Chemistry EDITORIAL CONTENTS

THE WORLD OF OILTANKING VOL. 25/3 DECEMBER 2013 connections

The right chemistry EDITORIAL CONTENTS

Contents

ASIA PACIFIC 04 Greenfield terminal in Karimun 08 Rare opportunity 32 Not lost in translation

EUROPE 13 The C4 project The right 14 Setting a new course 16 Oiltanking in the global spotlight chemistry 18 Joyful reunion at Oiltanking Deutschland 18 20 Team spirit to a tee REUNION

INDIA 26 Making the Common User Terminals

“My world turns around oil” — if you hear me increased its foothold in the world of saying so you might think “Of course, after petrochemical storage worldwide and has LATIN AMERICA 40 Gearing up for the new generation all he is working in the oil business.” But also become a market leader. Small terminal, big performance in private I am — like so many of you — 43 surrounded by products which are petroleum Given all the above mentioned developments based. Chemicals are often the basis of we thought it was about time to focus on NORTH AMERICA 34 And the winner is … United Bulk Terminals! manufactured goods. These base chemicals petrochemicals in connections. I hope we Time to take stock of the Appelt can be found in so many products that make found the right mixture of interesting articles 35 expansion project our lives more convenient, efficient, and for you. 40 safe. 36 A donation that binds together Enjoy your reading, EXPANSION The past shows that innovations in the petrochemical and energy sector helped the People 10 We can, we care ... in petrochemicals economy to grow and improve living & Places 22 Cultural Experiences | 好事成双 (Good standards around the world. The projected things always come in pairs) increase of the world’s population and the rising income levels in emerging markets will contribute to an even faster growth in Leisure 07 I spy with my little eye … demand for chemical products. In 1999 Carlin Conner Lexicon | GHS Oiltanking made a significant step for its Managing Director Oiltanking GmbH & Fun 21 future by venturing into the storage of 25 Number | 43 groups petrochemicals. Since then Oiltanking has 28 Facts | Petrochemicals make things happen 31 The art of recycling 37 Cover text | Polymazing 38 Chemical combinations 44 Sport | Once-in-a-lifetime adventure IMPRINT connections Vol. 25/3/2013 Published by Oiltanking GmbH, Corporate Center, Admiralitaetstrasse 55, 46 Hard or soft? 44 20459 Hamburg, Germany, www.oiltanking.com, Telephone +49-40-37099-485, Fax +49-40-37099-499 Reader's Corner ADVENTURE E-Mail [email protected] Coordinator Gabi Wuestenberg, Manager Communications Editor Renate Eijkholt 47 Design raz design, Hamburg Print BEISNER DRUCK GMBH & Co. KG, Hamburg Published Three times a year 48 Last but not least | Stunning chemical Copy Deadline vol 26/1 31.01.2014 sculptures Print compensated Id-No. 1332989 www.bvdm-online.de 2 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 3 Asia Pacific Asia Pacific

Greenfield terminal in Karimun

After four years of business development efforts, Oiltanking Asia Pacific The project dates back to 2009 when Oiltanking Asia Pacific initiated a search for officially began the construction of its terminal in Karimun, Indonesia, on an alternative to the insufficient oil storage August 28, 2013, when the groundbreaking ceremony was held at the site. situation in Singapore. In recent decades, this city state has developed into a key maritime hub in the Asia Pacific region, blossoming into an integral part of the area’s petroleum trade and supply chains. In light of an appetite for energy driven by Asia’s rapidly growing economies, the demand for independent storage in Singapore has been rising year after year, Symbolic significance Due to the often outpacing the growth in capacity. By heavy rain outside the groundbreaking the late 2000s Singapore had experienced a significant had to take place indoors. wave of storage expansions which doubled the existing capacity in just a few years. In spite of a number of skeptical voices on the market fearing overcapacity and the disruption of markets, the new capacity was absorbed Bright future by the market virtually overnight, thus proving the position as Asia’s primary oil trading and pricing hub, An artist’s impression resilience and attractiveness of Singapore as a petroleum where Oiltanking is well poised to grow with the market. of the proposed terminal nerve center. gives a good idea of the Objective: cater to Greater Singapore’s scope of the task at hand. The demand for petroleum storage has continued to climb: petroleum storage needs Existing players could not expand their activities and new entrants were unable to enter the market due to land The project will be developed together with Gunvor, one of scarcity. This prompted Oiltanking to look for viable the world’s largest trading houses, which will also be one alternatives to Singapore and the island of Karimun, of the main users of the terminal. Indonesia, was selected as the optimal location for a Johor Bahru Pasir Gudang greenfield terminal. Karimun’s advantages include its As with any large-scale project, the Karimun development proximity to Jurong Island (Singapore’s Industrial hub), has had its fair share of ups and downs. Coinciding with favorable nautical conditions and the availability of ready- the aftermath of the 2008 global financial crisis, one of the to-build land. The proposed terminal is intended to cater challenges of the project was to look beyond the “wait- Singapore to the petroleum storage needs of Greater Singapore — a and-see” approach of the market and its unwillingness to geographical area that includes Singapore, the Johor State step into long-term commitments. Nonetheless, ongoing Malacca Strait of Malaysia and Indonesia’s Riau Province. With the new discussions with industry players and the assessment of terminal, Oiltanking is bolstering its position in Asia Pacific the market outlook confirmed the commercial attractiveness Jurong Island through the development of a network of terminals with of the project. Karimun One of the islands in the Riau Karimun diverse functionalities, serving all segments of liquid bulk Islands province of Indonesia which lies Batam handling.Bintan In light of the competition emerging from China The terminal is to be built on a 25-hectare site purchased about 37 km southwest of Singapore. INDONESIA and South Korea, this project helps Singapore maintain its by Oiltanking in 2010 and constitutes the first phase of the

4 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 5 Asia Pacific Leisure & FUN

with my I spy little eye …

tank farm paving, etc. In the next step, … a monkey! If you peel your eyes and look closely at the image, you the crushed granite will be used for the will probably spot our “furry colleague” at Oiltanking’s Helios terminal installation of the stone columns to in Singapore on August 12, 2013. The black-and-white monkey, which improve the load-bearing capacity of the seemed quite mature, checked out the rooftop of the main building soil, followed by the placement of tank before continuing on its morning rounds at tankfarm 2 and took a break foundation pads at ground level (also at jetty No. 5. Ferlyn Eng, Office Secretary, immediately contacted the Moment of great importance Sven utilizing the material removed from the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA), the go-to office in Partzsch, General Manager Oiltanking hill). Next, a corrosion protection layer such cases, to help capture the monkey. While it is not uncommon to Karimun, explaining the project. of asphalt will be laid on top of the tank pads, upon which come across primates in Singapore, such as in nature reserves or steel plates will be installed for tank bottoms. From there, sometimes even residential areas, this was the very first time that AVA tanks will be erected using the jack-up method, i.e. had ever recorded one at a tank terminal. The encounter is definitely project. Oiltanking has an option to expand by utilizing the starting with the top shell first. All larger tanks will be unique as the Oiltanking Helios facilities are located on Jurong Island, adjacent plot of land, which could potentially accommodate covered with state-of-the-art aluminum geodesic domes. an artificial islet southeast of Singapore’s main island and the heart of up to 1.2 million cbm of storage. Phase 1a will be evenly the city’s energy and chemical industry. split between fuel oil and clean petroleum products. The In parallel to the construction works of Phase 1a, Oiltanking total capacity of 760,000 cbm will be supported by four is in the process of conducting a feasibility assessment for berthing positions for vessels up to VLCC (Very Large Phase 1b, which is earmarked for crude oil and could lift Crude Carrier) size. The initial draft of the approach the total capacity of Phase 1 to 1.2 million cbm. While a lot channel leading to the terminal will be 18 m. For the crude of work has already gone into the project, two more years Well I’ll be a monkey’s oil storage projected for the next phases of the terminal, of hard work will be required to bring the Karimun terminal uncle! Sure enough, the access can be deepened further by means of some to life. Oiltanking’s Helios additional dredging works (removal of occasional terminal in Singapore had outcrops). a furry experience.

The work on site of the project, which is expected to be commissioned in June 2015, got underway in 2011 with the removal of a hill located on the plot of land. The granite obtained as a result will be used for other ground improvements and shoreline protection works as well as feedstock for onsite concrete production, road subbase,

Presentation Pencak silat, the indigenous martial art of Indonesia was performed to give a warm welcome to the honorable guests.

6 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 7 Asia Pacific Asia Pacific “My Dad can say "no" to ships!”

Mohammed Thaqif Khalaf, 11, son of Mohammed Faduli, Assistant Safety Manager, referring to the fact that ships have to comply with Oiltanking’s safety standards before getting permission to berth at its terminals.

kids to get a better themselves but they also got the possibility to learn more understanding of their about Oiltanking. “I really had a fun time and I now have parents’ jobs. The a clear picture of where my aunt works and what she “tour guides” on each does,” said Benson Ng, 13, nephew of Ferlyn Eng, Office bus (Oiltanking staff Secretary. The event ended on a high note with everyone volunteers) provided dancing to the song YMCA. And to commemorate the interesting commentaries and occasion everyone posed for a final photo, however wearing facts with respect to the key sights. After the tour the face masks as it was a very hazy day. To wrap up the day kids drew what they had seen before tucking into a there was a final cheer for Oiltanking! sumptuous food buffet together with their parents. Another high spot of the day was the Oiltanking quiz. To ease the task of answering the given questions, relevant information about Oiltanking was printed on the back of the tickets. Rare This was indeed pleasing to many people! The kids were also interviewed about what they thought their parent’s opportunity jobs are at the terminal.

June 21, 2013 marked Oiltanking Singapore’s inaugural Oiltanking Family Day at the The occasion certainly served its dual purpose. Not terminal. As access to Jurong Island is highly restricted for security reasons, having the only did the staff and family members enjoy chance to come and see mum or dad’s workplace was very special and eagerly anticipated by the little ones.

Some came with masks, some without, but they came! “My Dad Although Singapore was blanketed in a thick haze on that particular day, it did little to dampen spirits and deter the 200 builds new tanks colleagues and 190 family members from attending the Oiltanking Family Day. It was no mean feat to get the family and terminals members into the terminal as everyone had to go through the stringent security clearance at the Jurong Island checkpoint. for the company!” The Family Day Committee had to work very hard to register each individual with the authorities before the event to Abdullah Azzam, 11, ensure that it all went like clockwork on the big day. son of Mohamad Helmi, Construction Manager.

One of the highlights was the tour of Oiltanking’s terminal Despite the and Jurong Island. It gave the visitors a rare glimpse to see Ready for the haze A fun Oiltanking up close. It was also a wonderful chance for the Jurong Island Tour Andy day was Loh, Sales Manager, together with had by all. his wife and daughter.

8 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 9 People & Places People & Places

We can, we care … In 2000 the terminal in Singapore became the first among the Oiltanking facilities to offer storage for petrochemicals. What was the reason behind this? in petrochemicals Douglas: The concept of a chemical terminal in Singapore was conceived on the back of the relationship between Oiltanking Singapore and its neighbor Shell Chemicals Singapore Limited (SCSL). SCSL had been planning to expand its styrene monomere/propylene oxide plant with a Phase II development In 1999 Oiltanking took an important step for its future under a joint venture with BASF. In light of our close proximity and relationship, Oiltanking and SCSL agreed to the concept of outsourcing. With SCSL as a by adding the storage of petrochemicals to its service base load industrial storage customer, Oiltanking was able to develop its first portfolio alongside its petroleum terminal in Singapore. chemical terminal in Asia. Over the years, this initial capacity has increased to In addition to the capacity required for SCSL, Oiltanking also built 22,000 cbm for third-party storage requirements, serving the Asia Pacific market. Before 365,000 cbm and in the meantime, Oiltanking also the completion of its Phase I, Oiltanking formed a joint venture with Odfjell, offers petrochemical storage facilities at its terminals after which the terminal was renamed Oiltanking Odfjell Terminal in China, Colombia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Estonia, Finland, Singapore (OOTS). OOTS has now developed into a world-scale chemical terminal handling a full range of sophisticated chemicals, the Netherlands, Oman, Peru and the United States. In thus serving multiple tenants on Jurong Island, too. this interview, Douglas van der Wiel, Vice-President Commercial Oiltanking Asia Pacific, and Daan Vos, Regional Director Oiltanking Europe, talk about “In general, all products are in need petrochemicals and their importance for of quality infrastructure, trained and Oiltanking. Douglas van der Wiel experienced staff and well-defined Vice-President Commercial operational and safety procedures.” Oiltanking Asia Pacific

The storage of chemical products is different to petroleum products, for instance. What are the main distinctions and Is there any petrochemical product you find how do they influence the operational procedures? With so many different chemicals, how do you especially challenging and why? Daan: Even though petroleum and chemical products are both liquid know the terminal is able to handle them? Douglas: Isocyanides require caution due to their reactive products, there are indeed many distinctions. Petroleum products are Daan: As the variety of chemicals is so vast, a detailed and hazardous nature. Phenol or ammonia, for example, mainly stored and shipped in large volumes (parcel sizes of refined assessment needs to be conducted to ensure that all are other products that require special attention when products are typically between 20–50 k tons) and can be handled aspects are reviewed and enable the product to be stored storing and handling them on account of their dangerous with multipurpose/common systems. The variety of petroleum and handled in a safe and efficient manner. This process characteristics. Chemicals that are stored under pressure products is also relatively limited. With chemical products, involves close interaction with the customer. or need heating always call for extra precautions. however, the diversity is almost endless. Most chemicals have In general, a terminal can be developed with a broad In general, all products, be they chemicals, oil products or specific characteristics that require specified approaches infrastructure to meet a range of chemical products, i.e. tank gases, are in need of quality infrastructure, trained and when it comes to storage and handling. Parcel sizes are configuration, carbon and stainless steel tanks and pipelines, experienced staff and well-defined operational and safety typically smaller, in the range of 500 tons to 5,000 tons, tanks with insulation and so on. Further modifications can procedures. and systems tend to be made for specific products. The then be made based on specific storage and handling chemical-product specifications often involve a thorough agreements. The more mature a terminal becomes over time, The terminal in Antwerp propelled itself to Daan Vos evaluation process before agreements can be concluded. the wider the range of products it can store. become the largest Oiltanking facility for Regional Director This evaluation includes the potential modification of the It is equally important to develop the in-house experience petrochemicals. How can this development Oiltanking Europe infrastructure, additional operational procedures and of handling a full range of chemicals. This can be achieved be explained? crucial additional safety precautions. over the years of operation or through cross-fertilization Daan: Oiltanking acquired the terminal in Antwerp in with other chemical terminals within the Oiltanking group. 2001. Over the past 10-plus years, driven by economic

10 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 11 People & Places Europe

“Oiltanking’s chemical terminals have performed well, mainly The C4 project due to the strategic and integrated nature of our facilities.” Ready to sign The contract marks a key milestone for both Oiltanking and its client progress and sophisticated infrastructure, Antwerp has Has the storage of petrochemicals changed over (standing from left: grown into a world-scale port for petrochemical products. the years in terms of safety and security? Frank Daman, Jan Van With this momentum, the port managed to attract multiple Daan: Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE) den Bergh, Nancy De international chemical companies to establish or expand have always played a prime role in storing and handling Groof, Jörg Matthes, Dr. Reinhard Greinert; seated their production facilities. Oiltanking Antwerp, now a joint hydrocarbons, whether they be chemicals, gases or oil from left: Dr. Wilfried venture with Stolthaven called Oiltanking Stolthaven products. Chemicals may, at times, require closer attention Schmidt, Dr. Rainer Antwerp (OTSA), with its prime location and superior due to the specific reactive, hazardous or corrosive nature Fretzen, Daan Vos, Yvan infrastructure was able to serve this rapid development. of the product. Tavernier). OTSA currently has a total capacity of 1.3 million cbm with Oiltanking continuously improves its HSSE procedures, multiple long-term off-site storage agreements in place training and reporting based on identified best practices. with surrounding petrochemical production facilities. In In addition, local regulatory bodies continue to develop addition, the demand for third-party market tanks saw and improve HSSE regulations. It is important that we as healthy growth, which contributed further to OTSA’s a reputable company comply and even, where possible, success. exceed regulations.

How important are chemicals for Oiltanking What will be the future trend for petrochemicals in On June 17, 2013, Oiltanking Stolthaven Antwerp signed another long-term logistics regarding the global tank capacity offered general and how does this affect Oiltanking? and rental situation? Douglas: The demand for petrochemicals is very closely service contract with Evonik Industries, a step that reaffirms their longstanding Douglas: This is important as the chemical storage market linked to the economy. Therefore, with the global economic collaboration and also Oiltanking’s position as a reliable and competent service-provider is determined by different market drivers and therefore recession, the demand for petrochemicals plummeted and for petrochemical storage in Belgium. has a slightly different business cycle and sensitivity. It has remained somewhat low since the crisis began in 2008. therefore creates a second leg to stand on, which makes Despite this, Oiltanking’s chemical terminals have the Oiltanking portfolio an even more balanced one. performed well, mainly due to the strategic and integrated Evonik Industries is a multinational specialty chemical The prospect of further storage facilities has already nature of our facilities. Moreover we managed to anticipate manufacturer, which is located adjacent to Oiltanking’s received positive feedback from various market players as our customers’ needs in a flexible manner and offer support facility in Antwerp, Belgium, with whom Oiltanking enjoys it enables them to meet the growing demand for butadiene where necessary in these challenging times. a longstanding business relationship. On June 17, 2013, in the region. The Oiltanking Stolthaven Antwerp terminal, The terminal in Antwerp The largest Oiltanking facility for petrochemicals. Looking forward, the main consumption areas Oiltanking cemented this connection even further with which currently has a capacity of approximately 1,330,000 will remain the same with China taking the Evonik by signing a long-term logistics service contract. cbm, has been expanded over the years to more than twice lead. Considering production development, its original size with new tanks for oil and chemical products the future will see a continuous increase in In order to accommodate the impending expansion of and gas. Not only does the new agreement underline the vertically integrated facilities driven by Evonik’s C4 production installations, Oiltanking will take terminal’s capabilities; it will also reinforce its market feedstock availability. Naturally, where over both the handling and storage of these additional position in the ARA region. possible, Oiltanking will aim to fulfill a role in volumes of raw materials. Firstly, the existing tank these types of structures. infrastructure will be modified to adjust to the increased Considering the group’s overall capacity and production of 1-butene, butadiene, and methyl tert-butyl Crude C4 revenue, chemicals constitute a substantial part ether (MTBE). Secondly, five new bullet tanks, each with a During the cracking process of naphtha, a gaseous and there is a drive to further expand on our nominal capacity of 3,500 cbm, will be built as well as a mixture of various C4 hydrocarbons, mainly 1.3 position based on strong business fundamentals. new finger pier with two berths. At present, Oitanking is butadiene, 2-methylpropene (isobutylene), butanes On an optimistic note, there are signs of the busy with the construction work in preparation of the bullet and butenes, is produced. C4 is used in various global economy picking up. Should this and jetty construction and is confident it will meet the industries: for tires, paper, plastics, rubber, progressively materialize, Oiltanking is well client’s schedule and get the new facility up and running by petroleum, lubes, perfumes and the food industry. poised to expand in light of the upcoming the first quarter of 2015. Some important characteristics of the C4 mixture opportunities. are: it is highly flammable, toxic and sweet-smelling.

12 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 13 Europe Europe

Services really stands out from its oil traders who are Small but mighty The M/T JANA, a small, competitors in that, as a subsidiary of already customers 70-meter 1,323 DWT oil tanker, was the first vessel Oiltanking Copenhagen, we have at Oiltanking. Apart to appoint OT Shipping Services as an agent. direct contact with the terminal during from oil tankers, OT Setting a new cargo operations, making it possible Shipping Services is to cut time off port calls. We are also also contacting informed about potential port calls customers in the first, enabling us to assist ship-owners dry cargo segment, and oil traders before the charter importing wood course parties are fixed. pellets and other bio-materials to the June 1, 2013 Oiltanking Copenhagen set sail in order to offer an additional How did OT Shipping Services get local power plants. new service by establishing OT Shipping Services A/S. This company is to going and how will you approach possible clients in future? OT Shipping coordinate port calls in Copenhagen, Malmö and surrounding ports. We asked The first couple of months at OT Services is a Hans Chen Braas, the Shipping Services Manager at OT Shipping Services, Shipping Services were primarily very new market what spurred on Oiltanking Copenhagen to branch out into this business now devoted to getting settled, preparing player. What kind all the systems and databases for of response have and what the future prospects are. service, chasing up potential you received thus customers and sending out offers. In far? for Oiltanking Copenhagen early June, a general introductory The feedback has generally been and Oiltanking thanks to this Since its founding in is the Managing Director of OT Shipping email was forwarded to more than 800 positive from both ship-owners and oil new service? 1974, Oiltanking Services and I am responsible for the daily receivers on the shipping market. traders and we are putting a lot of As this is the first shipping services Copenhagen has been operations and business development as Since then, we have been getting in effort into explaining to them the office within Oiltanking, we think of it known as a reliable Shipping Services Manager. Having worked touch with potential customers advantages of working with OT as a pilot project and if successful, the storage provider for as a ship agent since 2003, I am well-known directly, offering tailor-made services Shipping Services. Early August was a plan is to expand the activities to gasoil, fuel oil and jet at the Oiltanking terminal and port facilities that meet their needs. Owing to the fact proud moment for us because we were more Oiltanking locations. This fuel. Why venture into in Copenhagen. that most calls at Copenhagen are appointed as an agent for the first requires a continued, positive a new business branch imports fixed on CIF terms, charterers time: the M/T JANA, discharging development with solid support from now? For quite a while now, the shipping are responsible for appointing the aviation gasoline from Rotterdam. The our customers. A bit further down the The new company is a industry has been somewhat agency representation. It is therefore of vessel was a small, 70-meter 1,323 line, we imagine OT Shipping Services subsidiary of Oiltanking beleaguered worldwide and yet great significance to obtain approval DWT oil tanker, proving again that we operating at all Oiltanking terminals Copenhagen and was set up Oiltanking still sees a market niche. from the oil traders to secure the are starting from the bottom and globally, being able to service oil to provide existing customers What kind of unique selling business. As a part of Oiltanking working our way up. traders worldwide. with a more all-inclusive proposition can OT Shipping Services Copenhagen, we have the opportunity service in connection with offer its clients? to speak directly to the people in What kind of prospects do you See more on Hans Chen Braas port calls. On the current market, the number of port charge of the daily operations and the think are generally in store www.otshipping.com. Shipping Services calls is low overall and the competition is Manager at OT Shipping Services. What exactly does this new service very tough. It is definitely no walk in the involve and who is in charge of it? park to start from scratch in a very mature The main activity is port services, where OT market, but we are confident that OT Shipshape An expressive logo was Shipping Services acts as an agent on Shipping Services will prevail and prove to designed for the new behalf of a ship-owner, coordinating all be a strong service partner for a large range company that also undertakings related to port calls. These of customers. As the oil tanker business is, echoes Oiltanking’s services include booking pilots and to a certain degree, based on personal typical corporate OT Shipping Services is member of the Danish Shipbrokers' Association and has linesmen, updating the parties involved on relationships, it is important to remain in design identity in both font and color. obtained the Quality Standard certification of movements, issuing cargo documents, constant dialogue with ship-owners and FONASBA (The Federation of National arranging crew changes and deliveries, and charterers and show that we can add value Associations of Ship Brokers and Agents). handling customs matters. Karl Henrik Dahl if appointed as an agent. OT Shipping

14 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 15 Europe Europe

Oiltanking in the global spotlight This congress is where leaders of the world’s NOCs meet each other and their partners to debate and decide the future of the oil and gas business.

“We Can, we care” In his speech, Carlin Conner highlighted Oiltanking’s business expertise and ambitions.

For the first time, Oiltanking was one of the sponsors of the annual World National Oil Companies Congress in Bright faces Like their Oiltanking London, Great Britain, in May 2013 — colleagues, Leddy Evangelista (left) and an event that turned out to be a Seyma Erdinc were absolutely delighted that their booth was so popular. resounding success. all pictures courtesy of We Make Pictures

“What can we do for you?” was a question Carlin At the event leaders of the world’s national oil companies where Oiltanking conducts business: Nico Smit (Middle The event ended on a high note with a gala dinner, where Conner, Managing Director Oiltanking GmbH, posed in his meet each other and their business associates to debate East & Africa), Leddy Evangelista (Latin America), everybody could talk about the outcomes of their speech at this year’s World National Oil Companies and discuss future opportunities in the oil and gas sector. Douglas van der Wiel (Asia Pacific), Sjoerd Boer and Boris meetings in a charming setting whilst enjoying Congress in London on May 14–15, 2013. As one of the The goal of participating as a sponsor was to “fuel” the Oudenbroek (both Europe). The eye-catching Oiltanking entertainment such as football demonstrations by main speakers, along with Peter Voser (CEO Shell), Oiltanking brand even further, meet existing customers’ stand served as a central meeting point for many talented youngsters and amusing anecdotes from people Jeroen van der Veer (former CEO Shell), Helge Lund (CEO decision-makers in one location, generate new leads from congress-goers. like Jeroen van der Veer. All in all, two days to remember! Statoil), Paolo Scaroni (CEO ENI) and, Tony Hayward national oil companies around the globe and keep abreast (CEO Genel Energy), he knew how to capture and keep of the latest trends in the business. And one more thing, Oiltanking handed out the “2013 the audience’s attention. His interesting keynote speech Oiltanking iPad Prize” during a break between included topics such as the Oiltanking strategy, key The two-day congress was attended by more than 250 presentations, which attracted a lot of positive attention industry trends and the benefits for national oil companies people. Carlin Conner was joined by several of his and added a light touch to the conference (too bad in teaming up with Oiltanking. colleagues from all over, representing different regions Oiltanking employees were not allowed to enter!).

16 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 17 Europe Europe

Home again The terminal in Deggendorf located in Lower both right pictures courtesy of City of Deggendorf Bavaria already belonged to Oiltanking Deutschland 30 years ago.

“Gateway to the Bavarian Forest” This name is also used to refer to the university town of Deggendorf because of its location in the Danube valley, near to the mouth of the River Isar and at the foothills of the Bavarian Forest.

the Danube, it is well connected to the The town of Deggendorf and the Lower road and rail network, allowing for the Bavarian district of Deggendorf themselves, Joyful products to be delivered either on a barge however, have seen significant economic or by railcar. Nothing has changed either and infrastructural changes. A corresponding for the staff of the tank terminal taken policy to attract business led to a positive over by Oiltanking: they were also brought development, resulting in a varied mixed back into the fold. This means that the structure of industry and trades. Nowadays 15th tank terminal has not only expanded the region acts as an interface of Oiltanking's portfolio; the number of supraregional development axes and is reunion colleagues has also increased by eight. gaining a reputation as an international at Oiltanking Deutschland hub, particularly as a result of European Union enlargement (2004). picture courtesy of City of Deggendorf Oiltanking for its part will carry out an important function for the supply to Lower Bavaria, the Bavarian Forest and western Austria. With effect as of September 1, What would you do if you saw a family member again 2013, Oiltanking Deutschland took after 30 years? Would you ask, full of joy, how he or she has been keeping, and perhaps look to see whether and over a tank terminal in Deggendorf. how he or she has changed? This is more or less what has Not only has this move added the happened to Oiltanking Deutschland. On its third attempt, 15th terminal location to Oiltanking Deutschland was able to use the opportunity to take over a tank terminal in Deggendorf with effect as Oiltanking’s service range within of September 1, 2013 that had already belonged to the Germany, it has also marked the Oiltanking family 30 years ago. return of a former member to the The tank terminal has “kept well”. With a capacity of The “new” old team family group. around 25,000 cbm, it is designed to store heating oil Oiltanking also took on the and diesel. Thanks to the optimum location directly on eight employees.

18 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 19 Europe LEXICON

All over the world, a large number of Eyes shut and ears chemicals are obtainable peeled! Blindfolded, and traded extensively. At the the team member with same time, however, countries use the same piece of the GHS(Globally Harmonized different rules for their classification and puzzle could only be System of Classification and labeling. A substance that might be rated as found through effective Labelling of Chemicals) communication. “toxic” in one country might not necessarily be defined as such in another. In order to ensure the safe use, transportation and disposal of these chemical products, countries belonging to the United Nations developed the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals known as the GHS.

The system, which came into force on January 20, 2009, is available for international use and application. While governments, regional institutions and international organizations are Team spirit to a tee the chief audiences for the GHS, it also provides sufficient scope and guidance for those in The importance of promoting teamwork was the industry who implement the requirements which have been adopted. For EU member idea behind the summer party held at the Oiltanking 1 states, the GHS has been mandatory for tank terminal in Hamburg on August 16, 2013 — an event that brought colleagues substances since December 2010 and for mixtures as of June 2015. Safety Data together in unusual team exercises before their families joined them for a barbecue. 3 Sheets are required to display both 2 categorizations (old and the GHS) in the Once again, our colleagues at the tank terminal in hold and had they miscalculated the number of sausages period from December 1, 2010, to June 1, Hamburg recently displayed Oiltanking’s attitude of required? They needn’t have worried: in pleasant 2015. While the GHS is already in use at Oiltanking “stronger together” when they had the opportunity to show temperatures and delicious food, the team spirit also spilled terminals in Europe, Oiltanking is however busy extending 4 off their capacity for teamwork at the summer party held over to the family members and before long relaxed groups it to its worldwide facilities. on August 16, 2013. The four “motley crews” comprising a of people stood around chatting, even if they had only just wide range of colleagues from the departments of met. It was a pleasant, cheerful evening and the guests The GHS addresses the classification of chemicals by hazard types and operations, engineering, disposition and management had went home happy with the promise to “do it again soon!”. proposes harmonized communication elements, including labels and safety 5 to complete ten tasks in all, including a river-crossing, the Data Sheets. There are updates every two years. Compared to the EU “team barometer”, the “info river”, “communication”, system, the most noticeable change is the pictograms (formerly: “hazardous transport” and “tower power”. And some “River of (no?) return” For hazard symbols), which come in two sets: one for labeling of the activities were actually as adventurous as they the river-crossing task, the teams containers and workplace hazard warnings, the other had to be in constant contact with sound! What might sound simple at first, such as for use during the transportation of hazardous the tools they used, e.g. boxes rolling a ball for approximately 30 meters, often goods. Depending on the target group, and wood — otherwise they had 6 turned out to be quite tricky in reality and actually to start all over again! one or the other is to be chosen, called for a healthy dose of team spirit, the skill to but not used in combination. deal with strengths and weaknesses within the group, and team communication. And under the Safe management of chemicals These nine rhombus- given conditions, of course, the idea was also to be shaped pictograms* are part of 7 8 able to act in stressful situations. the GHS, symbolizing the dangers of dealing with chemical products. The intensive daytime program was topped off with a small barbecue, to which the colleagues’ families * 1. Oxidizing: May cause or intensify fire 2. Corrosive 3. Flammable liquid, gas or solid 4. Toxic or 9 had also been invited. However, there were still two fatal if swallowed, inhaled or in contact with skin 5. Causing respiratory sensitisation, carcinogenicity, germ cell mutagenicity 6. Harmful if swallowed, inhaled or in contact with skin 7. Gas under pressure major “stress factors”: would the glorious weather 8. Toxic to aquatic life 9. Unstable or explosive

20 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 21 CULTURAL EXPERIENCE CULTURAL EXPERIENCE

Highly visible progress The rapid growth triggered a boom in contemporary architecture and has changed the skyline of Shanghai. *

Nanjing Street home towns to see their families, this becomes Starting at the even more apparent. The annual event is known Bund, this famous as the world’s largest human migration (don’t six-kilometer 好事成双 book your vacation during this season unless stretch is one of the world’s busiest you enjoy lining up). * shopping streets. Good things always Street life can be rather different, as well. In the early morning, you see people doing Tai Chi in

Picture: courtesy of China National Tourist Office (CNTO) Picture: courtesy of China National Tourist come in pairs every square in the city. Or you might spot an old man with a bird in a cage on his bicycle on his way to the park or ladies walking around with parasols. Some people even wear their pajamas outdoors during the day, apparently to show others that and even more seem to be under construction. Like they do not have to work. most first-time visitors, I was surprised at how well developed China's infrastructure is. You see modern The people are what make (elevated) highways, bridges and tunnels this place so interesting. everywhere. And, of course, the extensive high- speed rail network is nothing short of impressive. A visit to a park can be very entertaining; you find people Located at the mouth of the Yangtze River, Shanghai expressing themselves in various ways. Our favorite is is one of China's largest and most modern cities. Fuxing Park in the former French Concession Quarter, With a whopping population of 23 million, it is a where you will spot older folks walking backwards as a mega-metropolis boasting some of the world’s tallest workout. People make music and dance openly, without skyscrapers and countless shopping malls. It is also where my family and I call home!

Old meets new Shikumen (a traditional Apart from the language barrier, life in Shanghai is Shanghainese architectural style), art deco or relatively easy for us. The streets can be crowded but ultra-modern buildings stand side by side in one we cycle and walk through the city as if we have of the most influential economic, financial and already lived here all our lives. It offers a cultural centers in Eastern China. In June 2011 our wide range of restaurants (I can highly Dutch colleague Jan Willem van recommend the Sichuan Kitchen, by the Velzen left Singapore to take up way!) and you can find supermarkets Two and a half years ago Annemieke (my wife) with international brands. As in any major his new position as General and I moved from the tiny city state of Singapore to city, there are many expats in Shanghai. We Manager of Oiltanking China — the People's Republic of China. We knew China was quickly made new friends and built up a a move that had many exciting going to be quite different from Singapore and the social life for ourselves. Even if we get stuck Netherlands, our home country, so we were very with the language or lost in translation, my challenges in store. However, the eager to move to this huge and rapidly developing good colleagues are always happy to help most interesting aspect for him country. And so far it has been a truly amazing out, whenever and wherever. has been the people. experience. We also became proud parents here as both of our daughters, Fauve and Felice, were born in The people are what make this place so Shanghai. A famous Chinese saying goes "Hao Shi interesting. The Chinese are very friendly, Cheng Shuang" (好事成双) which means “Good things especially to children, and they always always come in pairs”. Well certainly this has been make you feel welcome. And with the the case for us in China. country’s massive population of 1.3 billion, there really are a lot of them! During the When you arrive in China, you are immediately Chinese New Year vacation, when most greeted by an endless jungle of high-rise buildings, Chinese make the journey back to their

22 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 23 734094545239523082 Culture Experiences Leisure & Fun 403479234802340823 Green refuge The concrete jungle Shanghai offers plenty of parks to relax. 840238042480524805 248602486024680246NUMBER 802468024473462345

Picture: courtesy of CNTO 784025072358249502 Stunning scenery Guilin, Guangxi province, is renowned for its karst mountains and paddy fields. Picture: courtesy of CNTO 93580235702375824543 any shame, in the various corners of the park. Occasionally, and economy — an endless source of fascination. I find it you can even hear amateur opera — no joke! Some parks impossible to paint a complete picture of China or for that 823507235087230750groups are used as "wedding markets", where parents advertise matter Shanghai in only a few paragraphs, so to sum it up: 43 their adult children as suitable brides or grooms. The China is a big, beautiful and an exciting place to work and information provided is basic data, such as — 26 year-old live. Never a dull moment here! man, 1.70 meter with a salary of x RMB, looking for woman 582375235976956892 between the ages of 24 and 26 with a salary of x RMB — Chemical substances react in different ways As a first rough outline to judge compatibility, and apparently it works. when they come in contact with each other. The chemicals may be grouped as follows: relative degree to which a material may contact The city’s nightlife also has a great vibe. A special slice of another without causing corrosion, degradation or • Flammable Liquids oriental and Southeast Asian culture is definitely karaoke, 734094545239523082adverse change of properties is called chemical • Compressed Gases which is also very popular in China. The good thing about PORTRAIT In 2004 Jan compatibility: If substances mix and do not change • Volatile hazardous Substances it is — besides being great entertainment for young and Willem van Velzen joined they are considered compatible, if they mix and • Acids old alike — it does not matter if you can sing or not! Oiltanking as an International change or do not mix at all are considered incompatible. • Liquid Bases Management Trainee in Kotka, 403479234802340823Therefore storing and handling chemicals on the same • Liquid Oxidizers Shanghai is also increasingly becoming the place to be for Finland, Tallinn, Estonia and premises requires utmost care and attention to avoid • Non-volatile Liquid Hazardous Substances major events, which attracts a lot of jet setters, designers, Hamburg, Germany before he any chemical reaction hazards. artists and wannabes. But beyond the posh restaurants, became Sales Manager for the To guarantee proper chemical compatibility luxury boutique shops and shiny cars, there is also another terminals in Antwerp and Ghent, The single most important rule is to separate Oiltanking’s terminals, like Oiltanking Singapore, side to Shanghai, where street-sellers and garbage Belgium, and Terneuzen, the 840238042480524805incompatible materials which, if accidentally mixed, take reference from the US Coast Guard Compatibility collectors struggle just to get through the day. The Netherlands. In late 2007, he could cause a fire, an explosion or the generation of Chart. It comprises a total of 43 groups, which then differences are often striking. Especially when travelling moved to Singapore to take up the role of Business toxic gases. As a general rule, incompatible chemicals are classified into Reactive Groups and Cargo through the country, you are reminded that China is still Development Manager for Asia Pacific. Since 2011 he should be stored in separate tank pits. The tanks Groups. When a new product is to be stored in a very much under development and has major challenges has been living in Shanghai, China. As General Manager 248602486024680246have to be clearly labeled to indicate what designated tank, the compatibility chart ahead. of Oiltanking China, he is currently responsible for product is stored therein. indicated whether the new product is Oiltanking’s companies in China as well as managing compatible with the existing products This aspect of China is — if you are, like me, generally Oiltanking’s business development efforts. stored in the same tank pit. interested in the country’s current affairs, history, politics 802468024473462345 24 CONNECTIONS 784025072358249502CONNECTIONS 25 935802357023758245 823507235087230750 582375235976956892 India India

Action! In India, IOT is the first company to popularize the concept IOT Infrastructure & Energy of Common User Making the Terminal, which is finally Services Ltd (IOT) plays a gaining acceptance on pioneering role in introducing the Indian market. the concept of a Common User Common Terminal in India. In August 2013, it signed a long-term terminaling services agreement User with IOC to set up the first Terminals terminal of this type. built by IOT Anwesha, will boast a tankage capacity of the experience of having developed a common user approximately 190,000 cbm for product storage. The terminal in a transparent manner will provide IOT with a inputs will be received through rail and the Paradip-Ranchi- benchmark and distinguish it as a trailblazer among other Raipur cross-country pipeline. Evacuation shall be through terminaling market players in India. This new terminal will While shared infrastructure is a common agreement requires detailed planning, not only cost- both rail cars and tank trucks. The terminal will be designed also serve as a yardstick for future CUTs — a development concept with oil companies overseas, especially for wise but also with regard to design and engineering, for round-the-clock operations, with the truck loading which will pave the way for IOT to initiate discussions on storage, it has taken a while for the idea to catch on and operation and maintenance-related issues. After operating on a two-shift basis. extending its services to many such CUTs across India. The in India, where traditionally oil companies develop some lengthy deliberations, IOT obtained the company’s experience will certainly help IOT to quickly captive terminals. IOT, which has been championing necessary approval from all the parties involved and The construction of this terminal will entail an investment identify and tap into the CUT opportunities that lie ahead. the concept of Common User Terminals (CUT) since acquired around 80 acres of land at Lakholi, Raipur. of around Rs 400 crore (approx. US$ 64 million). Once it was founded, played an initiating role four years The terminaling service agreement (TSA) was commissioned, the facility will be able to handle a projected ago when it first presented the concept of a CUT to concluded for an operating period of 24 years. On annual throughput of approx. 3.9 million cbm. Moreover, the three State Oil Companies – Indian Oil Corp. August 15, 2013, IOT signed the contract with IOC at (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corp. (BPC) and Hindustan a ceremony attended by the top management of IOT’s Petroleum Corp. (HPC), who supported the backers, Oiltanking and IOC. Preliminary work on the development of this concept at a handful of terminal began in September, with the locations, including Raipur in Chhatisgarh construction of the entire terminal scheduled Pooled forces The preliminary engineering work for the Common User Terminal (CUT) in Lakholi, Raipur, got underway at the end of and Tatanagar in Jharkhand. for completion in two years. August 2013 and is expected to take two years.

Not only does the proposal result in substantial savings on capital expenditure CUTting a revolutionary deal (Capex) and operating costs for IOC and BPC; it also carries attendant benefits, The terminal will load, store and dispatch such as economies of scale in combining diesel (HSD), superior kerosene oil volumes and optimizing costs. (SKO), petrol (MS) and furnace oil Needless to say, such an (FO). The facility, which is to be

26 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 27 Facts Facts

Petrochemicals make things Flowchart Depicting the main steps between raw Natural materials and feedstocks to building blocks, derivatives happen gas and everyday products. Crude oil

Associated Naphtha NGL Methane Petrochemicals are chemical gases products derived from crude oil and natural gas. These chemicals are extracted during the refining process when crude oil or gas is distilled or cracked. Some of the primary petrochemicals obtained in this process include Ethane LPG Methane Methanol benzene, ethylene, propylene and toluene. In our daily lives we are surrounded by all sorts of petroleum-based products, including soaps, plastics, paints, cars, frames for eye glasses and disposable diapers, to name just a few, which we often take for granted. Today, approximately five percent of the oil and gas consumed each year is needed to make petrochemical products. The US, with an annual per- Ethylene Propylene C4 stream Benzene Toluene Xylenes capita consumption of petrochemical products of 58 kg, is still the world’s largest market for OLEFINS AROMATICS petrochemicals. In future, the strong economic growth and the rise of the middle classes in many emerging economies will shift the focus of the global demand for petrochemical products eastwards, a recent study by Roland Berger Strategy Consultants reveals e.g. detergents, e.g. pharma- e.g. fuel, e.g. electrics, e.g. coatings, e.g. textile, e.g. home food packing ceuticals, kitchen chewing gum electronics sports building & furnishing, (November 2012). appliances equipment construction sports equipment

chart content courtesy of Appe, Association of Petochemicals Producers in Europe, www.petrochemistry.eu

28 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 29 Facts Leisure & Fun

The Garbage Patch State Maria Cristina Finucci’s installation is a metaphor for the deluge of plastic and debris in every sea and ocean on the planet. Pictures: Courtesy of UNESCO/Emilien Urbano Major milestones in the world of petrochemicals

The history of the petrochemical industry is a story of technical accomplishment and innovation. It is quite a young industry that had modest beginnings before it was started up in World War I when researchers attempted to extract benzene and toluene from petroleum. Around the mid-20th century the petrochemical industry eventually began to flourish as the demand grew for synthetic materials to replace natural and costly products. The achievements of the last century triggered tremendous growth, a high level of technical sophistication and useful consumer products.

1828 Michael Faraday produced the first petrochemical 1930 Otto Karl Julius Röhm developed a method for ethyl alcohol from ethylene. It took a good 100 years to polymerizing. Additionally, he developed polymethyl become a commercial success as it was much cheaper to methacrylate (PMMA) and in 1933 he patented and produce ethyl alcohol by fermentation. registered the brand PLEXIGLAS. 1835 Henri Victor Regnault discovered polyvinyl 1937 Wallace Hume Carothers is credited with the The art of chloride, commonly known as PVC; while Dr. Fritz Klatte invention of nylon. When stockings first appeared in the received the patent for PVC 80 years later, back in 1926 US, they were a sensation and sold like hot cakes. Waldo Semon already found a way to plasticize PVC, thus making it more flexible and more versatile. 1938 Roy Plunkett discovered polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which was patented in 1941. Since 1945 Teflon recycling 1839 Charles Goodyear discovered the process of has been the best known brand name for PTFE. vulcanizing rubber after five years of trying to make it The Garbage Patch State is an invention of the things, to conversion technologies such as thermal more stable. 1941 John Whinfield and James Dickson created the Italian artist Maria Cristina Finucci and was depolymerization, which breaks down complex organic first polyester fiber and patented "polyethylene institutionally recognized — albeit symbolically — by materials — usually biomass plastic — into fuel oil. 1856 William Henry Perkin created the first synthetic terephthalate" (also called PET or PETE). In 1946 the UNESCO on April 11, 2013. In a simple installation at For instance, a Swiss company that received the dye, known as aniline purple or mauveine, out of coal tar. second polyester fiber, Dacron, was introduced by the international art exhibition La Biennale 2013 in Zuger Innovation Award (Zuger Innovationspreis) in DuPont. In the mid-1960s it was used for packaging, Venice, she sums up the complex phenomenon of the 2006 turns plastic into fuel with the aid of a three- 1879 Gustave Bouchardat was the first to turn out a while in the early 1970s the technique for bottle-blowing overflow of plastics and islands made of garbage step technique. It forecasts that 15,000 tons of plastic synthetic rubberlike product, hence initiating synthetic was developed commercially (see also 1977). floating in the middle of the oceans. This problem waste will be translated into 14 million liters of fuel oil rubber technology while the large-scale commercial could be tackled in the near future by means of the once its first commercial factory in Germany is put production first started during World War I. 1951 Fritz Stastny, working for BASF, found a way to ocean cleanup device created by the Dutch aerospace into operation in 2014. A Japanese company even turn polystyrene into foam, thus paving the way for the engineering student Boyan Slat. His ongoing feasibility offers a compact desktop waste-plastic oiling system 1888 Friedrich Reinitzer discovered properties of liquid Styropor era. study suggests that his marine array to turn plastic waste into oil. While crystals. However, it was not until the early 1960s that could potentially remove 7,250,000 you wait for these new conversion researchers realized that liquid crystals could be used for 1965 Stephanie Kwolek invented poly-paraphenylene tons of plastic waste from the world’s technologies to hit the market, screens and displays. Today’s mobile phone screens terephthalamide — branded Kevlar — which was first oceans — roughly equivalent to the however, it would seem that your own would be inconceivable without this discovery. used commercially in the early 1970s. weight of 1,000 Eiffel Towers. However, art of recycling remains limited to his investigations are far from over. discarding your trash in the right 1925 Leo Hendrik Baekeland, trying to find a substitute 1977 The first PET bottle was recycled and turned into color-coded bin. for shellac, came up with the first synthetic plastic, a a bottle basecup. Soon the fiber industry used this "new" Also, researchers worldwide are busy resin-like natural substance, named bakelite. material as a source for making textiles and carpets, for trying to come up with solutions to Maria Cristina instance. minimize plastic waste. They are Finucci (middle) devoting their attention, among other is enthusiastically Source: www.petrochemistry.eu. introduced.

30 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 31 Asia Pacific Asia Pacific

Sense of the language Luo Jin’s (far left) suggestion won the competition for the employees of the two Oiltanking terminals in China. “书不尽言，言不尽意” Writing cannot express all words; words cannot encompass all ideas. (Confucius (551–479 BC), Chinese teacher, editor, politician and philosopher)

communities. As a starting point, the forward-thinking with a better translation than the Chinese-speaking General Manager of Oiltanking Greater China, Xun Guan, Oiltankers themselves? Therefore, a contest was localized the corporate name “Oiltanking” to “European organized for all colleagues at the two Chinese terminals. (欧) German (德) Oil (油) Storage (储)” in Chinese, which On August 8, 2013, the judging panel made up of created the nearest pronunciation and interpretation of managers eventually decided on the winner of the slogan the English wording. In 2006 when Oiltanking launched competition: The suggestion carefully chosen by Luo Jin its new corporate motto “We can, we care” — which also “罗晋”, Operations Technician, displayed creativity and features in its advertising campaigns — naturally the consistency. Despite the language and cultural differences slogan had to be adjusted to fit in with the Chinese between Chinese and English, he retained the original market. The proper characters were discussed at great essence of “We can, we care” but strengthened Oiltanking’s length and painstakingly chosen in 2008. brand identity by translating it as 品质罐, 用心管 (see Right from the start Xun Guan, General explanation below). The competition revealed the Manager of Oiltanking Greater China, localized the corporate name “Oiltanking” as European However, over the last few months, while compiling a remarkably creative ability of the employees and united (欧) German (德) Oil (油) Storage (储)”. special marketing brochure and localizing its corporate all the Chinese terminals under one Oiltanking voice. The identity, Oiltanking noted that the characters of the new wording will help the company to continue on its slogan "could be improved”. And who else could come up quest to localize Oiltanking’s corporate identity in China. Not lost in translation What does “品质罐, 用心管” mean? The Chinese language is very complex due to its various characters, tones and dialects. 品质Pǐn zhì, refers to the high standard of product or look after the products and business in a focused and Translating into other languages has to be done with great care to avoid any possible service quality, which not only complies with the assiduous manner. These three small words embody cross-cultural clashes. Therefore, Oiltanking paid particular attention to how to present compulsory industrial requirements but also surpasses the excellent services, covering a wide range of positive itself when it entered the Chinese market. The corporate motto of “We can, we care” customer expectations. Therefore, it paints a picture of features, including the high level of responsiveness, a premium product or service with outstanding quality, accessibility and initiation, a “we try harder” attitude was also adapted carefully and even received a makeover recently. a consistent performance, and reliable and durable and innovative, tailor-made solutions. On the other features. These two Chinese characters signify one hand, it implies the powerful basis of good service: While there are tens of thousands of Chinese occasionally trip up when translating their product name dimension of the message conveyed by “we can”: “we professional and safe infrastructures, facilities and characters, modern Chinese words are generally and advertising into Chinese. There are plenty of are capable”. management systems, and highly qualified specialists. composed of two or more characters and “only” a few prominent examples of translation faux pas, such as the Unquestionably, the phrase illustrates the messages thousand of them may be enough to understand many one that happened to a well-known multinational soft 罐Guàn is a homophone that, as a noun, refers to a expressed by “we care” in a comprehensive and vivid thousands of words. For example, an educated Chinese drink corporation with the slogan “… brings you back to closed cylindrical container that might be small like a manner. person generally knows about 4,000. However, the same life”. Unfortunately, the Chinese translation meant “… can or as vast as a tank. When used as a verb, however, spoken syllable (homophones) may be represented by brings your ancestors back from the grave”. No less it refers to the process of putting liquid, gas or solids The combination of the six aforementioned characters many different characters depending on the meaning. awkward was the “Finger Lickin’ Good” slogan of a popular into a sealed container. This signal Chinese character defines Oiltanking as a professional, reliable and One character alone can also have a range of sometimes fast food restaurant, which became “Eat your fingers off” epitomizes another aspect of the message service-orientated organization. The slogan conveys quite different meanings. In short, the Chinese language in Chinese! communicated by “we can”, namely Oiltanking’s storage the goal of Oiltanking’s employees to allow customers is very complicated. For foreigners, not only is it difficult services. to “relax, sit back and not have to worry” while to master; the challenge is also how to translate it into Since opening up in the Chinese market in 2004, Oiltanking takes care of their products and mirrors the their own languages and vice versa. International Oiltanking has been searching for ways to adapt its 用心管Yòng xīn guǎn, refers to a great determination to work attitude of “We can, we care”. companies who branch out into the Chinese market presence to the Chinese culture and blend in with local

32 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 33 North America North America

Within a year of Oiltanking purchasing United Bulk Terminals (UBT) Davant, it already wins its first HSSE award at the annual American Longshore Mutual Association (ALMA) Time to take stock of Conference on July 29, 2013. the Appelt expansion project And the In mid-July 2013, Oiltanking Houston’s large-scale United Bulk Terminals winner is … Award. Perry Triche, HSSE expansion project reached a major milestone when (UBT) Davant has come a Manager, was there to accept long way in the short time the award on behalf of UBT. the first three tanks at its newly built Appelt facility Accomplishment of goals Since since Oiltanking acquired the United Bulk July 2013 the first three of ten tanks went into operation. By the end of the year, Phase I terminal in June 2012. UBT “While the beauty of Punta in Phase I have been in operation to will be completed with seven more tanks*. has already transformed itself Terminals! Cana is incredible, the true joy handle the rising domestic crude oil to an industry leader in terminal of my trip was knowing the production in the US and Canada. * not ready at time of printing safety and has recently received people I represented and the public recognition for its efforts. reason we were recognized. On July 29, 2013, The American Together we have made considerable Oiltanking Houston has big plans: Between 2012 to write on May 29, 2013: “Oiltanking leads charge in Equity Underwriters, Inc. (AEU) hosted strides regarding our safety and 2014, it will increase its storage capacity from 2 to 3 rapid Houston crude storage capacity expansion.” the 2012 Safety Awards at the annual performance, however there is more million cbm (12 to 20 million barrels). In order to do so, American Longshore Mutual Association (ALMA) ground to cover and it must be consistent in the existing tank facility located at the Houston Ship The Appelt expansion will merge seamlessly into the Conference in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The ALMA everything we do every day,” commented Perry Triche Channel will be connected to a 74.94-acre property Oiltanking Houston facility and is in a good position with Conference is an annual event organized for brokers, about the conference. acquired in 2012 via multiple pipelines. Named Appelt its long-term storage contracts — further confirmation of ALMA members and guests. It includes informative after its address, 2500 Appelt Road, this expansion the first-rate service, flexibility and possibilities that the industry sessions, featuring expert presentations and Under the umbrella of Marquard & Bahls, the most project, which will add 31 new tanks with a total shell Oiltanking terminal provides in the marketplace. This discussions on key issues in the maritime industry, and important assets are its people and therefore HSSE is capacity of 1.5 million cbm (9.6 million barrels), is excellence is reflected in Oiltanking Partner’s rank of 69th plenty of social activities and networking opportunities. something that is taken very seriously by the company. By scheduled in three phases. In July 2013 the engineering on the Houston Chronicle’s list of Houston’s Top 100 accepting this award, UBT is setting an example for others and operations group of Oiltanking had good reason to public companies in 2012. The annual list ranks Houston- One of the highlights of the conference was the speech in the industry and demonstrating its further commitment celebrate when the first three tanks in Phase I went into based companies according to four performance criteria: given by this year’s keynote speaker, Gene Stallings, a to employee safety and well-being. UBT, this is truly the service. When Phase I is finalized at the end of the year, total revenue, annual growth in earnings per share, former university and professional football coach. He best way forward! there will be a further shell capacity of more than 500,000 annual revenue growth and one-year total return. delivered an inspirational speech that touched the cbm (3.2 million barrels). hearts and minds of everyone present, capturing the audience with a humble presentation on life Meanwhile, the construction of Phase II is observations, moral principles, self-improvement currently in progress. By the end of the and simply doing the right thing. second quarter of 2014, four of the eleven tanks in Phase II will be operational and Coach Gene Stallings presented the ALMA awards all 22 tanks in Phase I and II will be up to the best performing ALMA members in the United and running by the end of the same year. States based on the number and severity of The construction of the remaining nine accidents in the calendar year. This year, UBT was tanks in Phase III will commence in the the proud winner of the Medium Stevedore Safety second half of 2015. Once the Appelt project is finished, the expansion will have ramped up the total storage capacity Best performance Perry Triche (US of Oiltanking Houston by 67 percent. This United Bulk Terminals), second from left, Oiltanking development project mirrors among other ALMA Award winners (from the growing demand for storage capacity left): Bill Hardy (Beacon Maritime), Coach Gene Stallings, Otto Candies, Jr. (Candies due to the rising domestic crude oil Shipbuilding), and John Bullock (Willis of production in the US and Canada — a fact AL representing Signal International). that prompted OPIS (tankterminals.com)

34 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 35 North America Cover text

A donation Oiltanking Port Neches’ (Texas, USA) donation to Woodcrest that Elementary School demonstrates the company’s dedication to its Poly corporate social responsibility and binds how it supports its community. A “sandwich mazing of polymers” is what Yejin Eun, a together doctoral student at the University of Wisconsin, its continued growth. With a view to Madison, calls her creation, a communicating science, engineering and combination of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and technology for educational and journalistic Oiltanking Port Neches’ contribution to Woodcrest Oiltanking Port Neches is an ardent supporter of its polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Thanks to the purposes, winners are selected annually from five Elementary School attracted a lot of attention for community, sponsoring everything from local school sports different reactions of both polymers, an undulating categories: Photography, Illustration, Posters & something that is designed to be invisible yet binding. Last teams to graduation ceremonies. The company recognizes landscape of microscopic hills and valleys develops: Graphics, Games & Apps, and Video. summer the company gave US$ 2,000 to the school to that operating in such a small community provides While PEG looks to expand when it encounters replace its broken laminator machine. This useful tool, invaluable opportunities to make a big difference. In May water, the stiffer polyethylene copolymer will not which seals paper between two sheets of clear plastic, is a 2013, Oiltanking Port Neches made a contribution of allow it, so PEG stretches vertically instead. The big plus for any primary school. Not only does it protect US$ 6,000 to equip the entire local police force with high contortions render the polymer combo unusable teaching tools; it also saves time as it keeps teachers from quality flashlights. Previously, officers had to purchase for its original purpose: mounting cell having to re-create items that have been damaged from their own costly LED flashlights due to budget constraints. samples. the day-to-day wear and tear. The school also uses the With these kinds of corporate social responsibility laminator to preserve the pupils’ handprints, a priceless activities, Oiltanking Port Neches shows how to “bind” a But Eun, who works under the watchful

keepsake parents can treasure for years. community together. eye of biochemist Douglas B. Weibel,

found the result of the failed i

Oiltanking Port Neches became aware of the school’s need experiment so beautiful that she M

through Woodcrest teacher Casey Stafford, who is the wife photographed the image and s

n o

of Oiltanking Port Neches scheduler Curtis Stafford. ended up receiving an Honorable c

i W

Curtis, who sits on the Oiltanking Port Neches Mention for the picture in the

Charity Committee, brought the issue to the notice International Science & Engineering t

i s

r of Oiltanking and within a couple of months the Visualization Challenge 2008. The e

i new laminator was delivered to the school thanks competition was initiated by the n U

, l to the donation. The committee was happy to see National Science Foundation e b i how enthusiastic the teachers were to receive it. (NSF) and the journal Science to e W

B “We were proud that such a modest gift could celebrate the grand tradition of s a l make such a big impact on these teachers’ day-to- science visualization and encourage g u o D day work,” said Stafford. d n a

n u E n ji e Y f o y Supporting the community is s e rt high on the agenda at Oiltanking ou C e: Port Neches, Texas, USA, as ur ct the donation to Woodcrest Pi Elementary demonstrates.

36 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 37 Leisure & Fun Leisure & Fun

With heart or mind?

If you happen to see love through Chem cal rose-tinted spectacles, then you had better brace yourself for the hard and unsentimental truth researchers combinations will tell you: What we call love is just a state that chemical reaction L V E hormones and neurotransmitters create. According to Helen Fisher, a professor of anthropology at Rutgers If you ask people about their experiences at school and you mention chemistry University, New Jersey/USA, four O lessons, there only seems to be two possible responses: either you loved it or main compounds are involved: Dopamine, a neurotransmitter, that hated it. No matter which side you are on, however, we hope the following is responsible for focusing your contributions from our connections “laboratory” will inspire both camps. thoughts on your loved one and of appetite, butterflies in your being a decreased level of serotonin, making you want to spend more stomach — or just the general a neurochemical that creates feelings time with her/him; norepinephrine, a nuttiness romantic love is associated of calm; and last but not least, stimulant closely related to with; emotions like anxiety and fear oxytocin is responsible for creating dopamine, which is the reason why are more likely to be experienced the trust and bond between two Worth jotting you experience sleepless nights, loss when falling in love — the reason people. it down

Children play and draw with colored pencils practically every day. So why not make the experience more Room full of educational and stick a label on pharmaceuticals the pencil? Not just any old sticker, mind, but the names of Vitamin capsules, cortisone and headache In the installation, the gallery space is the chemicals that make those pills are, like the vast majority of topical covered with wall-to-wall medicine cabinets colors! So instead of thinking medicines, derived from petroleum, such as containing bottles and packages of "I want green", they will think through the synthesis of benzene or its prescription drugs. Four pharmacy bottles "I want a barium nitrate derivatives. Pharmaceuticals are not only are on display on the counter, each of which

Ba(NO3)2 flame". Then, when able to serve a medical purpose, however, is filled with a colored liquid representing they take chemistry in high and this is demonstrated by Damien Hirst’s the four elements: earth, fire, air and water. school and the teacher lights work Pharmacy. The art installation by the At the center of the room hangs an insect-o- some gas, makes a green British artist was first shown at the Cohen cutor. Although the exhibition can be viewed color and asks the class what Gallery, New York, in 1992 and is now owned without a prescription, we don’t know the chemical it is, your student by Tate Modern, Britain's national gallery of side-effects: some might question it, some will know it is barium! Genius! international modern art in London. In this will have to stomach it while others might work, Hirst explores the distinctions between well feel inspired… art and life and the power given to pharmaceuticals by our unquestioning faith in them. In general, his works are explicitly

P concerned with the fundamental dilemmas of ic tu re : human existence. Co ur te sy o f Q ue Int eres ante via www.etsy.com

38 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 39 Latin America Latin America

On the way up Within just two years Oiltanking's COASSA terminal established itself Gearing up as a reliable and for the new generation sought partner. Ship ahoy! A barge is ready to leave Oiltanking's Flashback Since the Colón jetty to set sail with first vessel "Kandilousa" its valuable cargo. moored at Oiltanking Colón, Panama, many more have been dispatched successfully.

Team to count on Female and male colleagues from the Colón terminal are committed to providing the best service in the region.

After almost two successful years for one of the youngest additions to Oiltanking’s facilities, the bunkering terminal in Colón, Panama, will commission four new tanks at the

end of 2013 in anticipation of future volumes subsequent to the scheduled expansion of positions. It is also the trigger for major infrastructural upgrades the Panama Canal. within the maritime industry around the globe, especially in the Americas: Some liners are rushing orders to have their New Panamax vessels ready and re-thinking their routes to take “Kandilousa” — the name of the very first vessel that 2015. From then on, Panama will star in a new episode of advantage of the enhanced Panama Canal while ports are Oiltanking’s bunkering terminal in Colón, Panama, maritime history, as it did back in 1914 with the original increasing their drafts and improving their services to attract received on January 6, 2012. Since then, many more inauguration of the canal. these larger vessels to their waters. Panama does not want to be commercial marine-fuel cargos have docked there. Within left behind because of this transformation and announced just two years, the terminal has managed to establish The third lane of docks will enable the Panama Canal to significant upgrades to its ports. “The New Panamaxes are on their itself as a reliable partner. In November 2013 the terminal offer a shortcut between the Pacific and the Atlantic for a way and will keep on coming for another one hundred years,” the is to add four new tanks, which will more than double its new vessel generation: the New Panamax — ships that locals say. Perfect starting position storage capacity from 47,000 cbm to 120,000 cbm. are capable of carrying cargos three times as big as those Oiltanking's state-of-the-art terminal Consequently, Oiltanking is well poised to seize the of the current Panamaxes. This much awaited event is Due to the growing volume of shipping traffic, the demand for in Colón is strategically located opportunities the expansion will present. According to the reason why Panama has become a very competitive bunker fuel and its storage is also set to increase. Thanks to the between the two major container terminals in Panama and is one of the official sources, the big event is to take place in June market in recent years as all the players vie for strategic expansion of Oiltanking’s COASSA terminal, it will be in a good largest in Central America.

40 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 41 Latin America Latin America

position to offer much more flexibility for its customers, Competitors are also sprinting to commission new tanks not only in terms of tank capacity, but also segregated and even new ports, but the race has just started and the product systems, a deeper draft at the jetty and customers will decide who wins or loses. The first part of simultaneous operations. the contest will be a steep uphill climb, but the Oiltanking Small terminal, However, Oiltanking is well aware that it is not alone. team is well prepared. Besides, if it were too easy, where is the fun? big performance Panamax and Post-Panamax Vessel Size Comparison Panamax and New Panamax Vessel Size Comparison Logística de Químicos del Sur S.A.C. (LQS) Panamax and Post-Panamax Vessel´) Size Comparison contributes greatly toward the development of

294.1 m (965 ´) the mining industry in southern Peru by exclusively ´) Draft 32.3 m (106 12.04 m (39.5´ ) handling sodium hydrosulfide (NaHs) for various 294.1 m (965 ´) clients despite the terminal’s relatively small total Draft 32.3 m (106 12.04 m (39.5´ ) storage capacity. ) 0´ ) 33.5 m 0´ (110´) 366 m (1,20 304.8 m (1,00 ) Not only is the southern Peruvian city of Matarani the LQS had assigned it, the unloading process can begin. 12.8 m 0´ ´) (42´ ) ) 33.5 m 0´ 49 m (160 gateway to the city of Arequipa, where you can discover Typically, this takes 12 to 20 hours. Four state-of-the-art (110´) 366 m (1,20 304.8 m (1,00 its fascinating history spanning over 10,000 years; it is tanks with a capacity of 1,500 cbm each are available to 12.8 m ´) (42´ ) also the main port in Arequipa and over the years has store the products, all with a built-in heating system and 49 m (160 become increasingly important by attracting foreign glass wool coating. Once the NaHS is needed by its clients, trade. Peru, which is a significant global copper and gold LQS loads it into tanker trucks with a capacity of 23 cbm producer, also plays a major role in lead, molybdenum, at its loading rack.

) silver, tin and zinc production. Matarani is also the home 0´ 55 m (180´) of Logística de Químicos del Sur S.A.C. (LQS), a Storing and handling chemicals requires the utmost care 427 m (1,40 Draft corporation made up of Oiltanking Andina and Santa regarding the product, environment and also all the New dimensions Once the third ) 0´ 15.2 m (50´ ) set of locks, which will be larger 18.3 m (60´ ) Sofía Puertos. people involved in the process, and NaHS is no exception. 55 m (180´) 427 m (1,40 Needless to say, LQS has established facility-specific than the current two, becomes Draft operational in 2015, the New Existing15.2 m (5 Locks0´ ) Max Vessel: up to 5,000 TEU Although the terminal’s total capacity of 6,000 cbm might safe-handling and storage practices and procedures. 18.3 m (60´ ) Panamax will come into effect. New Locks Max Vessel: up to 13,000 TEU seem small at first glance, it contributes greatly toward the development of the mining industry in southern Peru: Terminal Internacional del Sur (TISUR), which runs the Existing Locks Max Vessel: up to 5,000 TEU New Locks Max Vessel: up to 13,000 TEU It is the only chemical plant in the south and its port of Matarani, is planning to invest US$ 260 million to geographical location favors commercial transactions almost double its handling capacity. In addition the with its customers, who are involved in the mining Peruvian government has ambitious plans to increase Panama Canal expansion Permissible sizes industry. The terminal receives, stores and dispatches mining exports to over US$ 30 billion (in 2011: US$ 25 sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) – an alkaline chemical billion). The team of nine colleagues at the Matarani Ships destined to traverse the Panama Canal are Panamax New Panamax solution used in mining to separate copper from another terminal are well poised to tackle all challenges. limited by the width and length of the available lock ore called molybdenum. However, it is also used in a Length 294.13 m (965 ft) 366 m (1,200 ft) chamber, the depth of water and the height of the variety of other sectors: In the pulp and paper industry Bridge of the Americas. The Panamax specifications Width 32.31 m (106 ft) 49 m (160.7 ft) to remove lignin from wood chips, in manufacturing as a have been in force since the opening of the Panama raw material or purifying agent and in the leather-tanning Did you know? Draft 12.04 m (39.5 ft) 15.2 m (49.9 ft) Canal in 1914. The Panama Canal expansion is due industry to remove hair from hides. By adding chemicals and metals ground into tiny to be completed in mid-2015 with new, bigger locks TEU* 5,000 13,000 particles, different colors can be created for a to accommodate new ship dimensions. The New How it works firework display. When a firework explodes, the Panamax will cut down the locking time and reduce *TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit) is a unit of cargo metal particles start oxidizing, which causes the traffic congestion and traveling time for ships capacity, especially for container ships. In general, ships carrying NaHS leave the Gulf of Mexico, heat needed to excite the particles so that they emit between the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean. A major sail through the Panama Canal and follow the Pacific coast light and color. And it is actually copper that produces breakthrough for the maritime world! until they reach the port of Matarani. Once a ship docks at the blue hue! the marine berth (up to 32 ft. draft and 36,000 dwt) where

42 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 43 Sport Sport

“To truly appreciate what life Reaching the summit of Mont Blanc Not only did Taylor significant investment — both is worth you have to risk it and his friend successfully in terms of time and money. battle the elements; they also Nothing about climbing is once in a while.” overcame a number of physical cheap or easy. It requires you and mental challenges. (Jean-Paul Sartre, French Philosopher, to set goals, prioritize and dig 1905–1980) deep inside yourself in order to complete the task ahead. a year in advance. When climbing But in doing so, not only do a little over 4.8 km (3 miles), your you gain a better perspective gear is of supreme importance. of the world in which we live; Nobody can help you up there and you also learn a lot about you need to be able to trust that yourself. To me, what you bring is light enough to mountaineering is one of the carry on your back, sufficient greatest personal challenges enough to perform under all you can set for yourself. It conditions and durable enough to withstand the abuse pushes you to absolute breaking point and then asks for that goes along with mountaineering. Basically, you can't just a little more. It tests physical strength as well as just strap on your Timberlands and haul around the same mental fortitude and presents very real risks. And it is for sleeping bag you use to take your family on a weekend these reasons that I feel it is one of the few pure sports Once-in-a- camping trip. Fitness also plays a pivotal role in the left. As for the bulls, that was just the “icing on the cake” overall success of a climb. By the time I was packing my — a pure adrenaline rush. bags, I had been training for 12 months straight: running lifetime roughly 16-19 km (10-12 miles) per week and lifting weights nearly every day. I can honestly say I was in the Not to be best shape of my life and, even so, I have never been as missed While tired as I was the day we climbed “The Blanc”. That single in Russia Taylor mountain took three days to complete. Summit day alone also went to adventure required waking up at midnight after only three hours see the famous sleep, navigating a gully of falling rocks the size of Red Square in Moscow. computer monitors, climbing 457.2 m (1,500 ft.) of sheer On June 12, 2013, Taylor Jacob, Project Engineer at Oiltanking Corporate Center, and his rock and ice, and a myriad of other challenges that we had not fully anticipated. By the end of the day, we had friend set off on a once-in-a-lifetime mountaineering adventure. Taylor shares with us been climbing for just over 16 hours straight, burned their adrenaline-filled experience that took them all the way to France, Russia and Spain. approximately 9,000 calories and clocked a total of over 1,828 m (6,000 ft.) of vertical ascent. Ever since I was a child, I have had a passion for the — or, for that matter, what decade you are currently great outdoors. I was especially fascinated with hiking; living in — the title of Europe’s tallest peak either belongs After almost two solid weeks exploring the world in its most natural, untouched state. to Mont Blanc 4,810 m (15,781 ft.) in the French Alps or and by the grace of God, my My closest friends, particularly those who have ever skied Elbrus 5,642 m (18,510 ft.) in Russia’s Northern friend and I had successfully with me, also know that I am something of an adrenaline Caucasus. To settle the matter, my friend Parker decided reached the highest peaks in junkie. So when my best friend back home in Texas called we should use a fool-proof tactic: climb both, back-to- both Eastern and Western to ask if I would join him on his quest to climb one of the back, in roughly a week. I remember saying on the Europe, ran for our lives from coveted “Seven Summits”, I jumped at the chance. phone, “Well, if we are really trying to kill ourselves, why raging bulls through the streets don't we just go crazy and run with the bulls during the of Pamplona and survived to tell The Seven Summits are pretty much the pinnacle of San Fermín festival!” Needless to say, he came back with the tale for years to come. Upon mountaineering achievements. It involves scaling the an itinerary two days later. Sure enough, there was my return, the most frequent Bullish attitude The two mountaineers also highest mountain on each of the seven continents. Much Pamplona, Spain* (with an asterisk — “pending survival question I was asked, of course, was “How was it?” It daringly participated in the famous Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain, which takes place of the list is undisputed — Mount Everest in Asia, Mount of Mont Blanc and Elbrus”). took me a while to come up with a good answer. After all, each year from July 6–14 during Sanfermines McKinley in North America, Kosciuszko in Australia and so in truth, it was indescribable. It’s an experience I will (Fiesta de San Fermín). on. But Europe is different. Depending on whom you ask The planning and preparations started a little more than carry with me for life. Make no mistake; climbing is a

44 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 45 Leisure & FUN READER' S CORNER

... and action! Try to solve our riddle and don't miss out on the chance to win! Please send your entries to: [email protected], or contact us by post: Oiltanking GmbH, connections Team, Admiralitaetstrasse 55, 20459 Hamburg, Germany, or by fax: +49 40 370 99-499.

CONGRATULATIONS

In our last quiz, we were looking for the connection Quiz solution between seven questions. Our congratulations go out to Anggie Alliyasa and Nazlah Aini (PT Oiltanking Merak), Roderick de Rooij (Oiltanking Odfjell “The Postman Always Rings Oman), Mariya Schwarz (Mabanaft Deutschland), Twice”, “The Police”, “Death Of A Dustin Hoffmann (Oiltanking Deutschland Terminal Karlsruhe), Cindy Guerrero (Oiltanking North Hard or soft? Salesman”, “Scientists”, “Smooth America), Roland Terrasas (Oiltanking Texas City), and Boris Oudenbroek (Oiltanking GmbH), Now that you have read up on prevents soap from lathering, thus Operator”, “The Merchant Of who spotted that the common factor was petrochemicals, their storage and requiring more soap and synthetic Venice” and “The Wizard Of Oz” professions. Now it’s our job to send the winner a the chemical industry, it is time for a detergent to achieve the same cleaning well-deserved sauna wellness set. spot of applied chemistry. This issue of result as with soft water, for example. connections comes with a water In addition, it causes calcification and hardness test kit so you can determine can thus damage machinery, NEW QUIZ if your water at home is hard or soft. appliances etc. It is not only a concern Typically, test strips have a chemically for domestic users but also industry. COBALT impregnated pad on the end which Monitoring water is also critical in the Chemical analysis NITROGEN reacts with specific ions and changes textile industry, dyeing factories, As Deepak Chopra, an Indian-American physician (*1947), says, to a specific color. By matching the large-scale laundries and fish-farming, “To think is to practice brain chemistry.” What could be more apt GERMANIUM color on the strip against the color to name but a few. Hard water can than to do so with a question straight from the chemical laboratory? NICKEL chart you can ascertain the even have a negative impact on the Do you happen to know what you can spell with these chemical concentration of hardness. taste and appearance of food. elements? If you can transfigure our question to see what the right ALUMINIUM answer is, a fleece scarf and hat awaits the winner. Do keep your The composition of water is extremely Countries and governmental agencies equivalent per liter but is also reported reaction time in mind and forward us the solution by January 31, diverse due to geological conditions. may have different requirements for as grains per gallon or parts per million 2014. Good luck! Both ground and surface water contain water quality. Water hardness is most (ppm). This classification provides a small amounts of natural gases, commonly expressed as the milligrams general reference:

minerals and organic matter. Water of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) hardness is influenced by a variety of dissolved polyvalent metallic ions, "The meeting of two personalities is ...

predominantly calcium and Concentration as CaCO3 Indication magnesium cations (positive ions), ... like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both 0 to 60 mg/l soft water although other cations, such as are transformed.”* Now it is time for some living proof! If you experienced barium, iron, manganese, strontium 60 to 120 mg/l moderately hard water this chemical phenomenon in 2013 (early 2014), we’d like to invite you to and zinc, also come into play. take part in our “scientific documentary” and send us some snaps of your 120 to 180 mg/l hard water wedding and/or baby. We look forward to receiving ample evidence! Please Water hardness plays an important > 180 mg/l very hard water remember the deadline: January 31, 2014. role in everyday life. Hard water * C. G. Jung, 1875 - 1961, Swiss psychiatrist and psychotherapist, founder of analytical psychology

46 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 47 Last but not Least

Stunning chemical sculptures

This beautiful flower is just one of the many blossoming flower structures that Wim L. Noorduin, a postdoctoral researcher in Professor Aizenberg’s team at Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), USA, grew in the laboratory, where these nanolandscapes can best be viewed with an electron microscope. He discovered that merely by dissolving two chemical compounds in water in a simple glass beaker, he could steer their crystalline growth behavior. “To me, the most intriguing thing is that you can make such complicated structures and really sculpt it is moving closer to the command required for them simply by manipulating the chemical reactions,” many practical applications, such as in optical explains Wim L. Noorduin. “Just taking off the lid of materials and catalysts. The ultimate goal is to create the beaker, adding a drop of acid or mixing in some industrial applications, such as tiny medical sensors cooking salt can already create completely different and microelectronics. In short: Noorduin’s sculptures shapes.” As the control over the construction of are a nano garden of Eden bursting with endless

microarchitectures is becoming increasingly refined, possibilities! [email protected]. Picture: Courtesy of Wim L. Noorduin,