Doha - Vos Logistics of Netherlands is to set up a hi-tech logistics terminal for Qatofin production facilities in Mesaieed Industrial City with the foundation stone laying ceremony held here yesterday.
The facility, the largest high tech platform in the Middle East to be built at an estimated cost of over $250m is slated for completion by December 2008 in time for Qatofin start-up production of Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE).
Qatofin, a joint venture between Qatar Petrochemical Company (Qapco), Total Petrochemicals of France and Qatar Petroleum last year launched a project that comprises an LLDPE plant, marine works, including the berth extension and seawater cooling system at Mesaieed Industrial City (MIC) at a total cost of approximately $336m.
The unit scheduled for completion in the fourth quarter of 2008, is designed to produce some 450,000 metric tons per year (MTPA) of LLDPE with prospects for increase to 600,000 MTPA.
In his inaugural speech at the ceremony at the Diplomatic Club, Eng Hamad Rashid Al Mohannadi, Vice Chairman and General Manager of Qapco said the LLDPE produced from the plant will be transported by means of a pneumatic conveying system to the new logistics area designed, procured, installed, operated and managed by VOS Logistics as logistic provider. Al Mohannadi said that the products will be palletised, stored, bagged, stuffed in containers and transported to the jetty for shipment to international markets.
The VOS Logistics is integrated with Qatofin and Qapco plants through their utilities, electricity and fire fighting system, he said.
"VOS did sign joint operation agreements for 15 years with Qatofin and can be extended for additional 10 years," he said.
The high tech terminal comprising silos and warehouses consistent with the supply of LLDPE in bulk will have a storage capacity of over 450,000 tons per annum which translates to almost some 600 tonnes per day.
© The Peninsula 2007
