Engineering and Construction of an L-Jetty for a Petrochemical Terminal in Antwerp

The terminal’s existing jetties could no longer accommodate increasing cargo volumes and high berth occupancy rates. To improve operational efficiency and reduce vessel waiting times, a new solution was required.

The answer was the construction of a new L-shaped jetty (L-Jetty), enabling more efficient and flexible vessel handling while increasing the terminal’s overall throughput.

The new L-Jetty was engineered with efficiency, reliability and future expansion in mind. Key features include:

• 15 dedicated pipelines connecting the existing jetty to the new L-Jetty
• Increased availability of both berths
• Nitrogen purging capability for vessels
• Support for ship-to-ship (board-to-board) operations
• Designed for future pipeline connections to new tank farms
• Integration of a pre-fill station (weighbridge) for safe product transfer

This intelligent layout substantially improves the terminal’s logistical performance and operational efficiency.

MH Poly was involved throughout the entire project, from engineering to commissioning:

• Development of a complete 3D BIM model
• Preparation of P&IDs and equipment lists
• Piping engineering and generation of isometric drawings
• Planning and management of construction schedules
• Engineering of the pre-fill station, including structural calculations and detailed drawings
• Technical support during construction meetings
• Preparation of the commissioning plan
• Onshore and offshore site supervision
• Coordination and management of contractors on site
• Interface management between contractors and project stakeholders
• Inspection of foundations, steelwork, concrete works and earthworks
• Management of work permits for brownfield operations
• Coordination between operations and project teams

• L-shaped jetty measuring 150 × 150 metres
• 144 foundation piles for the offshore structure
• 21 marine mooring dolphins
• Reinforced concrete platform beneath the hose tower
• 305-tonne steel hose tower
• Fully prefabricated pipe rack, including valves and piping components

Most structural elements were prefabricated off-site and installed using a floating crane. The 305-tonne hose tower was transported in a single lift and positioned directly onto its final location—an impressive logistical operation.

Following completion of the L-Jetty, the terminal now benefits from:

• Significantly increased cargo handling capacity
• Improved distribution of vessel traffic
• Enhanced operational safety and flexibility
• Infrastructure ready for future terminal expansions