THE WORLD OF OILTANKING VOL. 20/1 APRIL 2008 connections

Years connections CONNECTIONS 20 YEARS CONNECTIONS 20 YEARS

Connections It evolved steadily into a popular publication. Putting You In The Picture Travel with us through time, recall breaking news and view images that can “speak” for themselves by viewing cover pages of “connections” from the very beginning until now.

The First Connections ´99 They were mere leaflets. ´00 1989 As Oiltanking grows connections ´01 increases in copies and content, but ... ´02

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´07 ... still sticks to its aim of being absorbing reading with stories ´97 ´98 never heard before. EDITORIAL CONNECTIONS 20 YEARS

“connections” The first issue of “connections” was published by Oiltanking in the spring of 1989. Since then, it has become an In Relation To … established international publication for clients and Oiltanking employees alike. Read on to find out how it all began. ...“connections”— not only the name of our company However, good public relations are only possible if you have magazine, but also a form of alliance that we experience every harmonious and healthy internal relations with employees and CONNECTING PEOPLE Adrian de AND OUR FRIENDS”. And why did we call with the ones in or elsewhere. day. We are connected in many different ways, e.g. with among colleagues. One could interpret the fact that some Monchy — the spiritual “father” the publication “connections”? It was a At the same time, we tried to keep the various stakeholders and both international and public Oiltankers have been with the company for decades and refer of “connections”. play on words, referring to “connecting content light and not too rigid, also relations. to the company as the “Oiltanking family” as a good indication pipelines and tanks”, as well as changing the format regularly with a of our good internal relations. Adrian de Monchy, who retired in “connecting people”; the name worked different layout and masthead from time Our magazine “connections” is of course a media tool to earn 2007 after 21 years in charge of the perfectly from the start. to time. Sam Miller, the owner of an public understanding and acceptance — and has been for Now I wish you pleasant reading as you take a peek behind terminal in Houston, came up with the advertising agency in Houston, was the twenty years! In this issue, we draw back the curtain to reveal the scenes and learn how some of us became “related”. Let us idea of the publication. He not only Besides mailings, brochures and other “designing head” and a reliable partner some of our latest PR efforts. All of these activities are intended stay connected, initiated but also minted the philosophy PR activities, “connections” slowly but for the creative realization for years. to build, improve and maintain the good relationship we enjoy of the magazine and set the course with surely became an increasingly serious with our customers, as well as portray the company’s Gust Spaepen his ideas and his creativity. He was the marketing tool. It grew both in content I really enjoyed working on “connections” professional portfolio and/or social awareness. Managing Director Oiltanking GmbH editor of “connections” for years. He and sophistication. In order to compete throughout the years. When I was recalls how “back in 1989 we were a with the stream of free industry material involved, the company was a lot smaller pretty close-knit group and had a lot of that every manager is bombarded with and there was no internet (at least not to fun. We really felt we had the greatest in his daily mail (no internet in those the same extent as today). As it happens, storage and service company in the days!), we felt the need to publish this might well have been an advantage business and were convinced that this something that was fun to read and as the printed word was more important Highlights In This Issue attitude would be the best way to would not end up in the waste-paper back then. However, who would have continue our growing success. I found basket unread. Therefore, we did two thought that “connections” would evolve that — given the dynamics of our things: while writing the articles, we from a flimsy leaflet into a serious expansion and renovation of the Houston always thought about our employees. company magazine published three terminal, not to mention within the That gave us the right focus and attitude. times a year in three different languages, Oiltanking group as a whole — we should Secondly, we tried to avoid the “slap on distributed over 21 countries and even try to share our insight and spirit with the back” approach and include too many be downloadable via the internet? the families of our employees while at stories and pictures about tanks CONNECTIONS the same time communicating this to our and contract signings, which 20 YEARS MARKETING (relatively small but close group of) nobody really would be Flashback New Tools For customers and associates. impressed with — including the 4 1989 16 Communications clients. The first issues were actually very small color leaflets of one or two pages. They Later, as the Oiltanking group were only sent to our Houston audience grew and other terminals CONSPICUOUS (employees and business contacts alike). wanted to have copies, COVER When Copies were also sent to our bosses at “connections” became more Oiltanking closed the head office in , and to what of an Oiltanking corporate the Indian were then the four other Oiltanking profit newsletter, internationally Oiltanking deal, the masthead of TEXAS CITY Smiles centers in , , spread. Therefore, we “connections” was First Unit Train From Little and Germany. That is also tried to find a style of published in Hindi Welcomed Children 32 why in the early years “connections” writing that would really (one of Adrian's 14 favorite covers). carried the sub-heading “FOR OURSELVES connect families in

2 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 3 Excellent location The Industrial Port of Sohar is highly regarded by international traders and producers.

CONNECTIONS 20 YEARS CONNECTIONS 20 YEARS

Did you know that in 1989 Oiltanking ... Flashback • had a total storage capacity of 3,918,200 cbm with 14 terminals in 6 different countries? Its total capacity today exceeds 12 million cbm, while operating 75 terminals in 21 countries worldwide. 1989 — The year “connections” • began its activities in with the of the first was born! Of course, it was a terminal in ? (starting capacity: 240,000 cbm, historic moment for Oiltanking’s today: 1,493,000 cbm) 1989 • planned to construct its terminal? (with an initial public relations activities. capacity of 175,000 cbm — today 526,000 cbm) However, it was not the only noteworthy event in 1989. What else was happening within the Do these songs from 1989 Can you still visualize these still sound familiar? blockbusters from 1989? Oiltanking family and what was going on in the rest of the world? • The almost unforgettable Eternal Flame by The Bangles • When Harry Met Sally • The chart-topper Another Day In Paradise by Phil Collins • A Fish Called Wanda Let us look back and see ... • The ultimate dance hit Lambada by Kaoma • Rain Man • The top-ten hit on both sides of the Atlantic I Drove All • License to Kill — James Bond 007 Night by Cyndy Lauper • Batman • The hit-single Love Shack by the rock band The B-52’s • The Little Mermaid from Walt Disney

Do you remember some of this ground-breaking news?

20 January George H. W. Bush 21 April Nintendo begins selling the may leave the German Democratic succeeds Ronald Reagan as the 41st Game Boy in Japan Republic (East Germany). President of the of America 25 May Mikhail S. Gorbachev named 17 October Powerful “Loma Prieta” 23 January Salvador Dalí, Spanish Soviet President earthquake rocks San Francisco Bay surrealist, dies Area of California, USA 3 June Ayatollah Khomeini, Iranian 15 February The Soviet Union religious leader and politician, dies 9 November Deng Xiaoping resigns officially announces that all of its troops from ’s leadership have withdrawn from Afghanistan 14 July France celebrates the 200th anniversary of the French Revolution 9/10/11 November East Germany 2 March Twelve European Community opens checkpoint in the Wall and nations agree to ban the production of 25 August Voyager II passes the the next day euphoric Germans tear all chlorofluorocarbons (CFCS) by the planet Neptune and its moon Triton down the wall, thus ending 28 years of end of the century travel restrictions to the West 30 September West German Foreign 4 A1989pril NATO celebrates its 40th Minister Hans-Dietrich Genscher tells 12 December East German birthday in Brussels, “embassy refugees“ in Prague that they Government resigns

© sthib/pixelio 4 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 5 ASIA ASIA

PROFESSIONAL PEFORMANCE Jayanta Bhuyan braves probing questions and the relentless heat.

Indian Oiltanking Goes Bollywood

When Indian Oiltanking (IOT) started thinking about how to BEHIND THE Scenes The film director discusses the final details put its 10 year anniversary of the shooting. into the right frame, it wasn’t only about deciding to throw a party and whom to invite; were in charge of getting permission for filming at the jetty schedule went well with the rain gods blessing everything IOT MOVIE IOT also wanted to when the authorization had only arrived an hour before the with a shower at the end. actual shooting was due to start? And our people who had to document its road to ensure that safety and security issues were guaranteed at all At Panipat, keeping the equipment safe from the dusty winds success in an eye-catching times were constantly teetering on the brink of high blood was a challenge. The powerful crane with a long boom, placing way. That’s how the idea of an pressure. the very heavy pipes at great heights on pipe racks, and the cryogenic tanks under construction gave the most breathtaking image film came about. We went On top of that it was interesting to see that some of our co- shots. “backstage”… workers have quite promising potential for Bollywood. Some had to act in front of the camera, of course for the very first As the Sohar terminal is under construction, no tank top time, and whenever the director shouted “… and action!” they vantage points were available to capture the bird’s eye view did it with pleasure and professionalism. Naturally, some of the entire site. Hiring a helicopter proved impossible due to scenes had to be done more than once — like the filming of a lack of time. It was decided to hire a crane fitted with a “We’d like to have an image film that documents Indian Nevertheless, before shooting could start, a lot of working the fire drill. After having filmed that scene several times, our bucket/hoe to enable the cameraman and his assistant to Oiltanking’s (IOT) history but additionally casts a light on the hours were spent just applying for and getting all the necessary colleagues joked that they wouldn’t have to do any fire drills reach the required height. Once back on terra firma, they company’s capabilities and future prospects”. That was the authorizations — be it for possible helicopter flights, visas, for the next ten years! Jayanta Bhuyan also showed that he gave a sigh of relief. idea — however before IOT could proudly present its 12- port authorities etc. No matter how meticulously everything has many hidden talents. When shooting his interview, it was minute image film some hurdles had to be cleared: how and had been prepared and scheduled, IOT employees more often decided to hold it outside to catch on camera the authentic Then, the highly challenging and creative editing task began where to find the right producer, what would the film script be than not had to show their flexibility during the filming. atmosphere of the terminal. Once the lights and camera had from interim rough cuts to the final film with its music scores, about, which locations would be filmed and when, who and been set up, he acted as if he had been doing it for years. He right lighting and the most appropriate background what should be presented? Under the guidance of Jayanta For instance, when the film crew wanted to shoot the was even immune to the scorching sun that only seemed to commentary. Making sense of the offline and online jargon Bhuyan, Managing Director IOT, a dedicated cross-functional discharging of a ship: unfortunately, the vessel had moored encourage his willingness to chat. Too bad that his appearance editing provided a great learning opportunity. Finding the IOT team worked together to find the right solutions. earlier and had gone before the crew arrived! A plea such as in the film had to be cut down to as little as two minutes at right titles and captions also fuelled a lot of debate. “Oops, but we’re making a film, would you mind staying a bit the end. After having watched image films by several film directors and longer” wouldn’t convince any captain, even when asked in Thus, filming can be likened to cooking: the preparation and carrying out personal interviews, the team collectively zeroed the friendliest possible terms. After all, time is money and a Change of scene acting/cooking can take ages, while viewing the film or eating in on the great Zafar Hai, whose productions (the most famous delay means demurrage. For the colleagues and crew, In Chennai, a security watchtower made available the perfect the dish is achieved in a disproportionately short amount of being “The Keepers of the Flame” on the 100 year old Tata however, that meant a change of plans. If there’s no vessel, spot to shoot the beautifully designed Bulk LPG terminal, time. Nonetheless, like an excellent dish — the IOT film leaves legacy) have prevailed well beyond Indian boundaries. why not start shooting the train scene now rather than later, although four people with cameras and equipment had to you with a pleasing aftertaste! Anyhow, the team had to persuade Zafar to accept a very given that a train is available (and happily there was!)? Or can make their way to the top on a very narrow ladder. The tight time schedule … and luckily he did! you imagine the accelerated heartbeat of the colleagues who overcast sky did cause serious concerns but the tight filming

6 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 7 A sia A sia

NANJING

Unique location and park tenants via the existing pipe rack connection. In The terminal is addition, Oiltanking Nanjing will own and operate a deep sea along the Yangzi River in the heart jetty with various berths up to 50,000 dwt. As Nanjing is the of East China’s last port of call for sea-going vessels on the Yangzi River, it THE LOCATION chemical market. represents a transshipment hub for subsequent barge With a history of 2500 years, the city of Nanjing was the transportation upstream. The terminal is also connected to capital for ten dynasties in the past. The city is surrounded Nanjing’s excellent road system, as well as to the railways, by mountains and rivers, and therefore enjoys the providing access to the vast hinterland of Northeast China. reputation of the place of the “Hidden Dragon And The facility also has ample land for future tank capacity Crouching Tiger”. Nanjing is the capital city of the Jiangsu expansion. Province and has a population of 7.2 million people. It is one of the largest metropolitan cities in China with rapid Hidden Dragon And With the acquisition of Oiltanking Nanjing, Oiltanking has economic growth. Over 400 multinational companies secured a first-class asset located in a prime and strategic have production and representative offices in Nanjing. location along the Yangzi River, thus further enhancing its position as a top-grade service provider on the Chinese The Nanjing Chemical Industry Park Crouching Tiger market. The Nanjing Chemical Industry Park (NCIP) is one of the two state-level petrochemical bases approved by the State Development and Reform Commission in Beijing. In November 2007, Oiltanking acquired a sixty percent stake in the former Xiba terminal In only half a decade, Nanjing has developed into one of in Nanjing, Eastern China. With construction work at full tilt, the commissioning of the the largest petrochemical clusters in China. It includes a first phase is anticipated for June 2008. global-scale with an annual production capacity of 22 million tons which feeds various downstream production sites. Next to the many Chinese Oiltanking has been looking for new business The terminal, designed for the handling of liquid chemicals, companies, approximately 70 multi-international opportunities on the growing Chinese market for quite some products and gases, will be managed by Oiltanking companies have settled down in Nanjing. Currently, over time. After the commissioning of the Oiltanking Daya Bay and has been renamed Oiltanking Nanjing. The first phase of 600 petrochemical products are produced within NCIP. terminal, located in Southern China, in 2005, Oiltanking the terminal, which consists of 21 tanks with a total tank turned its attention to the Eastern and Northern part of storage capacity of approximately 74,000 cbm, is currently China. under construction. Commissioning is targeted for June 2008. The opening in Nanjing arose as some of the former shareholders of the Xiba terminal could be convinced to sell Oiltanking set its sights on the Xiba terminal in Nanjing due to their stake in the terminal to Oiltanking. After a lengthy its prime location and superior connectivity features. Being discussion process, Oiltanking finally closed the deal in uniquely situated in the Nanjing Chemical Industry Park November 2007. As a result, Oiltanking owns sixty percent of (NCIP) along the Northern bank of the Lower Yangzi River, this Future prospects The facility the Xiba terminal, whereas its partner NCIP Infrastructure Co. terminal can render independent storage and handling services has ample land for future tank holds thirty percent and the Nanjing Port Group ten percent. to the existing and future chemical manufacturing industry capacity expansion.

8 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 9 ASIA ASIA

D A Y A B AY Precious Jigsaw Piece 10 Years Of Unique Success By entering into a joint venture with Huizhuou Daya Bay Petrochemical Industrial Park Indian Oiltanking Ltd (IOT) celebrated its 10th anniversary at the beginning of this year Development to build, own and operate a jetty with two berths, Oiltanking has consolidated showing that it is poised for a quantum leap. its position on the Chinese market. When India freed up its economy and allowed overseas companies to participate in the local market, Oiltanking GmbH entered into a joint venture with to create Indian Oiltanking (IOT). India’s economy has taken off in the last ten years, and so has IOT. Therefore — unsurprisingly — “10 years of unique success, poised for a quantum leap” was the theme of IOT’s decennary. The event spanned four cities and was held in some of India’s most celebrated hotels, like the Taj Connemara in Chennai on January 18, the Oberoi Grand in Kolkatta on January 27, the Taj Mahal Palace in on February 1, and the Imperial in Delhi on February 3. Nearly 750 guests, including spouses, actually gathered to mark the occasion. SIGNIFICANT Leading corporate customers, partners of IOT, HANDSHAKE Mayor Captivating Choreography Tanushree Shankar and her as well as representatives from the government, Li Ru Qiu of Huizhou troupe presented a beautiful dance ballet in Kolkata. City and Gust regulatory authorities, bankers and institutional Spaepen, Managing investors attended the events. Senior colleagues Director Oiltanking from IOC, M&B, Oiltanking, not to mention former directors Krishnamurti Subramaniam for Chennai and Mumbai. A GmbH, after signing and key officials of IOT, also participated. budding new artist, Harsit Saxena, performed smash-hits the joint venture and toe-tapping tunes in Delhi while in Kolkata, Tanushree contract. The focus of the events was an IOT corporate film specially Shankar and her troupe presented a beautifully developed for the occasion (see also page 6, 7 and 17). choreographed ballet dance. Each event was as energetic as Complementing the film in the program was an hour-long IOT’s last ten years. As India continues to grow exponentially, entertainment show by one of India’s foremost stage so will IOT, both organically as well as inorganically. The On November 7, 2007, Mayor Li Ru Qiu of Huizhou City storage services within the Huizhou Daya Bay Petrochemical performers flown in especially for the event, like Kavita symbiosis continues … and his delegation graced the Oiltanking head office in Industrial Park. Additionally, Oiltanking maintains a common Hamburg, Germany, with their visit. The reason for this pipe rack facility within the Huizhou Daya Bay Petrochemical auspicious occasion was the signing of the joint venture Industrial Park to facilitate the efficient and safe transfer of jetty contract between Huizhou Daya Bay Petrochemical petrochemical products and utilities by connecting tenants Industrial Park Development and Oiltanking GmbH. The of the industrial park to the jetty and the terminal. newly formed company, Huizhou Daya Bay Oiltanking Petrochemical Public Jetty Co. Ltd. (OTPPJ) agreed to build, Its latest infrastructure expansion is a significant milestone own and operate a jetty for bulk liquid petrochemicals for Oiltanking Daya Bay as the jetty is like the “missing within the Huizhou Daya Bay Petrochemical Industrial Park. piece of the puzzle”. Now, Oiltanking Daya Bay is one step The completion of the construction and start of the closer to developing its facility at the Daya Bay Petrochemical commercial use of the two new berths for vessels up to Industrial Park into a globally integrated industrial terminal 10,000 dwt is expected for the third quarter of 2009. providing services to all tenants in the park and the chemical Host with a vision Jayanta Pioneer party (from left) Rob Warm welcome Hellmuth Weisser, market in Southern China. Bhuyan, Managing Director IOT, Eijkholt, A.G. Khan, Soenke Stein Chairman of the Supervisory Board At present, Oiltanking already owns and operates Oiltanking thanked the guests for their and Ashutosh Kaushik – some of the of Marquard & Bahls, and his wife Daya Bay as the exclusive provider of independent tank continued support in the past and colleagues of the early days of IOT were among the guests in Delhi. faith in IOT’s new ventures. in Mumbai/Navghar terminal.

10 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 11 NORTH AMERICA E urope

Methanol Mega Deal

Even before the completion of their current expansion project for the storage of 399,000 cbm of petroleum, Oiltanking Stolthaven (OTSA) had already concluded their next big deal. The agreement with Methanex calls for 153,500 cbm of fresh methanol storage. This includes the construction of four new mild steel cup tanks, two new truck loading racks, Implementing and one new rail car loading rack (with three loading positions). The project will comprise a two-phase construction period and is due to be completed during the first quarter of 2010. The Growth Strategy The contract echoes Oiltanking Stolthaven Antwerp‘s commitment to long-term business and their interest in further At the end of 2005, Oiltanking Houston and Beaumont, Texas, USA, embarked on an development of the terminal for liquid bulk storage. It also paves the way for further opportunities as regards pipeline ambitious growth strategy that includes the construction of over 700,000 cbm of new connections to neighboring companies. tankage. It is time to check on its progress. Methanex will use their storage position at Oiltanking Stolthaven INK THE LINK Witnesses to the official signing of the Antwerp as their main methanol hub in Northwestern Europe contract, top (from left): Johan De Nijs (Sales Manager The Oiltanking terminals in Houston and Beaumont connection to a local chemical plant. In November 2006, the and the new tanks will be supplied by their new methanol OTSA), Huib Jansen (Managing Director Oiltanking operate in the international trading hub on the U.S. Gulf chemical feedstock storage and pipeline delivery capacity was production facility, which is currently under construction in Stolthaven Antwerp), Philippe Arendt (Director Marketing and Logistics Methanex), Robin van der Sluis Coast. With numerous pipeline connections to refineries and increased by 460,000 bbls. This expansion further developed Egypt. Formed in 1992, Methanex is the world‘s largest (Supervisor Supply & Logistics Methanex Europe). nearby production plants, Oiltanking Houston has become an Houston’s chemical feedstock business and provided its producer and marketer of methanol with locations in North Bottom (from left): Luc Jorissen (Commercial Manager important regional industrial terminal over the last few years, customers with more assets to utilize and/or trade. In 2007, America, Latin America, Europe, the Caribbean and throughout OTSA), Wade Wiggins (Manager, Customer Service & while Oiltanking Beaumont has emerged as a major trading Houston handled over 200,000 bpd of chemicals. the Asia Pacific region. Logistics Methanex). hub for VGO and refined products. In order to keep up with When all of these expansion projects have been completed, future demands of customers and in anticipation of new the overall capacity of Houston will be 11,073,000 bbls. business opportunities, Oiltanking embarked on a growth strategy to expand both facilities. The new tanks and Oiltanking Beaumont — grows by 850,000 bbls in 2008 associated infrastructure will exceed US$ 80 million. Chemistry Exhibition 2007 Beaumont is set to complete its construction of an additional Oiltanking Houston — grows by 3,320,000 bbls in 2008 400,000 bbls of heated VGO storage on the shore-side for a “Khimia”, is an international, biennial September 2007. This 14th exhibition contacts were made with these service trading company by the end of 2008. This expansion will exhibition for chemical industries in was supported by the Russian Ministry providers, while existing contacts were The Houston terminal began the construction of 1,950,000 further define Beaumont as a VGO hub with a total of Moscow, Russia. It has become a major of Industry and Energy, the Moscow refreshed and expanded to keep abreast bbls of additional crude storage capacity in March 2007. The 2,530,000 bbls of VGO tankage. Additionally, a recent industry event and serves as a huge Government and the Russian Chemists of customer demands for complete expansion includes the installation of a complete new manifold expansion project for clean tankage was implemented in Russian industry forum since its very Union, and was held under the patronage logistic packages. As in 2005, and three pumps in two different locations (two 1,000 HP and January 2008, when 450,000 bbls of additional clean capacity first exhibition in 1965. Once again of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Oiltanking’s main goal was to establish one 3,000 HP). Additionally, a two (2) mile section of twenty- were completed; they are now ready for service. Beaumont Oiltanking Sonmarin Oy took part in the Industry. In 2007, over 800 companies Oiltanking as a name linked to the four (24) inch pipeline was constructed to connect with the now has a total storage capacity of 1,640,000 bbls of clean latest exhibition at the beginning of from 29 countries participated and more chemical business. The exhibition also BP’s Rancho pipeline system. This segment, which runs under tankage. than 14,000 visitors offered Oiltanking colleagues the unique the Houston Ship Channel, will connect the Houston terminal After all these expansion projects have been completed, the attended the exhibition, opportunity to meet the customers with to the Texas City refining complexes along with Teppco’s overall capacity of Beaumont will be 4,170,000 bbls. Over the which covered all whom they deal on a daily basis Seaway pipeline system. past few years, both terminals have set ambitious goals. aspects of the industry. personally. The other major expansion project in Houston is for naphtha Weather, contractor scheduling, and construction are always The Oiltanking Sonmarin and condensate storage for an existing customer. Construction a challenge in their own right. With the recent surge in Oy stand was situated in In hindsight, Oiltanking once again started in December 2007 and consists of 1,370,000 bbls of industrial construction contractors, however, these ventures the Finnish pavilion succeeded in putting itself on the map. storage and the project will be completed in June 2008. It have been even more difficult to manage. Nevertheless, for among other companies In addition, Khimia 2007 provided an consists of the installation of a new condensate meter skid, Houston and Beaumont, it was a major achievement that the furnishing services excellent platform to gain solid insights two expansions on existing manifolds, as well as the tanks could be delivered on time and within the budget so far. related to Oiltanking’s into the current who is who of the construction of a new manifold and six pumps located in two There are even more opportunities in the “pipeline” for SHARING THE STAND Boris Martynow (middle) liquid storage and chemical industry and gather information different manifolds (four 200 HP and two 600 HP). The additional growth, and both Houston and Beaumont are well and Nina Kreander (both OT Sonmarin Oy) and trading business. During about present and future developments project will include an additional chemical feedstock pipeline positioned for future expansions. Sebastian Sira (OT ). the exhibition, new on the Russian market.

12 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 13 NORTH AMERICA NORTH AMERICA

T E XA S C I TY First Unit Train Welcomed On January 2, 2008, the new unit train unloading facility at the Texas City terminal, Texas/USA, received its very first rail cars.

“They’re here!” was the ethanol and is made up of two rail future, the colleagues will be quite enthusiastic yell from Oiltanking spurs with unloading facilities running busy with the unit train unloading colleagues at the Texas City terminal, between them. The rail spurs can hold facility, as Oiltanking Texas City is the who were thrilled to see the first unit 32 rail cars at one time and are sized only terminal providing this service on train rolling into the terminal on in such a way as to allow for the thirty- the Texas Gulf Coast. It is estimated January 2, 2008. A unit train for those two cars to be unloaded in eight hours. that the occupancy rate is high, of you unfamiliar with the terminology, When the first 32 rail cars are meaning approx. two trains per month. is a complete locomotive in which unloaded, they are then pulled from For the terminal, this new facility also every rail car is identical and carries the spurs and replaced with 32 full rail implies a step towards renewable the same material. Most unit trains cars. The eight-hour turnaround time fuels. comprise between 60 and 96 rail cars. allows for the longest of the unit trains They have long been used as the most to be unloaded in one day. In order to economical means to haul and guarantee a smooth unloading process, grain in areas that do not have water especially with a product such as access. Today, unit trains are becoming ethanol, which is flammable, a the preferred method for moving the dedicated team with special training is fuel ethanol from the Midwest to the vital. To unload the 72 rail cars — coasts and consumption areas of the which span 300 meters — four United States. operators of the Texas City team were needed to work in two shifts. Also, in The decision to build a unit train unloading facility at the Oiltanking Texas City terminal was made a year ago. After a construction period of nine months, the facility was completed by the end of 2007. It is designed specifically for the handling of the fuel

72 Rail cars The first train at the new Texas City unit train unloading facility was unloaded in 24 hours. 14 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 15 M arketing M arketing

Come and visit us www.oiltanking.com April Showers Bring The Image Film(s)

May Flowers! Just in time to visually portray Indian Oiltanking’s (IOT) last ten years on the road When spring arrives, nature blossoms and humans begin to flower in their own way. For to success, its image film was released. The 12-minute film was produced by Zafir Hai example, they might start the spring-cleaning, or sorting out old clothes and replacing from Haimark Films International and his art them with new ones. Oiltanking has also been sprucing up its image with several new director Mark Poole. Both are quite famous for marketing activities. However, it is just a coincidence that they were introduced in the their “eye” in filming and highly regarded for their experience. first quarter of 2008. The concept of the film was not only to demonstrate the accomplishments of the last ten years but also to focus on present achievements and the future potential that parallels India’s The Oiltanking Booklet economic growth. At the premiere in Chennai on January 18, 2007 — followed by the events in Kolkata, Mumbai and Delhi In the past, Oiltanking used to refer to its “accordion” to celebrate IOT’s 10 years anniversary – 1500 guests ranging when it needed precise information about all of its The Web site from business partners, bureaucrats, government officials international terminal locations and their service and colleagues witnessed both an entertaining and informative portfolio at a glance. The name “accordion” originated “We Can, We Care” — the Oiltanking advertising slogan also film. In future, IOT will use this film as an additional marketing from the accordion-like folds of the brochure design. serves as the frame work for the new web site, which was tool to show IOT’s performance spectrum to potential clients, As Oiltanking grew, the content of the brochure had launched on February 8, 2008. Those who know Oiltanking’s business partners, new employees and also international to grow with it and thus constantly increased in print campaign will already find “familiar” faces representing audiences. volume. But, in enlarging it, we hit a snag in the the Oiltanking portfolio. Under headings such as “Home”, production. That is why we brainstormed ideas for “About us”, “Services” and “HSSE”, plenty of information is Our colleagues in Malta also decided that a film would be the a new layout and that is how there came to be a given about Oiltanking’s professional portfolio and its four right medium in light of the various celebrations that took lighthouse* on the cover of the new edition. business pillars oil storage, outsourcing, chemical storage place at the end of last year: the completion of a new tank Whilst the layout was only adapted slightly, an and EPC (, procurement and construction). Once farm with a capacity of 75 cbm for gasoil, not to mention introduction and also a back page with a detailed again, readers can obtain information about the career bidding farewell and welcoming old and new partners. On overview of the regions and Oiltanking’s terminal opportunities within Oiltanking and the latest news and November 28, 2007, the guests saw a thirteen-minute addresses were added. An index makes browsing publications (“connections” is also available on-line!). And of compilation of Oiltanking Malta’s early stages and how it has through the 48 pages thick booklet easy. If you course, not to be missed on the new web site: The Toolbox. grown to where it is today. The film is now being used for do not feel like reading the “whole book”, you Thanks to this handy link, it is easy to obtain the exchange commercials and introductions. Twice a month, OT Malta can still pick the terminal you are interested in rate for a currency, convert units of measurement and find runs an introduction program for new employees, contractors from our 25 individual terminal brochures out the time on the other side of the world. Last but not or any other people coming to work at the terminal for the (some of them are published in two languages) least, users have the chance to contact us via the internet first time in order to familiarize them with the company and depicting a lighthouse, which is typical for or — whether it be to ask for tank storage capacity, creative its philosophy. situated in the terminal’s neighborhood. logistical solutions or any other enquiries or opinions — all enquiries are welcome. In January 2006, the Oiltanking terminal in Vitoria, , The web site will be up-dated on a regular basis and it goes made a movie, too. It was produced in order to promote the without saying that all demands will be answered VALE concept: transporting ethanol by VALE railways from immediately. the larger interior production centers to the Oiltanking New Look Oiltanking’s terminal in the port of Vitoria, where the railcars and trucks “accordion” brochure * The lighthouse photo idea was introduced in are received and the ethanol loaded on vessels. It is an 2003 as a lighthouse is a point you can navigate becomes a booklet by and serves as a guide and strong, reliable — with a lighthouse on interesting five-minute film and is presented to potential partner 24 hours a day, just like Oiltanking. the cover. customers and at trade fairs.

16 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 17 CULTURE EXPERIENCE CULTURE EXPERIENCE

Free and Hanseatic city of Hamburg Since 1189 the city’s official name, thanks to Frederick I or Barbarossa, the Red From Tallinn Bearded Emperor. To Hamburg © Telemarco/pixelio © Alchemie/pixelio

who speaks English to them. Thus, ashamed of speaking answer me in German, English, Russian or whatever language English, I resorted to sign language. You can imagine my it might find convenient! embarrassment when, having grown tired of my wild gesticulations, a man in Starbucks asked in clear and well- Now I have to mention that the Christmas market made my articulated English “what can I do for you, miss?” Christmas all the more Christmassy. At the beginning of December, white tents start to spring up here and there That little incident encouraged me to try English in various around Hamburg, soon filling the main squares of the city. places, and to my surprise, almost everybody spoke it well. I Inviting aromas of grilled bratwurst (fried/grilled sausage) even recall one occasion when I was at a supermarket served with sauerkraut (pickled cabbage) and potato, the checkout where an elderly lady was checking my groceries tempting smell of candied roasted almonds, the warmth of through her cash machine; to my despair, I realized that I Glühwein (mulled wine) and a wide variety of delicious trifles

© Alchemie/pixelio needed a plastic bag. By the way plastic bags are not free in and handmade gifts lure crowds to the markets every year. Germany and you have to pack your purchases yourself. Not being all that big of a fan of the tacky, over-exaggerated There was not a shadow of doubt in my mind that the lady Christmas milieu, I was expecting an overabundance of Kristiina Unnuk joined Oiltanking Tallinn, Estonia, in July 2005 and worked there until spoke no English whatsoever, so imagine my surprise when, Christmas knick-knacks and overplayed Christmas songs. upon seeing my feeble attempts at miming what I needed, Nonetheless, I was delighted to see surprisingly little of that, she was offered a job at the headquarters in Hamburg, Germany, in October 2007. the lady asked in yet again nigh-on perfect English if I wanted and I found it very pleasant and relaxing to share a mug of Would it be just a move to another European country or a big step into another a big or small one, or whether I would prefer a cotton bag! steaming, fragrant mulled wine with friends and colleagues “world”? after hours. Another thing I find very unusual is how well behaved dogs in Hamburg are. They are everywhere — shops, banks, cafes, Although I always wanted to work abroad, I did not The part I was most scared of was the language difference — I restaurants — often running unleashed through the teeming PORTRAIT see an opportunity to leave Estonia anywhere on the horizon. do not speak any German, even though I had 18 months of crowds of people without a care in the world. At first, whenever Kristiina Unnuk joined Oiltanking My move to Hamburg happened quite quickly — one day I was German at school where I was supposed to learn it. That did I saw a well-groomed dog running independently in and out Tallinn, Estonia, two and a half offered the opening to join Head Office, and a little over a not happen. So here I was in Germany with no German except of shops in a big department store, I would wonder if it were years ago and worked first as an month later there I was, in the Free and Hanseatic City of for scraps of lyrics I had picked up from the German songs I lost and looking for its master. Then, in the distance, I would assistant to Jarek Zemlo, General Hamburg. I was not really expecting a culture shock as such. used to listen to back when Eurodisco was “in” (early 90s). spot a person carrying a leash in their hand, looking like any Manager Oiltanking Tallinn, and After all, Estonia — my homeland — and Hamburg are on the Unsurprisingly, “Eins, zwei, Polizei” (One, two, Police) did not other shopper, except for the fact that they would look around later as a logistics coordinator. In same continent, do not differ all that much in terms of culture, get me very far linguistically. What made matters even worse every 10 minutes to see what their pooch was up to. The December 2007 she moved to the and both belong to the EU. What is more, only a one-and-a- was the fact that people kept telling me that Germans refuse dogs in Hamburg are the best-behaved pets I have ever seen head office in Hamburg, Germany half-hour direct flight separates them. That is why it almost to speak English on principal, despite actually being able to. in my life, and they look so intelligent that I sometimes have where she is now a management trainee. felt like moving from a provincial town to the City. Consequently, I was convinced that Germans dislike anyone the feeling that if I were to talk to one of them, it would

18 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 19 CULTURE EXPERIENCE SOUTH AMERICA

Applause After APLA Attendance

In November 2007,

© Alchemie/pixelio Oiltanking participated in the annual congress of

Gateway to the world Hamburg’s APLA (Petrochemical existence and atmosphere is determined Association of Latin by water. The harbour ranks second in Europe and sixth world-wide. America) for the first locals told me that certain shops are open on Sunday and, since working on Sundays is practically considered a sin, what time as an exhibitor in better place for these shops than the Reeperbahn? Later on, I , , For a somewhat more active form of relaxation, however, one learned that other less intimidating locations in Hamburg also in order to launch itself should visit the notorious Reeperbahn — Hamburg’s infamous have stores, which open on Sunday, but from now on I will try “red light” district — at least once. A mixture of so many to do all my shopping on Saturdays. as a logistic services things, it can be anything from perilous and hostile to provider for the petro- welcoming and friendly. Having spent a little over two months in Hamburg, I am still chemical, finding my feet in the city. Every day is a new adventure. I The exhaustingly boisterous yet highly entertaining St. Pauli love walking the as yet unfamiliar streets of the town, getting and bio-fuel markets. district, due to its proximity to the harbor, has historically lost and finding the right way again, driving to the more been regarded as a ‘sin city’, where sailors could empty their distant parts of the city until I lose orientation. Step by step, wallets into the willing hands of local bar owners and “fun Hamburg is opening itself up to me and I am savoring every Since 1980, the APLA has been girls”. These days, the whole tawdry show is aimed more at moment of it. reuniting companies from the chemical DEDICATED TEAM (from right) Carlos Coire, Julio Tellechea, Lo Vanhaelen, Miriam Sanchez and Alvin Anaya — missing in action: Peter tourists and locals, offering a multi-faceted range of and petrochemical sectors of Latin van Wessel. entertainment. Dozens of pubs, bars and discos, both up- America. Its mission is to facilitate market ones and those more on the shady side, blend in with business and promote meeting a cultural mixture of theaters, museums and galleries. All this, opportunities and contacts among the rounded off with a bit of frivolous “red-light” spice, creates a companies of the sectors. The congress also intends to foster operating since June 2006, the Victoria Terminal in Brazil, rather unique, vibrant and effervescent atmosphere. I have to the development of personal relationships among company which is currently under construction and is designated mainly mention, however, that the enigmatic lure of the Reeperbahn officers, as well as provide relevant information on the for the storage of ethanol and vegetable oils (completion is dissolves when the sun comes up. I once found myself on the companies. The event, which was held from 17–20 November expected in mid-2008), and the Zárate Terminal in Argentina. Reeperbahn one sunny Sunday afternoon, but there was 2007, experienced a massive run with about 800 participants The latter aims to store chemicals and petrochemicals, as well nothing sunny about the sight that greeted me — it looked like from more than 300 companies and institutions directly or as vegetable oils and bio-fuels by mid-2009. The approval and the skeleton of the lively district I had come to know it as; the indirectly related to the petrochemical industry of Latin licensing is still in process but the construction work is due to last few party-goers lurched and stumbled their way home America and beyond. commence in the second quarter of 2008. and those who have nowhere else to go but the Reeperbahn lay strewn on both sides of the street. The reason I decided to Oiltanking used this platform to launch itself as a logistic The congress was also a very busy event for our colleagues go to the Reeperbahn at that time of the day was something services provider for the petrochemical, vegetable oil and bio- from Oiltanking, who were taking shifts to meet potential that we foreigners find fairly irritating in Hamburg, and indeed Freedom fuel market, thus diversifying its oil business already customers in order to rent out tanks and scout for new Germany as a whole: Sunday closing. Big department stores, Hamburg consolidated in the region. The company’s smart and trendy opportunities. Thanks to their brilliant performance, the still keeps smaller shops, supermarkets, local grocery shops, even corner stand captured the attention and curiosity of everyone passing congress was a roaring success with several signs of acceptance its tradition shops — you name it, are closed. This I can understand in a of being an by. It presented three terminals from three different countries for Oiltanking’s broadened service portfolio. In addition, new smaller town, but in a city of the size and importance of open, yet in South America: the Matarani Terminal in Peru, a chemical and promising business opportunities, such as inquiries for Hamburg I find it difficult to comprehend. Despite this, the discreet city. © Nataraj/pixelio terminal which stores sodium hydrosulphide and has been storage in countries like Columbia and Mexico, emerged.

20 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 21 SOUTH AMERICA SOUTH AMERICA

“MAKEOVER” The quinquennial one had been. The perimeter rubber fenders were removed, the structure was finalised. The lighting and monitoring maintenance of Oiltanking Ebytem and the valves and loading pipes dismounted. The hull, the systems were mounted, the seals of the mobile chambers monobuoys took 15 days. deck and the bottom were then sandblasted. Finally, the and pipes were tested, and … the buoy was ready to be in thickness of the shell and the weldings were inspected. All service again! mechanical tasks and the sand blasting were managed by Oiltanking and supervised by an inspector from an Oiltanking Ebytem’s entire monobuoy system requires a international classification society. The inspector then thorough and careful maintenance plan. For the Oiltanking produced a complete report about the tasks carried out, colleagues, it means a full time assignment: while routine including the outcome of all the measurements of thickness safety controls are the order of the day anyway, the five and non-destructive tests done to the main weldings of the year check up requires proper additional planning and hull and pipes. special co-ordination. However, the integrity of the facility and the environment, not to mention guaranteeing a high All the zinc anodes were also replaced to keep the iron shell quality service for its customers, are Oiltanking’s main free from galvanic corrosion. The submerged part of the priorities. hull was coated with special paint to prevent aquatic Cleaning vegetation from sticking to it. Depending on the number of tasks to be carried out and the weather, the buoys usually have to stay in the dry dock for maintenance for about 15 days, as in Oiltanking’s case. Once the buoy had left the dry In Progress dock, it was taken to the quay where the painting work for OFFSHORE MOORING The monobuoys of Oiltanking Ebytem allow the loading/ unloading of tankers up to 70,000 dwt and Oiltanking Ebytem uses a peculiar marine operation system — the so-called 106,000 dwt. monobuoys. Once every five years, they require an exhaustive and careful maintenance service.

‘When tankers cannot come to the shore to moor, the equipment, monitoring system and the replacement of “shore” has to be brought to them’. This may sound trivial, parts. The second group of tasks comprises those carried but it basically sums up the role of the monobuoy in a out in the water, such as controls for the set-up of the nutshell. Oiltanking Ebytem uses two such floating platforms. marine hoses, checking of the tension of the chains, the They are anchored 2,000 meters away from the shore in a adjustment of the unions and the removal of the marine natural 60-foot depth zone in the northern area of the growth. All these tasks are carried out by a specialised access channel to the port of Bahía Blanca, near Puerto contractor under the supervision of Oiltanking. The Rosales, Argentina. The monobuoys are equipped with contractor has adequate personnel and equipment to carry pipelines leading to the Oiltanking Ebytem storage tanks out these tasks, which are executed in the very same place onshore and are designated to allow the operation with two where the buoy has been placed and is operating. As half of different products without commingling or cross the buoy is submerged, it is necessary to take it out of the contamination. Large, deep-draft tankers moor and load or water every five years in order to inspect the hull plates and unload at these metallic structures. Floating on salt water, the weldings, replace some mobile parts, remove rust and monobuoys are exposed to harsh weather conditions. repaint the whole hull. However, they also have to support the mooring strengths of transoceanic vessels and the pressure of the product Before taking the buoy out of the water, it was necessary to passing through. Therefore, the manufacturer establishes a empty all the oil contained in the hose system and in the strict control and maintenance schedule to have these central chamber beforehand. Approximately 2,000 cbm of buoys running properly. water were pumped from the sea to tanks onshore to be able to disconnect the hose without the risk of pollution. In general terms, the maintenance tasks can be classified in Finally, the chains — which fix the buoy to the sea bed – two groups. First, there are the tasks which take place on were released. In order to compensate for the negative the buoy above water, like lubrication, controls for economic impact on the terminal of not having a buoy in deteriorations, flange adjustments, maintenance of electric operation, a spare one was mounted where the previous

22 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 23 INTERVIEW M arketing

Introducing … Sujoy Das T h e M a k i n g o f … a P h o t o S h o o t Once More For Luck, Sujoy! What did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to fly high, way up high and touch the sky. I always wanted The global Oiltanking advertising campaign “We Can, We Care” features some of its to ensure that my actions do not cause employees who deputize for all Oiltankers world-wide. In total, nine colleagues have any unnecessary concern for others. been in front of the camera. They were chosen because of their job, story, age, How did you find out about IOT? What attracted you? I was working gender, nationality, and, of course their willingness to participate. We spoke to Sujoy as a project engineer on the contractor’s Das, General Manager, Design and Engineering (Terminals), Indian Oiltanking Design side during the construction of the & Engineering Ltd., about his posing for the photo shoot. Navghar Terminal. After the satisfactory completion of the project, I was approached by IOT for a job. I accepted, After having been photo shoot would be no as I was eager to enjoy the prevalent briefed about the planned problem. family culture at IOT. How long have new advertising campaign Also, Sujoy was given you been working for IOT? I have “We Can, We Care” at the instructions — in his case been working for IOT for the past eight beginning of 2006, Indian regarding his appearance (e.g. and a half years. What is your Oiltanking (IOT) conducted casual outfit, shirt not too profession? I am a mechanical a small survey among our bright or too dark). To get the engineer, responsible for the design and people who might have “a photographer’s undivided engineering of terminals. What do you story to tell” within the attention, Sujoy went to the like about your job? I can make given parameters. IOT studio before opening hours. decisions which are seldom disliked by then received various short Once in the spotlight, Sujoy, my colleagues. How would you narratives from colleagues being encouraged by the describe yourself in a short about their work and photographer’s guidance, did sentence? I am a cool and caring personal situations. After very well. The session went so person, who always likes to enjoy internal discussions as to smoothly that after one hour whatever I have. What inspires you? which account would best Sujoy was discharged from this I get inspiration from any challenging represent the two major extra duty … or so he thought! activity. I always like to look for the businesses streams of IOT, To his surprise, the corporate challenge that exists in any activity. the Terminalling as well as the KEEP SMILING Sujoy Das, Indian Oiltanking, is identity criteria proved much How do you recharge your Engineering, Procurement, the focus of attention during the photo shoot. more stringent than the battery? a) Reconciling the past, b) Construction (EPC) Divisions, photographer had expected: Going in for a round at the workplace, Sujoy Das was selected. At fewer shadows, more shoulders c) Watching a comedy movie. What do that point in time, Sujoy was involved in by advice and experience from the and more smiles were needed. you do in your spare time? I spend an expansion project at IOT’s Navghar marketing department at Oiltanking‘s Consequently, the shoot had to be re- my spare time playing with my sweet Terminal in Mumbai and, therefore, head office in Hamburg. Different done. Fortunately, Sujoy enjoyed this little daughter. Do you have a hobby? ideally combined both businesses. The options were considered regarding the added experience and volunteered to do Till my college days, I used to play project consisted of additional tankage person behind the camera: they ranged it all again. Second time round, things football and badminton and also various and pipelines dedicated to a new from hobby photographers to renowned worked out well! It became clear to all leather instruments. Nowadays, I do laugh a lot, especially when I am happy after successfully customer and the highest HSSE Bollywood (the Indian, Mumbai-based, that this was not “just some photo”. In not really call that leisure and I try to make do with reading completing an assignment. I get angry when I am not able to standards were applied to this expansion, equivalent of Hollywood) photo artists the end, everybody was satisfied: the and watching the news channels on television. Three things complete an assignment on time, especially when I know including a liquid-tight tank field and who would stop by on their way to the marketing department was happy with you like? I like having food with my family, playing host and that I am nearing completion. What could you not live tank foundations. next shoot in New York. After the first the result, Sujoy was proud to be one of completing any assignment personal or professional fast. without? I would not be able to live without company at rundown and with the Antwerp the “faces” of Oiltanking, and the Three things you dislike? I do not like hurting others, the work place and home. What would you do if you After his feature was approved within advertisements already finalized as an photographer was pleased as he can playing loud music and visiting crowded places. What makes had three months vacation? I would take my family on IOT and Oiltanking, the quest to find a example for the “scenery”, the chosen claim to have been part of an you laugh and what makes you angry? I always like to a world tour. portrait photographer began supported photographer was confident that the international campaign.

24 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 25 I D O ’ S I D O ’ S

How They Met © berwis/pixelio back on the road and heading towards my busy When two people are ready to tie the schedule for the day: eight hours of student teaching, five hours of night shift at McDonalds, knot, Cupid’s arrow finds its way into their hearts then homework and lesson plans. I was a very in many different ways. In the Western World, for example, it is quite normal for Mr. and busy person. Mrs. Right to find each other by “trial and error”, off their own bat as it were, whereas in As it happened, Tiran was busy with other things…like finding out about me. He even Asian culture it is still common practice for parents to take over the search and for called my manager at the other McDonalds to children to get married after having received permission from mutually consenting inquire about me and within a few days had families. Neither concept is better than the other; both can work perfectly as our two found out quite a bit. In fact, so much so that I thought he was a stalker when we first spoke. I happily married couples explain: Sarah and Tiran Lopez (Oiltanking Texas City), and was on duty at McDonalds and had to call his Pooja and Siddharth Paradkar (Indian Oiltanking). store. Here is how the conversation went: The way to a man's or woman's heart is through his or her stomach. Sarah and Tiran Lopez got to know each other at a fast food chain. Tiran: “Hello, McDonalds. This is Tiran, how Love Under The Golden Arches so he decided to move there when his mission ended. He may I help you?” My husband Tiran and I do not have a typical boy-meets-girl started school at Utah Valley State College and got in touch Me: “Hi, this is Sarah from the 9th East store. story to tell when people ask us how we met. But it sure makes with a friend from his mission who had offered him a job for Do you guys have any Toy Story Happy Meal toys you could NOT like each other and I move back to Texas?” I was going to for some good conversation! Of course, he has his own version whenever he returned. This friend owned all of the McDonalds send us? We are almost out.” be a tough nut to crack. Or so he thought. of our first encounter, but I have the true version, so you are restaurants in Provo and Tiran started working in the McDonald’s Tiran: “Wait a minute. Is this Sarah Ferguson from Baytown, lucky you are hearing it from me! Every story has a beginning, down the street from mine. Some months passed since we both Texas?” Our first date was on Pearl Harbor Day, December 9, 1999. And and ours started in two different states: his, in Maine, where started working for the McDonalds franchise. In fact, we both Me: “Uh, yes.” I was leaving Provo 11 days later — for good, which made for his father had retired from the air force and mine in Texas, dated around the area and I even got engaged to a long-time Tiran: “Did you not just go to Colorado with your cousins for an interesting first date. Tiran had to cut right to the chase if he where I was born and raised. I had always wanted to go to friend. When my fiancé broke off the engagement just two Thanksgiving?” was really interested. And he found that he was. And, to my Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. My parents encouraged weeks before the wedding, I vowed that I had had enough of Me: “Uh…” surprise, I was too. In fact, I called him on his cell phone right it since it was a religious organization funded substantially by guys to last me at least a decade. I was not at all interested in Tiran: “And were you not a missionary in Washington, D.C.? after our date ended and said “you know, I am so over the our church (not to mention the discount we received on tuition). the dating game, but Tiran was. And are not you majoring in Elementary Education?” dating game, so I am just going to be straight up with you. I So, right after high school, I packed my winter clothes and Me: “WHO is this?!?!” think I really like you and I would like to spend as much free spent my entire college career at B.Y.U. In my senior year, I My last semester of college was the fall of 1999. I was on my Tiran: “Oh, this is Tiran Lopez.” time as I have with you. Can we go out again tomorrow night was desperate for a job so I worked at the only place where way to teach a student one morning and stopped at McDonald’s Me: “Are you stalking me or something? I do not even know after I get off work?” We went out just about every night. Tiran there were any openings — McDonalds. Nevertheless, I was to pick up some breakfast. The employees got a 50 percent you.” told his friends that he only had two weeks to make me fall in happy there, perhaps because I knew it was only short term. discount at all the McDonalds in Provo, so on a college budget love with him. Mission accomplished. After just one week, he My plans were to move back to Texas and work as an elementary I just could not pass that up. And to get that discount you had The conversation ended with Tiran asking me out on a date proposed to me (I said “YES”) and six weeks after that we were school teacher. I even had a job lined up in Houston. Everything to get out of your car and actually go inside so the manager (yes, over the phone), and me insisting that we meet some married for time and all eternity (January 29, 2000). was set. Or so I thought. could see you and key the code into the cash register. Well, as place public since I neither knew nor particularly trusted him. I fate would have it, Tiran took my order that morning. According remember seeing a tall, dark, handsome guy at that other Previously, I had thought that if any guy even mentioned Tiran became acquainted with Utah on his mission. He served to him, he was struck by my beauty. When I told him that I McDonalds but that is all I knew about him. It was kind of eerie. marriage to me, I would run out the door screaming. But as a full-time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of wanted my employee discount he stuttered and asked, “YOU But we spoke on the phone a few more times before going out somehow I was fine with the idea. I wanted to be with Tiran for Latter-day Saints for two years in the Provo, Utah Mission. He work at McDonalds?” I nodded wondering why he was so and strangely I felt more comfortable with him. I even remember the rest of my life. Yes, people were surprised since it was only had never been to Utah and fell in love with the scenery, the surprised. Although he fumbled his way through the order and him asking what would happen if I moved back to Texas and we six months after my previous engagement but I just knew it atmosphere and the single women (mostly the single women!) gave me two breakfast sandwiches instead of one, I was soon really liked each other. I smartly replied, “Well, what if we DO was right. And, eight years on, it still is!

26 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 27 I D O ’ S I D O ’ S

“Blind date” Pooja and Siddharth Paradkar first encounter turned out Love Story to be promising and felicitous. There are some more Oiltanking couples who could tell their love story (see also Love Under Mediation Starch page 26). However, have a look at their wedding pictures and you might agree that When my parents told me that they would like to discuss something with me, I knew it was going to be a serious a picture is worth a thousand words. talk. And, indeed, when they took me aside at the beginning of 2007, they asked if I would agree to look for a bride with them. Back then I was 28 years old — a ripe old age to tie the knot in Indian culture. I have to admit that until then I had not been all that eager to get married but, all of a sudden, the thought of sharing my life with someone I loved sounded appealing so I gave my parents the “green light” to get started. Around the same time, Pooja’s parents thought that it was about time their daughter became a bride. As some friends of my parents were aware that they were looking for a suitable match, they put both sets of parents in touch with each other. This process of mediation by a third party exerts a The acceptance of that invitation was of great significance as it very critical influence on the system of arranged marriages and meant that things would proceed. Only seven days later, on often adds the “spice of life”. Interestingly, both parents then May 13, 2007, Pooja and I got engaged. From then onwards, realized that the families knew each other from earlier. (It can we were in regular contact on the phone during the week and be a big advantage from the parents’ perspective if the families met each other on the weekends, either in Pune or Mumbai. By know their backgrounds and have already ‘accepted’ each other the way, I did not have to ask Pooja whether she would marry Vishal and Kalpana Koli Indian Oiltanking, — then, the “only” thing missing is the nod from the children). me; in the case of arranged marriages, it is not required as the married on January 24, 2007. kids give the answers to their parents, who in turn communicate I finally got to meet Pooja for the first time on May 6, 2007 and the same to the other family. However, prior to saying OK to my my heart was racing, as I was so nervous. I had been invited to parents, I did confess to Pooja that I would like to go ahead but Angie and James Moore, Gisella Toso, Oiltanking Peru, dinner at Pooja’s parents’ house in Pune, approx. 60 kilometers would call it off if she did not share my opinion. OT Beaumont, sealed their became the wife of Christian Cava on February 15, 2008. from Mumbai, India, where I work. Before that, us “candidates” love on August 4, 2007. had neither seen pictures nor had any contact with each other Parents may know their children and their characters best and at all (in other cases the “candidates” may have a picture of the will not be “blinded by love” as lovebirds might be in the other one and, of course, will ask close friends and family for beginning when finding someone on their own. Therefore, their opinion). I suppose Westerners would call our first meeting parental guidance may facilitate the enduring process of finding a blind date! Despite the butterflies in my stomach and thousand Mr. or Mrs. Right. However, the child has to rely on his or her questions in my head (What would we talk about? What if I own opinion. Had I not liked the bride my parents had chosen Ashwin Panchal IOTDE, liked her but she did not like me? What if I did not like her …), for me or had I found somebody on my own, both would have married Aarti, on April 4, 2007. I enjoyed the food, the conversation and … meeting Pooja. As been accepted by my parents. And just for the record: it is still the dinner went well, we “kids” were given permission to meet normal in Indian weddings to check the horoscopes of the by ourselves in the days that followed. After the “trial period”, I “candidates” to see whether they are a good match before the had to make up my mind and announce whether I would be first meeting. If not, it is all called off. However, in our case, our interested in Pooja to my parents. No prizes for guessing what parents were quite “open” as they did not consult a I told them as, shortly afterwards, Pooja and her parents were horoscope. re-invited and they accepted our invitation. Beforehand, our parents’ common friends hinted that there was a positive Eventually, on November 18, 2007 we got married and we are reaction from Pooja’s side as well. I mentioned the influence of both very happy. mediation earlier ...

28 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 29 G oo -G oo ' s G oo -G oo ' s

Oiltanking’s Juniors “Before I got married, I had six theories about bringing up children; now I have six children and no theories.” (John Wilmot, 2nd Earl of Rochester, English Poet, 1647–1680). And us? We have fiveteen new cute little additions to the Oiltanking family. Any theories?

Zachary Eugene This cute little fellow, son of of Terry Elliott, Oiltanking Houston, and her husband Jason, came into Guido Leonardo Nayli Qistina Ashraf Rodrigo y Adrian Shooq Khalid Juma Al the world on Guido Pujalt, Consorcio Hassan, Oiltanking Dual bliss for Edwin Mamari, Oiltanking September 4, 2007. Terminales, and Betty Singapore, and his Montes, Consorcio Odfjell (), was Torres could announce wife Maslinda became Terminales, and Elena over the moon with the birth of their son proud parents on Robles on August 11, the birth of his daughter on October 19, 2007. September 29, 2007. 2007. on June 11, 2007.

Ramses Alfredo Jimenez, Consorcio Terminales, and Lucia Gonzalez were all smiles on April 17, 2007.

Cecilia Isabel Kevin Balke, Indian Oiltanking, and his wife Helen had a cute baby girl on April 24, 2007.

Valerie Liesel Pari Girish Kharkar Charlotte Steffi Voll, Mohammed Hilal Al Weisser, Oiltanking A sweet little daughter HSSE Marquard & Bahls, Mamari, Oiltanking GmbH, and Michael was born to Sampada and her husband Thomas Odfjell (Oman), and received a sweet and Girish Kharkar, proudly announced the his wife Maryam Al-Farsi addition to the family Indian Oiltanking, on birth of their daughter became proud parents on June 12, 2007. October 18, 2007. on July 8, 2007. on October 25, 2007. Shower Of Ideas Why not use a shower curtain? — This was just one of product was made of nylon parachute cloth. Donovan added Marion Donovan’s clever ideas we could not do without another feature to her invention: instead of dangerous Bhagya M. Panchal Mell Valentina This is Sergio Felipe Keylli Leandro Gaizka This today. She designed a waterproof diaper cover made from safety pins, she used metal and plastic snaps, thus Vaishali and Mukesh S. the name of the daughter Herrera, GMP (OT Peru's little fellow, son of shower curtains, revolutionizing the infant care industry improving her invention further. However, it was not until Panchal, Indian of Gabriel Chávez, partner), and Johnny Roxanna León, Consorcio Oiltanking, takes pride Consorcio Terminales, Mejia were greeted Terminales, and Henry with this prototype of the disposable diaper in 1946. She 1961 that Victor Mills drew upon her vision of a fully in his son who was born and Carmen Ballón, born by their son on Valera was born on called it the “Boater” as she thought it looked like a boat disposable and absorbent diaper keeping water away from on January 7, 2008. on March 23, 2007. September 14, 2007. September 6, 2007. and helped babies stay afloat. Believe it or not, the final the baby’s skin to create Pampers®.

30 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 31 SOUTH AMERICA SOUTH AMERICA

Rewarding Smiles

In the second half of 2007, colleagues from Oiltanking Peru and Consorcio Terminales Last winter was one of the coldest on record in Peru. joined forces in order to donate Christmas gifts to needy children from an Andean Given this terrible situation and the fact that Christmas was on the doorstep, our colleagues from Oiltanking Peru and community called “Jatun Ayllu” in Puno, Southern Peru. Consorcio Terminales could not just sit back and do nothing. A group of volunteers launched a charitable campaign among their colleagues and started collecting warm clothes in August 2007. Four months later, the same group was busy once again, this time gathering toys for Christmas.

And so it happened that on Christmas Eve 2007 Miriam Wilson from Oiltanking Peru and Marcos Serrudo from Consorcio Terminales — laden with donations — set out from Lima to the Andean community called Jatun Ayllu in

Puno. It was a long and steep journey: the flight from Lima to Cusco was followed by a four-hour drive to Puno, where eventually a narrow track took them to “Jatun Ayllu”, some 4,400 meters above sea level. However, the needy children were not the only ones who benefited from the experience: “This Christmas Eve was so rewarding. Even though we were tired and exhausted after the trip, just seeing the kids’ happy and grateful faces made it all worthwhile”, comments Miriam Wilson. “We look forward to more opportunities to revive this wonderful feeling; with a little help we can do so much for so many people who do not have anything.”

MERRY CHRISTMAS Miriam Wilson among the needy children in Puno, Peru, who received the donations.

32 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS 33 OT SPORTIVE READER ’ S C O R N E R

Energetic Effort ... and action! Oiltankers around the world once again demonstrate their physical capabilities in dynamic Try to solve our riddle and don’t miss the chance to win! Please send and competitive but fair games. your entries to: [email protected], or contact us by post: Oiltanking GmbH, connections Team, Admiralitaetstrasse 55, 20459 Snow Jam XI Hamburg, Germany or by fax: +49(0)40 370 99 499. “Winter Wonderland” — for 22 colleagues from nine different Oiltanking locations — at the end of January 2008 it was that time again to hit the slopes. However, for the first time in the six-year-old snow-jam tradition, they did not meet in CONGRATULATIONS Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, but in the mountains of Hintertux, Austria. Better snow conditions and a much broader Quiz Solution variety of slopes were the main reasons for the switch. The highlight of the five-day get-together was an exciting midnight By asking what was to be seen in the picture in the last issue, tobogganing session down a forest path several kilometers in it seems that we especially touched the practical side of length. Apart from a few sore muscles and small grazes, not our readers and only received (correct) technical answers. to mention some bruises, there were no incidents — just a lot (However, we gave funny and imaginative contributions a fair of fun and a unanimous decision to meet again next year. chance as well). Our congratulations go to Kenneth Zammit Keep waxing those skis, Oiltankers! Stepping Ahead Oiltanking‘s snowmen and snowwomen for telling us the right solution. The Oiltanking memory stick is on its way. ! I see! It is a heavy Fleetfooted Futsal Players fuel oil pump! In November 2007, the Oiltanking office in Singapore was embellished with another impressive and shiny sport’s cup: The Futsal* Challenge Trophy 2007. The inaugural United Workers N E W Q UIZ of Petroleum Industry Futsal Tournament was made up of 16 The sum of four numbers teams from the petroleum and petro-chemical industries in Singapore. Among them were ten futsal-enthusiastic Brainteaser equals 89. The first number is Oiltankers who prevailed against their tenacious opponents in In keeping with the “Flashback” section in this issue, we would 11 less than the second. The pulsating 5-a-side games by displaying a sound technique like to present a mathematical quiz, which may remind combined with improvisation and creativity. They also kept a some of you of your school days and the mathematical third number is seven more cool head in the gripping best-of-three-final penalty shoot- headaches or pleasures you encountered. At any out against Linde Syngas. Keep playing it cool, Oiltankers! rate, we are counting on you and wish you good than the second and six less luck. The winner will will receive a set of Titleist CONTENT CHAMPIONS The Oiltanking * Futsal = indoor version of association football. Its name is derived from the than the fourth. Can you work golf balls as sure as one and one makes two, and Singapore futsal team took home the first Portuguese futebol de salão and the Spanish fútbol sala/de salón, which can be translated as “indoor football”. ever Futsal Challenge Trophy 2007. as connections has turned 20! out the four numbers?

Knight In Shining Armor team had lost three national players in the Do you remember Frithjof Langelotz — our meantime and the young “newcomers” Relation Ask someone what they think is typically “Asian” and you can guarantee German colleague who plays remarkable still needed more experience. Therefore, they will say, “eating with chop sticks”. China is indeed the origin of this hockey, and who, during his time as a when the initial games did not quite go as or Real unique form of cutlery. Historical records show that the Chinese were trainee at Oiltanking Malta, joined the they had planned the team was not already using chopsticks as early as the 18th Century BC — at a time Maltese “Sliema Hotsticks” team? When intimidated. They persevered and slowly Asian when other people were still using their hands. Today, approximately 1.2 Oiltanking Malta needed someone with but surely began to improve. Now they are billion people reach for chopsticks, whereas only 500 million people opt logistics experience at short notice, he third in the Maltese Premier League — for a fork and knife (an invention which, by the way, only came into came to their aid and arrived on the island given the circumstances far better than fashion 300 to 400 years ago). KNOTTY BALL With more than 20 in September 2007. As it turned out, the the team expected. Just before Frithjof left © Stephan Dietl/pixelio When you eat with chopsticks, more than 30 muscles in the hand, forearm years of field hockey experience, terminal was not the only one to welcome at the end of February 2008, the Sliema Frithjof Langelotz played for the CHOPSTICKS A work of art — meticulously hand- and shoulder move as the brain performs the command. Scientists even his expertise; the “Sliema Hotsticks” were Hotsticks won their first game. Keep that Maltese team “Sliema Hotsticks” made. Unfortunately, for some, using them believe that using chopsticks can enhance the development of children. also happy to have him back. The hockey swing guys! and also coached them. to grab a bite to eat is something of an art, too! So, come on: chop-chop!

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L ast but not L east vol 20/2 15.06.2008 Deadline:

Copy 3 a times year Published V.I.G. Druck & Media GmbH, Hamburg & Druck Hamburg GmbH, Media V.I.G. Print raz design raz design Design Renate Eijkholt Eijkholt Renate Editor

The Biology Of Love What a puzzle! Such is Robin Coupland’s view of the three elements of a loving relationship, though not necessarily in this Oiltanking GmbH, Corporate Center, Admiralitaetstrasse 55, 20459 Hamburg, Germany, www.oiltanking.com, Telephone +49- 40- 370 99 485, Fax +49- 40- 370 99 499 order — lust, affection and respect: “Do the pieces always fit for every couple? Is each piece equally important? Maybe simply

recognizing the need for the three pieces is as important as trying to fit them together.” This picture was one of forty on show Communications Manager Gabi Wuestenberg, at the artist’s second exhibition in Geneva, Switzerland from November 29 to December 15, 2007. In his recent collection of Published by paintings Robin Coupland tackles an unusual and sometimes controversial subject: how evolved human biology influences

all aspects of relations between males and females. Males or masculinity are portrayed by blue blocks while red or pink ones Coordinator portray females and femininity. Together, the two blocks always represent the two halves of humanity and their co-existence. In some works, the concept is self-evident; in others, the visual representation of a particular aspect of love's biology is challenging or even uncomfortable. As the themes are complex, he uses a variety of techniques to portray them. However, Robin Coupland does not only express his concern in his paintings. He also has a background in general surgery, having spent a number of years treating people wounded in the conflicts in Afghanistan, Angola, Cambodia, Kenya, Pakistan, Somalia, Sudan, Thailand and Yemen as well as attending to hundreds of people injured by anti-personnel mines. The proceeds from recent exhibition were connections Vol. 20/1/2008

donated to the Special Fund for the Disabled. [email protected] Picture (courtesy of Peter Hobden Images, www.pic2d.com) I MP RIN T E-Mail