Marine Loading Arm Installation at VS Oil Terminal

About VS Oil Terminal

VS Oil Terminal (VSOT) is a world-class facility with nearly 200,000 cubic meters of onshore oil storage and an export facility, located in the South KAZ Port, Basra, Iraq.

 

They sought to enhance its loading systems to meet specific operational needs while optimizing investment and maintaining high safety and quality standards. With an emphasis on innovation and cost-efficiency, the client partnered with JLA to deliver a solution that would meet their stringent requirements.

Our Activities

  • Site inspection
  • Detailed engineering
  • Project management for safe, high-quality, and timely delivery
  • Delivery of equipment
  • Installation and commissioning
  • Training of operators

Challenge

VSOT required an advanced, efficient loading system that would provide operational flexibility and cost savings, while also ensuring safety and process integrity.

 

The key challenge was to optimize the initial Marine Loading Arm (MLA) design, reducing the sizing without compromising on the technical and safety requirements.

Scope of work

JLA was invited to participate in several clarification meetings with VSOT to determine the most optimal loading system for the terminal’s needs. During these discussions, it was agreed that the initial MLA sizing could be reduced, leading to significant short-term cost savings without affecting the functionality, safety, or operational requirements.

 

The final scope of work included:

 

  • Delivery of two 10-inch HydroTec MLAs and one 8-inch HydroTec MLA, all insulated and electrical traced.
  • Each MLA was equipped with manual QC/DC and Emergency Release System (ERS).
  • A complete JLA electric-hydraulic control system with a Hydraulic Power Unit and Local Control Panel (integrated with PLC, HMI screen, and SCADA software).
  • Remote control systems (wired and wireless) and various sensors for liquid, temperature, and leakage measurement.
  • SCADA System for preventive maintenance and remote access for off-site support and predictive maintenance analysis.

The Result

The project was executed safely, on time, and within budget, with the equipment delivered to specification. The Marine Loading Arms, which were fully equipped with all required systems, including sensors and remote control capabilities, were installed and commissioned successfully.

 

The specific equipment delivered included:

 

  • Two 10-inch JLA Hydrotec MLAs (insulated, electrical traced, with manual QC/DC and ERS).
  • One 8-inch JLA Hydrotec MLA (insulated, electrical traced, with manual QC/DC and ERS).
  • Electric-Hydraulic Control System with a Hydraulic Power Unit and Local Control Panel.
  • SCADA System for preventive maintenance and remote diagnostics.

 

This successful project has reinforced the partnership between JLA and VSOT, leading to VSOT inviting JLA for a new, “Fast Track” project in June 2024 to further expand the collaboration, improve mutual risk mitigation, and leverage competitive pricing through additional bids.

Questions? Our Experts Are Here to Help You!

Mart van Cleemputte

Division Sales Manager Specialties

Search

Kon. Wilhelminahaven Z.Z. 18


3134 KG Vlaardingen

The Netherlands

Kon. Wilhelminahaven Z.Z. 18


3134 KG Vlaardingen

The Netherlands