. By the end of 2005, continuously. farm located in Puerto Rosales, in the south of the Buenos about 2 percent of fuel was supposed to be from renewable Aires province, Argentina. Although this continues to be the sources and by 2010 this shall increase to 5.75 percent. In Since January 1 this year, the energy tax legislation has changed main service that OTE provides to local producers and refiners, order to achieve these targets, in 2004 Germany introduced again in Germany and quotas for bio-fuels have been introduced. with the throughput accounting for 70 percent of the total tax exemption for voluntarily added bio-fuels leading to a vivid Any party that is placing fuels on the market will be obliged to crude oil refined in the country, other products have been market mainly on the bio-diesel side. Dozens of bio-fuel plants ensure that bio-fuels make up a statutorily determined minimum handled successfully for other industries. were built by farmers and investors in a furious gold rush. For proportion (quota) of the fuel they sell on the German market. Oiltanking Deutschland the bio-hype started. Its existing The following quota levels will be introduced: Diesel: as of 2007 “The first non-hydrocarbon liquid stored at OTE was sunflower customers started storing bio-fuels and blending them especially 4.4 percent, Petrol: as of 2007 2.0 percent. These quotas are seed oil” says Holger Donath, managing director of OTE. “It into diesel. This meant new challenges with regard to providing not counted per litre but on the annual sales volume. If quotas was quite an innovation at that time. Tanks had to be prepared dedicated infrastructure, blending facilities and administrative are not fulfilled, heavy penalties have to be paid. carefully, starting with the complete cleaning of all internal support (as new reports and tax declarations were required). surfaces, followed by sand blasting and, finally, the thorough Here again Oiltanking had and continues to invest in dedicated drying of these surfaces by hand, to ensure the absolute non- A POWER FLOWER In addition to the operational requirements at the terminals, infrastructure, blending facilities and administrative support. existence of humidity, which would otherwise have a negative Sunflowers which are native to North America and the sales department also experienced challenges. Hardly a For bio-diesel, Oiltanking already had experience since the effect upon the quality of the vegetable oil”. have been used by Native Americans for more than day went by without receiving storage requests for RME company has already been blending it for some time. For 5,000 years and were brought to Europe by the Spanish (rapeseed methyl ester), SME (soya methyl ester) or PME (palm Ethanol, this is not so easy. Although Oiltanking has The sunflower seed oil is brought in by tank trucks from a conquerors. The tall, rangy plant earned its name methyl ester). This was driven by the disclosure of the definition been blending ethanol into gasoline since 2006 for one customer nearby mill that the client owns in the Galván area, 40 km because its flowers resemble the sun, and because they of bio-diesel which allowed different sorts of Fatty Methyl there is still no indication from the industry if ethanol will be away. The storage is seasonal and typically runs form mid twist on their stems to follow the sun throughout the day. Esters. In the past (since 1999),Oiltanking had experiences blended already at the refineries or if ethanol will be delivered March to mid August, although sometimes it extends until the This phenomenon called heliotropism has the benefit with RME as this was the only FAME allowed among our to the Oiltanking terminal in order to be blended into the end of the year. During the crushing period, production of reducing bird damage and disease development. customers in commingled tanks. When that changed, we gasoline. Industry studies are currently carried out and it is still surpasses the world demand and the excess oil is stored for With its bright yellow petals radiating from a dark hub started experiencing quality problems. not certain in which direction one is heading. In any case, periods when it can be placed on the market at the right of seeds, it can reach up to 12 inches in diameter. The Oiltanking has to invest in infrastructure to fulfil the demands price. “face” of the blooming sunflower has almost “human like” These quality issues of bio-fuel were terra incognita for of its gasoline customers. Thus, sales remain interesting and characteristics and dimensions. For this reason, it was a everybody. Here, Oiltanking was lucky to have GMA (Gesellschaft the learning about new markets does not stop. Holger Donath explains that there is a funny note to this story: favorite subject for Europe‘s greatest artists such as Van für Mineralölanalytik) in-house who provided a lot of support “It was interesting to notice how many of the conversations Gogh and Picasso. and assisted in solving numerous problems. Both Oiltanking over lunch changed when we started to store the vegetable The largest traditional producer of sunflower seed oil is and customers experienced a huge learning curve. Oiltanking oil. Suddenly, all kinds of remarks were made about the Russia. Argentina, the combined European Union, China, also saw a lot of new players entering the market, and it was product and the benefits associated with its consumption in India, Turkey and are all significant producers difficult to evaluate if they were serious and if the quantities salads, or its usage as a soothing oil for skin rashes (obviously of sunflower oil as well. The sunflower oil is high in linoleic they intended to store really existed. Lots of them vanished as this must have been the result of some non-medical believe!) (polyunsaturated) acid, an essential fatty acid. The neutral quickly as they came. or even as a lubricating liquid for door hinges.” taste makes it excellent cooking oil which enhances the flavor of food rather than overpowering it. It is the Due to the loss in tax receipts and the insufficient With time, OTE has successfully expanded its services to other preferred oil in most of Europe, Russia, Mexico, countries market launch of bio-fuels in the gasoline sector, the German products, like liquid fertilizers, and continues to seek new along the Mediterranean, and several South American government decided to reduce the tax exemption as from opportunities to develop the business further. But in the countries. It is also used in cosmetic formulations as an August 1 2006. Only vegetable oil remained exempt from taxes meantime, becoming consciously healthier has certainly emollient. until 2008. The change of the former support policy lead to a increased the Oiltanking’s family salad consumption! totally new evaluation of the bio-fuels market and the reactions

10 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 11 CULTURE EXPERIENCE CULTURE EXPERIENCE

ESTONIA Also called a cool country with a warm heart. The picture shows fishermen on the frozen Pirita River at the estuary of the Baltic Sea.

ALEXANDER NEVSKI CATHEDRAL on the Cathedral COBBLE-STONE PAVEMENT One of the numerous small mountain. Many historically significant buildings streets in the old town of where typically grey from the Middle Ages can still be found in Estonia. limestone was used for medieval buildings.

because they very often have Russian speaking friends or day in the cold after some winter activities or a day in the Hello again Estonia even relatives in Russia, Belarus or the Ukraine. But not only office with long hours behind the desk. the language is different; some of the pictograms used here have also caused me some trouble and confusion. At the While trying to keep oneself warm seems a very reasonable After his trainee phases in Estonia, Finland, Germany and Belgium, Sebastian Sira, beginning of my stay I got a bit embarrassed a couple of thing to do during the winter months, many people here do originally from Germany, returned to Estonia for several years in September 2006 for an times as the gents’ and the ladies’ rooms in bars and not seem to mind the cold as much as I do — especially at the assignment. Although he has already gained some experience in the country of his next restaurants are sometimes indicated by triangles. A triangle beginning of winter. Almost every day it is possible to see how pointing down is meant to be for men while a triangle pointing Estonians enjoy their beautiful and often stunning countryside posting, he is still going through a “warm-up phase”— not only weather-wise. up is designated for women. Not having been familiar with and nature. Most people here really love the outdoors. One of this I had to learn this by trial and error, which was received the best examples is surely the great number of people who During my trainee phases I had already spent a total of looks after its cultural heritage. This can be admired in the with some astonishment by the locals. go ice-fishing. You can see them at almost any time of the day eleven months in Estonia so this is not exactly unknown very well-maintained old city centre (old town), which has (but especially on weekends) on the frozen rivers, lakes and territory for me. Also the fact that I was going to start in been almost completely restored to the splendor of ancient even the Baltic Sea. To protect themselves they wear several Tallinn again in autumn with the long Estonian winter to come times. It always pays off to go to a layers of clothes and very often spend the whole entire day (with temperatures of up to minus 30° Celsius) was a very place to get the real picture outside sitting by their hole on the ice to catch fish (even familiar feeling as I had already spent the previous two winters However, living in such a modern country can sometimes also in Tallinn, one of them working outside in operations. As I be a bit awkward, as I soon found out. When I tried to pay my All in all, Estonians might seem to be a bit reserved to begin already knew the people that I would be working with, I was parking ticket with my mobile phone the first few times. It with but when you get to know them they can be extremely actually very much looking forward to meeting and working turned out to be tricky because the menu navigation on my warm and friendly. During my time here in Estonia, I have with them once again. Nevertheless, moving here on a more mobile phone was in Estonian only. Unfortunately, at that received a great deal of support and help from my colleagues PORTRAIT permanent basis also meant not only watching but also point the Estonian language was still a complete enigma to but also from other people whom I talked to or asked for help. Sebastian Sira started his career adjusting to the different ways things are done here and put me. This led to some quite extraordinary situations as it was The impression of Estonians being introverts might have with OT as an international the same into practice. hardly possible for me to read any signs and, without having something to do with the weather in this part of the world. If management trainee in 2004. He mastered at least some basic vocabulary, I initially got lost in you live in a country where even your mulled wine freezes then gained experience in Kotka, Estonia has one of the fastest growing economies of the new the city while driving around in my car. The language skills of outside if you do not drink it fast enough, you are probably Finland and Tallinn, Estonia as EU entries (Estonia joined the EU in 2004). This is very much lots of Estonians are truly admirable. Many speak two or three less inclined to stop in the street and have a chat with another well as in , Germany and reflected in the booming growing building sector and new languages, namely Estonian, Russian and English, sometimes person. You are just trying to rush on to the next warm place Antwerp, Belgium. After his trainee high-rise buildings popping up every six months. Tallinn is also Finnish. While older Estonians mostly only speak Russian like your home or the next sauna. In this respect especially phase of two years, he was offered Estonia’s teeming and prosperous capital and houses about (sometimes also German) as their second language, the Tallinn can offer many nice places. There are quite a few spas the position as Commercial Manager for OT Tallinn and OT 400,000 people, which is almost a quarter of the total Estonian younger generation has started to concentrate more and more that offer various kinds of saunas, swimming pools and Sonmarin in Kotka. population. While Estonia is a very modern country, it also on English. Furthermore, they are also learning Russian treatments. This can be a very pleasant way to finish either a

12 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 13 CULTURE EXPERIENCE INTERVIEW

Introducing ...

... this time Erik Bogaert, one of the Sales Managers from Management and other terminals. He also stays in contact Oiltanking Stolthaven Antwerp, Oiltanking Ghent and with all kinds of customers and continuously meets new Terneuzen. Among other colleagues, his face will also be people. And there is always something new to learn - be it prominent in Oiltanking’s new advertising campaign ‘we can, about your fellow-man, the international business environment we care”, which was launched last year. or different chemical products. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN A SHORT SENTENCE? Reliable, no nonsense, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? I have no straightforward and correct. What inspires you? People. It idea, but my parents told me I wanted to be an astronaut in could be those I know very well, but equally a child crossing the Space Shuttle. HOW DID YOU FIND OUT ABOUT OT? WHAT the street, the man next door or the President of a country. ATTRACTED YOU? I saw You can learn something from MASSIVE FORTRESS TOWER in Tallinn. Estonia is a job advertisement in a everybody. HOW DO YOU a place where the past and the present meet in a maritime magazine and RECHARGE YOUR BATTERY? genuine and personal manner. applied. At that time, I had By working on our house, never heard of Oiltanking completing the renovation. or the tank storage The physical work clears my To sum up my experience in Estonia so far, I have to admit business before. I studied head and every time I have that I was simply stunned by how modern this country is. The at the Nautical College for finished something I feel a truth remains that it always pays off to go to a place to get the a career at sea, so I was great sense of satisfaction. real picture. At the moment, I am trying to ride out the interested in ships and oil/ WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR Estonian winter. I am really waiting for the summer with its chemical products. Gust SPARE TIME? I spend time BLACK MAIN HOUSE A meeting place in Tallinn for long and bright northern summer days and the very short Spaepen (at that time he with Flore, my cute 8-month unmarried merchants of the Hanseatic cities of the hours of darkness that come with it. was about to become the old daughter and my wife Baltic region. MD of OT Ghent) conducted Véronique. DO YOU HAVE A the interview. I liked the HOBBY? Not at the moment. atmosphere and felt at Until three years ago, I was when the thermometer shows minus 20° Celsius all day long). ease, and that is why I dedicated to the Sea Scouts. Other outdoor activities are of course cross-country skiing, decided to start with This was my life. Since then, I ice-skating and downhill skiing in winter and hiking and water Oiltanking. A decision I have got married, renovated a sport activities during the summer months — so I am told. never regretted. HOW house and had a baby. On top As winter came to Estonia rather late this year there were still LONG HAVE YOU BEEN of that, I am interested in too some weeks when it was possible to go for a round of golf. I WORKING FOR OT? This is many things, I just cannot really enjoyed this because the surroundings are just my 7th year now and still focus on only one thing in marvellous as the course goes right down to the Baltic Sea my first employer. WHAT particular. THREE THINGS YOU and along it. Unfortunately, I have lost a great number of golf IS YOUR JOB DESCRIPTION, LIKE? Fruit and yoghurt, music balls on this course as it can get quite windy down there. But WHAT DO YOU DO? I am a — what would the world be probably that is what all unskilled golfers do — blame it on the Sales Manager in the sales without it, fresh air. THREE wind. team for the terminals THINGS YOU DISLIKE? in Antwerp, Ghent and Washing the car, going to the Living in Tallinn does not limit me to exploring the city and its Terneuzen. Basically, I hairdresser (the stupid chit- surroundings only. Situated in the eastern part of the Baltic maintain the relations with chatting), solving computer Sea there are also a lot of other places to be explored. Finland the existing customers to problems. WHAT MAKES YOU can be reached in less than two hours by boat. St. Petersburg see that all their needs are LAUGH AND WHAT MAKES YOU in Russia is about 350 km east of it and also other cities on the satisfied. I also contact potential customers to close new ANGRY? My little daughter always makes me smile and I Baltic Sea, such as Riga and Stockholm, are less than an hour deals, work out storage requirements to submit proposals and detest injustice. WHAT ITEM COULD YOU NOT DO WITHOUT? way by plane. I am certainly looking forward to starting my IN THE CENTER The spire of St Olai Church, which negotiate contracts. WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT YOUR JOB? The weekend newspaper. WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU HAD explorations this summer. My first destination will be the used to be the highest building the in world between The variety! For instance, people: a salesman has to co- THREE MONTHS OF VACATION? Finally finish the house, but Estonian islands, scattered along the coast. 1529 and 1625. operate with the whole OT organization: HSSE, OPS, F&A, unfortunately three months will not be sufficient ...

14 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 15 E N E R G Y ENERGY

The fuss about

consumption can boost consumption to the magic number of 100. And do • Exercise on an empty stomach. If the body has no food, not forget about the pounds that are melting away while: the metabolic thermostat is turned down even lower to conserve fuel. Energy consumption is a topic that is discussed all over the world. However, there are • Ironing. De-wrinkling the shirts for half an hour also various viewpoints concerning its usage. On the one hand there are people who endeavor fl attens your body and results in 100 evaporated calories. • Take a nap after eating. Sumo wrestlers sleep for at least four hours after eating. to save energy, but on the other hand there are people who like to use it up. Let us see • Kissing passionately. A lovely way to burn 15 calories what we found out about both groups. per minute with a fantastic secondary effect: while kissing • Eat late in the day. Going to bed on a full stomach means up to 38 muscles are trained and the face contour is shaped. that the body must respond to a huge fl ood of nutrients along with a rush of insulin, thus forcing the body to convert Shower Power Bright night • Having a good night’s sleep of 8 hours. The dream of the excess calories into fat. Singing in the bathroom is Heidelberg Public Utilities Service estimated the total use of burning 480 calories, 30 calories per half an hour, by doing a widespread phenomenon. electricity for Christmas illuminations in German households nothing comes true. • Always eat with others in a friendly social atmosphere. Many people like to sing in 2006 to be at approximately 420 megawatts. This equals According to leading researchers, a meal eaten in good there because the multiple the annual electricity consumption of a major airport. In order • Spending time styling your hair and putting on some company can be at least 44 percent larger and with 30 refl ections from the wall to help save energy the institute recommends using time make-up. This is rewarded with an enhanced look and percent more calories and fat. enrich the sound of one’s switches and suggests moderate decorations. about 65 calories are burnt off every half an hour. voice. Thus the bathroom acts as an echo chamber, • Cleaning the windows. Your upper arm muscles are especially with fi tted tiles. Burning desire trained and within 30 minutes you clearly see 110 calories The small dimensions and Energy passes into your body by different ways. Energy in the burn off. hard surfaces of a typical form of light enters the eye where it is changed into electric bathroom produce various signals that are sent to the brain for processing. The result is • Shopping: Running around the supermarket in search of Vibrant kinds of standing waves, a nice, clear picture of what you are looking at. Sound waves food burns 90 calories per half hour. .de elio

reverberations and echoes, travel from the outer ear in through the auditory canal, causing ix concept p giving the voice a “studio the eardrum to vibrate. This, in turn, causes the three small • Driving during rush hour. The busy traffi c on the streets quality”. With this perfect bones to move. The vibrations move through the inner ear not only gets on your nerves but also works on your calories Today we speak of many forms of energy: thermal, light, environment, it is hardly and this results in electrical impulses fi nally perceived by the by burning off 95 calories per half an hour. chemical, electronic and nuclear. The many names energy

.de surprising that people take brain as sound. And there is the energy stored in food. bears today are a far cry from the relatively simple notion of elio

ix longer showers. The fact that your body burns a lot of calories while doing • Walking. Pleasant and useful — get some fresh air and mechanical energy and the earliest scientifi c defi nition of p According to Australia’s strenuous sports is common burn off some calories — at least 120 per half an hour. Thomas Young (1773–1829). However, amazing new ways to fi rst study on what goes on behind the shower curtain, knowledge, e.g., jog for win energy are luring. Here is a very vibrant one. commissioned by Energy Australia in 2006, researchers have half an hour and around • Sitting in the offi ce. Also a good way to burn off the While you are reading this, your body (at rest) emits about found out that people use the shower as a chance to escape. 300 calories are burnt off. calories — 50 calories per half an hour. 100 watts into the environment. The so-called energy One of the most time-consuming, and thus water-consuming But here is good news for harvesting tries to tap into the energy available from the activities, was singing which adds an extra 9.08 minutes to a the so-called couch However, do not forget about those individuals who channel workings of the human body or transport vibrations. Pioneered normal scrub. “Daydreaming, shaving and other ‘non-essential’ potatoes — even while all their energy in the direction that will not burn up their by the military sector which was interested in reducing the activities in the shower add to the average family’s power bill watching TV your body calories: sumo wrestlers! Not only do their wrestling techniques need for soldiers to carry heavy rechargeable batteries, they and also con tribute to global warming”, says Antony O’Brien, burns calories and, the count but also their body weight. The stars of the Sumo came up with a ‘heel-strike” generator, powered through the spokesman for Energy Australia. more thrilling the fi lm, wrestling world can easily weigh more than 200 kg. In order motion of a footstep, embedded within a boot heel. Those the higher the energy to maintain their weight they need an intake of approximately devices currently achieve 3–6 watts of power outlet. The fi ndings have triggered a major campaign to reduce the consumption! Watching a 7,000 kilocalories per day. To gain as much body fat as possible Researchers worldwide are looking into how energy harvesting demand on energy and water supplies by encouraging tedious soccer game will and to keep it, it is recommended to: devices can be embedded in roads. The possible uses of this Sydneysiders to take shorter showers. Imagine that one help you burn 40 calories, new sustainable energy source are just unlimited: vibrations

shower minute uses enough electricity to run one’s television while exciting games and .de • Skip breakfast. By depriving the body of food after eight are created everywhere around humans and their modes of elio ix

for four hours! nail-biting penalty kicks p hours of sleep, the metabolic rate stays low. transportation.

16 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 17 I D O ’ S I D O ’ S

Mr. and Miss Right A-maize-ing And again, ... thanks to Amor (Roman God of love) or to whatever wonderful circumstances, Oiltanking’s lonely hearts were lucky enough to meet Mr. or Miss Right – and luckily their Dress pictures found their way to our magazine.

Still looking for the right wedding dress? What about the bridal gown created by the eco-conscious Italian AMAZING Some costumes designer Franco Francesa, which is entirely made of fabric made entirely of maize or derived from maize — 25 kilos, to be precise. The sleeveless maize by-products were also white gown has many layers of ruffles but is not as heavy shown during the last maize as it looks. It can be washed in regular machines at a low festival (pesta jagung) in Kota temperature and it does not crease. After a few years it will Marudu of Sabah, Malaysia, in November 2006. disintegrate, leaving nothing behind in the environment. The only downside — besides the fact that you cannot see it anymore — maybe the price of 15,000 euros.

The dress was modeled at a forum on agriculture near bottles — one of the biggest environmental problems. Naples, Italy, in December 2006 with the intention of Equally, maize-derived materials could be used to make showing that together biotechnology and agriculture could shopping bags, plates, cups, cutlery and many other REZA AND SELVI ADAMI ASHLEY JEANES AND solve many pollution problems. According to Vito Amedolara, household items that go out with the rubbish and often end OT GmbH, said “yes” on KEITH POLAND OT Director of Coldiretti (an Italian agricultural organization), up lying around on the ground. May 12, 2006. Houston, married on December 9, 2006. maize could provide an alternative to abandoning plastic

Catch of a Lifetime ALFRED JANZEN Our retired colleague, who was terminal manager for OT Hamm for 15 years, is not only still a loyal reader of connections but also a true husband. He celebrated his “Golden On Orango Island, an archipelago of 50 islands, located Wedding” (50 years of marriage) with his wife 60 kilometers off the coast of Guinea-Bissau, a country in Gertrud on May 26, 2006. West Africa, getting married is quite easy: the way to a man’s heart is literally through his stomach. There, it’s the women, not the men who decide whom and when to marry. In order to hook herself a husband, all the bride-to-be has to do is offer the man of her choice a dish of distinctively prepared Till Death them Heavenly fish, marinated in red palm oil. As soon as he takes the bait, they are engaged. However, in such a matriarchal culture, men would have no right to say no anyhow. It’s also the Do Part Wedding woman who is going to build the home. Only once the house is ready, the couple can move in and their marriage is Thomas and Elizabeth Morgan, married in May 1809, found In July 2005, Moni Mule Pati and Pem Dorjee Sherpa were considered official. their place in the Guinness Book of World Records for being literally on cloud number nine while exchanging their vows. the world’s oldest married couple. They were married for 81 The Nepalese couple was the first to get married on top of the years 260 days until Elizabeth‘s death on January 19, 1891. world, Mt. Everest’s peak. Together with their companions who At this time, Elizabeth was aged 105 years 2 days and were part of the Rotary Centennial Everest Expedition, they DO YOU WANT TO PROPOSE? Forget about diamond Thomas was 104 years 260 days — an aggregate age of 209 only stayed on the top of the mountain for 10 minutes, just rings — at least in Orango. Dish up fish! years 262 days. enough time to say their quick “I dos” and take some pictures.

18 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 19 GOO-GOO’S GOO-GOO’S

Oiltanking’s Juniors

The “Oiltanking family” also kept on growing in the private sector and so we proudly present its next cute generation.

THOMAS TEIJE VAN WESSEL EDUARDO VALENTE Guess what BRIAN SNOECK Diana This little fellow, son of Eduardo, the sportive son of Luiz Francke and Melvin Snoeck, Sandra and Peter van Wessel, Fernando Valente and Aline Cypreste, OT Terneuzen, were delighted OT Brazil, came into this OT Brazil, born on December 1, 2005, with the birth of Brian, born world on September 18, 2006. would like to be when he grows up? on January 26, 2007. ROBBE LUYCKX Saskia XIMON BOSVELD A very CARLOS MARTÌN LAUTE Nicole Laute, Luyckx, OT Antwerp, and special Christmas present OT GmbH, and Ernesto Martin, proudly Frederique Puts became for Lysiane and Rob Bosfeld- announced the birth of Carlos on the proud parents of Perret Gentil, OT Terneuzen, 02.07.2006. Robbe on January 4, 2001. arrived on December 25, 2006.

GABRIEL SEBASTIÁN CHÁVEZ BRUNO SEBASTIÁN MARTÍNEZ AUDREY ANNE GARCIA BALLÓN A little bundle of joy, RÍOS That’s how Gloria Ríos Shawn Skains, OT Texas born to Carmen Ballón and Huamaní and Jose Luis Martínez, City, takes pride in his Gabriel Chávez Núñez del Consorcio Terminales, named grandchild Audrey, born Prado, Consorcio Terminales, their “little bear”, born on on August 24, 2006. on February 10, 2006. February 20, 2006.

EVA RIEMENS The lovely EMMA CONNER Karen GRACIE KATE LAMAN MARE WILLEMIEN SCHUELER Sabien WU WEI YI Wu Yun Nu, EULALIA AND LINO Additional new daughter of Ad Riemens, and Carlin Conner, OT Amanda and Tommy Laman, Pameijer and Pieter Schueler, OT Oiltanking Singapore, and his members of the „family“: two baby alpacas OT Terneuzen, and his Houston, became a sweet OT Beaumont, are the proud Amsterdam, had a cute girl on May wife Miao Yan Li named their together with their father Idelfonso and wife Liliane was born on addition to the family on parents of sweet Gracie Kate, 18, 2006. son Wu Wei Yi, born on July their mothers Canela and Candy at their May 1, 2006. February 16, 2007. born on January 2, 2004. 11, 2006. cozy home the Juliaca terminal, Peru.

20 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 21 OT SPORTIVE READER ’ S C O R N E R

OMAN ... and action! Family Day Out Try to solve our riddle and don’t miss the chance to win! Please send your entries to: [email protected], or contact us by post: On January 26 2007, Oiltanking Odfjell Terminal’s Family Day in Oman led to Wadi Al Oiltanking GmbH, Connections Team, Admiralitaetstrasse 55, 20459 Abyadh where there were some special culinary treats in store. Hamburg, Germany or by fax: +49(0)40 370 99 499

A group of 35 pax — colleagues with their families — set off early in the morning for Wadi Al Abyadh, approximately 30 km away from Muscat, the capital of the Sultanate of Oman. CONGRATULATIONS Quiz – Do yyouou wwantant to check if yyourour The route required 4WDs and was accessible because of the manners are fi t for an international relatively dry riverbed. When it rains, a wadi can become Quiz solution setting? Here’s our own little fl ooded and impassable —not to mention dangerous. cosmopolitan „Knigge“ test. No After a rough drive of about two hours, the “explorers” found Our readers really did a fantastic brain work fi nding the right manner of doubt that you know all an attractive spot at Wadi Al Abyadh and settled down, treating solution for our Kakuro quiz of the last issue. With so many about good manners. The winner themselves to some snacks and refreshments. Then they went right answers we also had to jog our grey cells: how to fi nd a will receive one of the new Oiltanking on playing a number of games that were lined up for one and winner! That’s why we had to cast. Thanks to all participants LED-light! Good luck! all, throughout the day. The most exciting game was the tug- and congratulations to Mariano A. Astobiza, Oiltanking Ebytem FAMILY DAY AT WADI AL ABYADH Memorable experience of-war. Tug of war, tug o‘ war, or tug war, also known as rope among white boulders and rocks. – the black Oiltanking bag will be yours soon. 1. In which country is it usual to keep both hands pulling, is a sport that directly pits two teams against each under the table until everybody has been served? other in a test of strength. Ladies and kids joined in to prove ° Australia ° Germany ° India their power. meat is cooked for 24 hours while in others it is believed that For lunch, shuwa was served: a goat cooked in the traditional meat tastes better after 48 hours. OT Odfjell’s lunch was 2. What does it mean if two Filipinos look each way and a typically Omani delicacy. It is roasted as a whole for carefully arranged by the Human Resources Manager, Ali other in the eyes, raise their eyebrows and lower up to two days in a special oven which is prepared in a pit dug Mohammed Ali. them again? in the ground. The method of preparing shuwa is elaborate. ° hello ° surprise ° revenge The meat is marinated with red pepper, turmeric, coriander, Exploring the wadi and typical Omani habits during the family cumin, cardamom, garlic and vinegar and then wrapped in day was a great success and gave all participants a memorable 3. In which country is smoking or, even worse, sacks made of dry banana or palm leaves. These sacks are experience. Of course, it was also a perfect opportunity to get littering cigarette butts in public buildings and then thrown into the smoldering oven, which is covered with a to know each other better and to meet the new members of restaurants, punished with a high fi ne? lid and sealed so that no smoke escapes. In some villages, the staff and their families. ° Singapore ° Sweden ° Morocco

4. Why had you better not bring yellow roses as a present in Russia? ° Yellow roses are for lovebirds Snow Jam storm made skiing on Zugspitze quite adventurous. ° It’s a custom to bring alcohol Whilst skiing is always an important factor for the Snow Jam, ° It’s considered to bring bad luck — Vol. Five the thing everyone waits for is the Après Ski, the get-together From January 24 until 28, 2007, once again after the day in the mountains. During dinner and later at the 5. In which country should you never touch the bar or in a local club, everybody again had the unique head of a child? Oiltankers from all over Europe gathered for the opportunity to catch up with people from other locations ° Peru ° Thailand ° China Fifth OT Snow Jam in Garmisch-Partenkirchen within the OT world. in the German Alps and proved their 6. In which country is the distance between other Once again the OT spirit was alive and kicking. Whereas last people very close? sportsmanship. year’s motto was ‘early to bed and early to rise (makes a man ° Switzerland ° ° Russia healthy, wealthy and wise)’ this year long hours were spent Despite the exceptionally warm winter in Europe this slopes were closed because of the insuffi cient layer of snow indulging in Bavarian brewing traditions, enjoying cosy so- 7. In which country is being late not considered year, Garmisch presented itself in a very wintry atmosphere. for downhill skiing right into the valley, the Zugspitze glacier called Gasthäuser (inns) and having leisurely chit-chats. rude but polite? This was due to heavy snow falls just one day prior to the plus various skiing fi elds in Austria offered excellent conditions Nearly everybody still managed to get up before dawn in ° Ireland ° Norway ° Canada arrival of the whole OT crew (unfortunately, some Oiltankers with the sun shining through the clouds. On the last day the order to hit the slopes early. Hope you all will set out in good were held up on the way as a result). Even though some participants almost got a bit too much snow as a heavy snow- time for the reunion in Garmisch in 2008!

22 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 23

7 7 LAST BUT NOT LEAST 29.06.200 vol 20/2 20/2 vol Deadline:

Copy 3 times a year year a times 3 Published

Since ancient times, people have harnessed the wind’s energy. Over 5,000 years ago,

the Egyptians used wind to sail ships on Hamburg GmbH, Media & Druck V.I.G.

the River Nile. Later, people built windmills Print

to grind wheat and other grains. Today, the use of wind as a source of renewable energy is encouraged by many countries. At last year’s WINDPOWER Conference & Gordon Schacht Gordon Exhibition in Pittsburgh, PA/USA, the AWEA

(American Wind Energy Association) Design hosted an exhibition of wind energy in order to showcase its sublime possibilities. Artists revealed that wind turbines have

their own beauty and presented their Eijkholt Renate interpretations of renewable energy. Our picture “Energy Plant” by the Serbian artist Editor Aleksandar Rodic was among these artworks and won first prize.

www.aleksandarrodic.com www.REimaginations.com 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 Wuestenberg, Gabi Published by Coordinator Breezy Beauty connections Vol. 19/1/2007 [email protected] IMPRINT E-Mail