Mitsui O.S.K. Lines expands into storage, acquires LBC Tank Terminals
By on March 25, 2025
Click to learn more. LBC Terminals’ state-of-the-art ammonia storage and cracking terminal will handle 150,000 m3 of ammonia shortly after becoming operational in Q4 2028. Source: LBC Tank Terminals.
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has announced the acquisition of Dutch company LBC Tank Terminals Group, which owns and operates chemical storage terminals at seven key global shipping locations, offering loading and unloading services for pipeline, vessel, barge, rail tank car and truck transportation.
Having acquired shares in Nordic Tankers (2019) and Fairfield Chemical Carriers (2024), MOL already boasts one of the largest fleets globally. It operates a marine transportation fleet which includes container ships, bulk carriers, oil & chemical tankers, LNG carriers, car carriers and specialised vessels. The addition of onshore tank terminal storage capabilities to its portfolio through this acquisition is part of the company’s strategy to expand into a “total chemical logistics service system”. MOL also anticipates that synergies between its current offerings and LBC will further develop its platform especially in emerging sectors such as new energies.
LBC Terminals has a combined storage capacity of 3.3 million m3 located in major chemical production hubs including the USA (Houston, Baton Rouge, Freeport) and Europe (Antwerp, Rotterdam, Vlissingen). At Vlissingen, LBC is developing a major renewable commodities import terminal, featuring an initial phase of 150,000 m3 ammonia storage capacity, two deep sea jetties, three barge jetties (for downriver ammonia transport), and optional rail loading facilities. The initial phase is expected to be operational at the end of 2028, with the aim of scaling capacity up to 3.5 million tons of ammonia storage.
Open season for ammonia storage & cracking at modern North Sea terminal
In fact, LBC is currently running an open season for interest in ammonia storage and cracking capacity at its under development terminal in Vlissingen.
Having secured the building permit for the quay wall and jetty in December 2024, LBC is currently advancing discussions towards securing an environmental permit. Phase one of the project will focus on ammonia import and distribution, with a deep-water jetty compatible with modern very large ammonia carriers, and advanced ammonia handling and loading facilities for barges. There are also plans for rail connectivity extending across the European hinterland.
The terminal’s industrial-scale ammonia cracking capabilities will provide a reliable hydrogen supply to Europe, distributed via barges, and featuring a gas injection point into the European Hydrogen Backbone.
With the new terminal expected to become operational in Q4 2028, LBC is currently accepting expressions of interest from potential customers to secure storage and cracking capacity. This process is underway until March 31, 2025. More information can be obtained here.
This open season is a significant step towards realizing our vision for LBC Vlissingen as a leading green energy hub. By offering both ammonia storage and cracking capacity, we are positioning this terminal as a key enabler of Europe’s hydrogen economy, driving the clean energy transition with integrated and sustainable solutions.
Alexander Fokker, General Manager of the terminal, in LBC’s official press release, 20 February 2025
LBC Vlissingen is central to LBC’s long-term strategy. It exemplifies our ongoing commitment to providing the infrastructure that will support the growth of clean energy, helping Europe reduce its carbon footprint and secure a sustainable energy future.
Radboud Godron, LBC Group Director Business Development New Energies, in his organisation’s official press release, 20 February 2025