Ecoslops Moves Closer to New Port of Antwerp Micro-Refinery Unit

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Tuesday June 13, 2017

Ecoslops, which specializes in recycling ship slops into IFO and MDO bunkers, today announced that it has taken a new step toward the establishment of a micro-refinery unit at the site of ATPC, a subsidiary of VTTI group, in the Port of Antwerp.

The project, which is supported by the Antwerp Port Authority, will also provide ship owners with full traceability of their slops disposal.

"Ecoslops is delighted to announce an agreement with the Port of Antwerp, a leading port in the world, and ATPC, refiner and storage provider of VTTI group," said Vincent Favier, Chairman and CEO of Ecoslops.

"The implantation of a new unit in the ARA zone will allow ship-owners to benefit from a full traceability in compliance, with the best economic and environmental standards. It is a key milestone for our company in the development of a worldwide network targeting the major routes and international shipping infrastructure."

Ecoslops says the new unit in Antwerp will have a minimum capacity to treat 60,000 tonnes per year and will support the regeneration of collected residues in the ARA zone by local slops collectors.

The companies will work together to facilitate detailed technical, economic, and regulatory studies, and to rapidly file building and operation permits - a phase expected to be completed by the end of 2017.

"Ecoslops enrolls itself in the commitment we have towards the values of the circular economy. The new micro-refinery unit is a next stepping stone for the sustainable vision we have for the port, and is thus a win for several parties," said Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO of the Antwerp Port Authority.

Yesterday, Ecoslops announced that is had signed an agreement with TOTAL Group to set up a bunker focused oil residue waste-processing unit at La Mède, near Marseilles, France.