Oryx Energies sets new logistical benchmark at Las Palmas terminal

29 September 2022

Oryx Energies, one of Africa's largest and longest-established independent providers of energy products and services, has achieved a remarkable logistical success, and a first in its history.

The company’s terminal at the port of Las Palmas in the Canary Islands, operated by its affiliate Oryx Iberia S.A.U., successfully berthed the 330-meter-long crude oil tanker the Front Tweed – the largest ever vessel to have docked there since the terminal commenced operations in 2014.

Built in 2022 and currently sailing under the flag of Marshall Islands, the Front Tweed was on her maiden voyage when she berthed at Nelson Mandela Jetty in Las Palmas to offload a cargo of 60,000 metric tons of gas oil. With a DWT of 300,000 tons, the very large crude carrier (VLCC) occupies a surface area roughly equivalent to three soccer pitches.

The dimensions of the Front Tweed, which overlapped two berthing positions at Las Palmas, required special measures both for the safe berthing of the vessel and for the offloading of her cargo. Twelve new fenders specially designed to withstand the forces exerted by such a large ship were installed along the Nelson Mandela Jetty in advance of the ship’s arrival, and four tugboats were needed to safety manoeuvre her.

The terminal with a capacity of 220,000 cubic meters received the full nominated cargo at an average flow rate of 2000 m3/h, using two shore cargo lines. The discharge operation took approximately 30 hours, but the Front Tweed remained at berth for a further 25. This was in order to perform a ship-shore-ship operation to transfer gas oil to another vessel.

The combined operation was carried out by one full shift – a shift supervisor, two control room operators and three jetty operators.

Gabriel Castaño, Managing Director of Oryx Iberia S.A.U., commented: “Strategically placed on the main commercial route between Europe, West Africa and the Americas, our state-of-the-art facility in Las Palmas offers maximum flexibility, fast loading and discharging rates, and full compliance with Europe’s strictest health, safety and environmental regulations. This highly successful berthing and discharge operation is a significant milestone for Oryx Energies, and a strong symbol of our commitment to our customers.” 

For more information, read the press release: