Vopak Prepares for Green Ammonia Imports in North Sea Port, the Netherlands

Royal Vopak, the world’s leading independent tank storage company, is preparing for the storage of green ammonia at Vopak Terminal Vlissingen.

Two existing refrigerated LPG storage tanks, each with a capacity of 55,000 cbm, are under consideration for the project. Berths, pipelines, and other infrastructure are also available. In addition, space is available for expansion and other industrial activities, such as an installation for converting ammonia back into green hydrogen. The location will be connected to the Northwest European hydrogen network, which can be used to supply the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany.

Vopak Terminal Vlissingen is strategically located at the North Sea Port in the Scheldt-Delta region of the Netherlands. The industry in that region, united in Smart Delta Resources, currently forms the largest hydrogen cluster in the Benelux. In addition, more than a fifth of Dutch industrial CO2 emissions occur in the Dutch area. Sustainability can make a significant contribution to achieving the Dutch climate objectives.

"Thanks to our existing infrastructure, we can offer customers a quick and economical solution. We also have room for new developments. Within Vopak we now have extensive experience with the safe storage of ammonia, a product in which additional safety precautions must be observed," stated Alexander Fokker, Managing Director Vopak Terminal Vlissingen:

Ammonia as a hydrogen carrier

In addition to the production of green hydrogen in the Netherlands, there will also be a need in Northwestern Europe for large-scale imports of green hydrogen to meet all future demand. Green ammonia as a hydrogen carrier will play an important role in this effort. Reacting green hydrogen with nitrogen forms green ammonia, allowing the hydrogen to be efficiently and safely transported in large volumes stored and converted back to green hydrogen. In addition, green ammonia can also be used directly as a CO2-free fuel for shipping, for example, or as a raw material to produce fertilizer.

The final investment decision will, among other things, be taken based on market interest.