the art connections · 2018-06-20 · the new terminal will be located within the jurong port...

THE WORLD OF OILTANKING VOL. 28/1 APRIL 2016

T H E A R T C O N N E C T I O N S

O iltanking and art? The two would appear to be worlds apart with

absolutely nothing in common, but after a closer look, there are quite a few interconnections! No matter where we live, we are surrounded by art – sometimes obviously, sometimes rather unobtrusively. Art is an essential medium to unite people who speak different languages, follow different beliefs, and come from different backgrounds. Art defines not only national identities but also personal ones. Art is life-enhancing, supports emotional intelligence, helps to develop the entire brain and awakens senses. Ultimately, art is entertaining.

The fact that art reinforces mutual understanding and connects people was

also demonstrated by colleagues at our terminals who proved their creativity in various art sessions where “Oiltankers” became painters for a day. The inspiration for those paintings came from our values workshops, from which themes like respect and care, integrity, reliability, health & safety as well as sustainability led our colleagues to their artistic results.

By doing so, they not only became “stronger together”, but also learned more about the culture and values of Marquard & Bahls and Oiltanking.

Meanwhile, our daily work

environment also contains works produced by professional artists. We invite you to explore a colorful palette of articles about Oiltanking, art as such, and the connections between them on the following pages – Welcome to our “state of the art” issue!

Happy reading, and viewing!

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E D I TO R I A L

CONNECTIONS2 CONNECTIONS 3

C O N T E N TS

IMPRINT connections Vol. 28/1/2016 Published by Oiltanking GmbH, Corporate Center, Admiralitaetstrasse 55, 20459 Hamburg, Germany, www.oiltanking.com, Telephone +49-40-37099-485, Fax +49-40-37099-499 E-Mail [email protected] Coordinator Gabi Wuestenberg, Manager Communications Editor Renate Eijkholt Design raz design, Hamburg Print BEISNER DRUCK GMBH & Co. KG, Hamburg Published Three times a year Copy Deadline vol 28/2 May 20, 2016

Contents

11 Lexicon | State of the art16 Eyecatchers – bold & colorful digital art28 Goo-Goos 31 I do's 34 A tasty Tradition35 Number | V = 1/6 x pi x d³36 Sports | No Walk in the Park

37 Sports | ‘It’s not just a race, it’s an adventure’40 It’s Hip to Be Square43 Reader's Corner 44 Last but not least | The Bargeman

12 We Can, We Care … for Powerful Leadership Development18 Cultural Experiences | Change of Culture22 A Brush with Creative Colleagues 38 In a nutshell

24 Caring for Seniors 25 Creative Kids26 The One and Only in Panama27 Bringing Values to Life

5 A New Vision 6 FAME is the Name of the Game 8 Oiltanking Ghent Gets Cracking10 Do Come In!

21 Operational Excellence Training

15 Reflections of the Indian Spirit

4 Partnership Forged

Cover: “Pipelines” by artist Peter Cs. Foti (aka “FP” or murumuru). More about his digital art on page 16

Koen VerniersManaging Director Oiltanking East

Daan VosManaging Director Oiltanking West

ARTT H E

C O N N E C T I O N

ASIA

PAC

IFIC

MIDDLE EAST

INDI

A

LATIN AMERICA

EUROPE

PEOPLE & PLACES

LEISURE &ENTERTAINMENT

Oiltanking Amsterdam (OTA) is constantly making improvements to its hardware, software and processes across its business. Many initiatives have led to field work requiring work permits. Depending on the season, projects and maintenance activities, an average of 100 up to 200 permits per week are issued, and OTA felt the need to have a transparent, structured workflow and overview. So in spite of high costs a new digitalpermit-to-work system was implemented at the terminal in July 2015.

The system not only covers workpermits, but also Job Safety Analysis(JSA). Every work permit that involves work with a high risk potential requires a JSA, while “isolation” refers to the securing of the installation where work is to be executed. The steps in the workflow are secured with the role owners’ signatures using a role-based system.

At the start of the project, OTA formed a multidisciplinary team to work out the requirements, design the workflows and execute tests. Tests in the demo environment, tests on the OTA server acceptance environment and, of course, User Acceptance Tests were conducted to make sure the system functioned as desired.In the first months of the implementation, the advantages of the new system became apparent. At the time, Remco Zijsling, Chief Assistant Shift 3 / Operations concluded:

“The new process is great, improvements are always welcome. In the end it is for everybody’s safety. After a while you notice that everyone is starting to get used to the new system and process, which makes it easier for everyone to work along. Not just for us but also for the permit holders.” OTA has made some big changes to the process and though this is still ongoing, several benefits have already been gained:

• Transparency in the work permits, JSA and isolations• Digital documentation and archiving• An actual overview of the executed work• A connection between the work permits and JSA

OTA is still in the process of improving its permit-to-work process. For example, the permit issuing desk which is currently inside the

central control room will be relocated, allowing Operations to issue the many permits efficiently without disrupting control room activities.

E U R O P EAS I A PA C I F I C


The new terminal will be located within the Jurong Port premises on mainland Singapore, directly opposite Oiltanking Singapore’s Phase 6 terminal on Jurong Island. Jurong Port will hold 60 percent of the shares in the joint venture, and Oiltanking Singapore the remaining 40 percent.

Designed to store and handle both clean petroleum products and chemicals, the terminal will have an initial capacity of 200,000 cbm, with the potential to add another 230,000 cbm, for a total capacity of 430,000 cbm. It will be supported by jetties with a draft of 16 meters, capable of berthing vessels up to 120,000 DWT. Being connected by pipeline to Oiltanking Singapore’s Phase 6 terminal allows the facility to be integrated into Jurong Island, Asia’s petrochemical industry hub. The terminal is strategically located to provide both benefits for prospective customers and support the increasing demand for storage from transhipment cargoes into Singapore.

Currently the teams of Oiltanking and Jurong Port are working tirelessly to drive the project towards the final investment decision (FID), which is expected in the first quarter of 2017. Should there be a positive FID, construction will commence in the second quarter of 2017 and commissioning is expected for the second quarter of 2019.

Both partners will benefit from the joint venture. The new liquid bulk terminal strengthens Oiltanking Singapore’s position and enables the company to expand its overall operations within the island state. The partnership gives Jurong Port an opportunity to further develop its multi-purpose port operating expertise while optimising the utilization of its assets. The partnership forged with Jurong Port is certainly exciting and will significantly enhance Oiltanking’s position in Singapore.

SIGNIFICANT HANDSHAKE Both parties will benefit from the Joint Venture in the future. From left: OoiBoon Hoe, CEO, Jurong Port, andDouglas van der Wiel, ManagingDirector, Oiltanking Singapore

On December 1, 2015, Oiltanking Singapore signed a joint venture agreement with Jurong Port to build, own and operate a new liquid bulk terminal in Singapore.

A New

Vision Nine months ago,

Oiltanking Amsterdam implemented its new digital permit-to-work system. Time to see

how it has been integrated and

developed.

NEW CONCEPT The system facilitates a transparent and structured workflow, which can be also monitored on a screen in the control room

430,000 CBMPartnership

Forged

WELL CONNECTED The project will be well positioned for

synergy building and maximization

of operational efficiencies thanks to pipeline connections

to Oiltanking’s Phase 6 terminal

Due to its growth over the years and the differing administrative regulations that apply to its various terminals, Oiltanking has been working with a variety of different financial systems. A review in 2014 found that there were more than 20 such systems in use – and revealed many

opportunities for process improvements and related cost savings. This discovery resulted in the project known today as FAME, an acronym for Finance and Accounting Made Easy. The core project team consists of 13 colleagues from different divisions, who receive support

E U R O P EE U R O P E

FINE-TUNING The FAME project team at a training

session in December 2015


POINTING THE WAY The contract signed on January 8, 2016 means a swift implementation of new software for all Marquard & Bahls companies

FAME FAMEis the Name

of the Game

Oiltanking GmbH initiated Project FAME (Finance and Accounting Made Easy) in mid-2014 to merge its finance systems into a single platform. The idea has quickly gained momentum throughout the whole Marquard & Bahls organization.

from the group’s finance departments around the globe. The project’s name is also its aim: to make finance and accounting processes easier at the terminal, regional, and corporate-center level. FAME sets out to achieve this by harmonizing the multiple finance systems into a single platform and standardizing basic accounting processes such as order to cash, procure to pay, accounting to reporting, project cost accounting and asset management. Another objective is to streamline the monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting effort, with an overall goal of reducing the current inefficiencies and related costs often found in these workflows.

After the key requirements and key design principles had been defined in 2015, a detailed evaluation was conducted to determine the software and vendor that would deliver the necessary skills, experience, and functionality to handle FAME’s objectives. This process involved detailed proof-of-concept and software demonstrations, customer reference meetings, accountant workshops, and naturally contract and cost negotiations.

The enthusiasm for FAME soon spread beyond the borders of Oiltanking, as the Marquard & Bahls management saw an opportunity to provide a single platform for other divisions within the group. In mid-summer 2015, the decision was made to include Mabanaft and the Marquard & Bahls holding in the initial scope of FAME. The project team quickly adjusted to handle this new development.

Eventually SAP’s new S4 / HANA platform with the Simple Finance add-on was chosen. This software best matches Marquard & Bahls’ strategic direction and has the features necessary to bring about the needed harmonization and process efficiency across the companies covered by the project. 2016 will see the execution of the design, build and prototyping phases, followed by the software’s implementation initially at the pilot site Oiltanking Amsterdam. These phases will be followed up by a rapid roll-out of the software to other terminals, Mabanaft entities, and the Marquard & Bahls holding.

Cracking

Cologne as needed. As Oiltanking Ghent is now integrated in the INEOS supply chain, all discharge and loading operations are to be carried out without delays. This translates to a considerable optimization of INEOS’ logistics.

Oiltanking Ghent is dedicating 15 percent of its total storage capacity to the partnership with INEOS. Three tanks of 33,000 cbm each are already in service for INEOS, a fourth tank will be added in mid-2017. As part of the agreement, Oiltanking Ghent is making substantial investments to ensure the highest level of operational excellence, including facilities such as vapor recovery units, internal floating roofs, pumps, etc.

The partnership between Oiltanking Ghent and INEOS is also of great importance to the Port of Ghent. With an average of one discharging vessel per week and one loading barge per day, the contract generates an extra 2.5 million tons of traffic per year. The Port is investing 10 million euros in

building a new quay wall in the river Moervaart, where Oiltanking uses 600 meters of quay length, equal to four berths.

This contract is the result of the joint efforts of the Oiltanking Europe Sales Department and the whole Oiltanking Ghent team: the early pick-up on a lead in the market, the successful customer audit, the well-maintained state of the terminal and the Ghent team’s service-minded attitude and know-how convinced INEOS to enter the long-term partnership.

In September 2015, Oiltanking Ghent and INEOS Europe signed a long-term agreement for the storage and handling of naphtha and gas condensate to supply the INEOS cracker plant in Cologne.

E U R O P EE U R O P E


ANOTHER FIRST Just one day later, on December 4, 2015, the first loading barge destined for INEOS, “Somtrans

XXVI”, also called at Oiltanking Ghent

Oiltanking Ghent Gets

THE VERY FIRST The “Stenberg” was the first discharging vessel Oiltanking Ghent handled for INEOS on December 3, 2015

Naphtha andgas condensate are

feedstocks used in a petrochemical process in which hydrocarbon fractions are broken

down into smaller hydrocarbons in order to produce lighter alkenes (olefins) such as ethylene, propylene and others. In other words, processing naphtha and gas condensate produces the building blocks for plastics (PET, PVC, etc.), rubbers, etc. One of the world’s leading chemical companies is the INEOS Group, a global manufacturer of petrochemicals, specialty chemicals and oil products. Its two ethylene production units (crackers) in Cologne process 3.5 million tons of feedstock per year. With the new contract, one third of this feedstock will be delivered through Oiltanking Ghent.

The feedstock arrives at the Oiltanking Ghent terminal on seagoing vessels for intermediate storage. From there, it is shipped by barges on the river Rhine to

art Because the expression “state of the art” includes the word “art,” it might confuse those who hear it for the first time. In fact the phrase does not refer to the fine arts or performing arts, but originated in technology. Its first recorded use was in an engineering manual entitled “The Gas Turbine” by Henry Harrison Suplee, in 1910. The relevant passage reads: “In the present state of the art this is all that can be done".

The term "art" in this context refers to the useful arts, skills and methods of a practical subject such as manufacture or craftsmanship. It is used to imply the latest or highest level of development in e.g. products or activities.

As the term has lately been overused in advertising and marketing, it runs the risk of becoming meaningless. Another problem is that its definition is not de rigueur. Therefore the interpretation of what exactly constitutes the highest or latest development can vary from country to country, or even from one company to another. This being said Oiltanking still uses the term when describing its terminals as it simply expresses optimally what Oiltanking stands for: excellent

service rendered along with high technical standards being applied

globally at all its terminals.

CONNECTIONS 11CONNECTIONS10

L E X I C O NE U R O P E

“For 40 years you’ve seen them from the outside … now you can go inside one!” On September 17,

2015, employees at Oiltanking Amsterdam were invited to view a tank from the inside and to experience

what it's like to enter a confined space. At about the sametime as Oiltanking Amsterdam was celebrating its 40th anniversary, tank 506 happened to be empty for two days following maintenance work. But 506 isn’t just your average tank. Built in 2006, it is the biggest of all 100 tanks on the premises, with an impressive diameter of 63 m, a capacity of 60,000 cbm and a gutter height of 19.5 m.

As the tank would shortly resume full operation, Oiltanking’s maintenance engineers and contractors quickly made all the arrangements for the visit. Before colleagues were allowed to go inside the tank, they were given ample safety instructions in the training room, e.g. about entering a confined space. Then they had to change into personal protection clothing, such as overalls, safety helmet, safety glasses, safety shoes, gas detector, etc. Just before actually entering the tank they conducted a last-minute risk analysis

(LMRA). And then it was “showtime”. “Seeing the tank from inside was truly an eye-opening experience,” comments Niels van Westenbrugge, Trainee. “Entering the (illuminated) inside of the tank was incredible: to experience the immense space, to hear the transmission of the sound, to see the equipment inside the tank, and to walk on the bottom which at times felt like a trampoline. It was my first time inside a tank and I found it very instructive to see the tank gauging equipment.”

In mid-September 2015, on the occasion of Oiltanking Amsterdam’s 40th anniversary, its employees had the chance to take an inside look at a tank – but only after all necessary security measurements had been taken, of course.

INTERIOR DESIGN Colleagues were able to explore Oiltanking Amsterdam’s biggest tank from the inside

State of the

Do Come In!

EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS At 60,000 cbm, this carbon steel tank with a fixed roof and cone down is the biggest one at Oiltanking Amsterdam

THE ENGINEERING MANUAL by H.H. Suplee, 1910


With all the changes happening in business and across the markets, the requirements for leaders are changing. Leadership development programs are designed to support leaders in mastering these new requirements. The programs are effective when leaders take them to prepare for new roles and responsibilities. A comprehensive analysis by Team Talent Management found that existing leadership development programs no longer met the requirements. Therefore, all existing programs have been discontinued with the last round of classes.

In their place, Team Talent Management has developed a series of consistent, group-wide leadership development programs to support leaders in the various steps of their career. As a basis they used input from the organizational strategy, insights from previous programs and assessments, as well as the leadership competencies. As a result, in 2015 two leadership development programs for the senior leadership team were launched: the GMC Program for the Group Management Committee (GMC) and the GLUE Program (Global Leadership, Unique Experience) for managers at the level immediately below the GMC. In addition, the PILOT Program for first-line leaders is currently being trialled to confirm set-up and contents for implementation. Additional demands for other leadership levels are currently under review.

Bridging theory and practiceThe best and most effective way to learn is to integrate the learnings into one’s daily work. This can be done, e.g. by gaining practical experiences and testing new knowledge in real life. Accordingly, all leadership development programs are very practice-oriented, for an easy link between theory and practice. Real-world examples during the program help participants to better understand requirements and their own behaviour. Feedback from peers and trainers give new perspectives – knowledge that is used to do things differently in the future. Communication is a useful example: Face-to-face communication has always been the most important way to share information between people. Today, Oiltanking runs 73 terminals in 22 countries and as a face-to-face communication is not possible leaders need new approaches to guarantee that every employee has access to relevant information. How best to communicate and engage with people is one of the topics covered in the program.

GLUE PROGRAM INFOProgram Length: 2 Modules (4.5 d)Dates: Group 1 -Jun / Nov 15 Group 2 - Aug / Nov 15Location: HamburgNo of participants: 14 Oiltanking managers (from a total of 35 participants)

GMC PROGRAM INFOProgram Length: 3 Modules (6.5 d)Dates: March / July / Dec 15Location: Hamburg15 GMC members

P E O P L E & P L A C E S

We Can, We Care …

WELL-QUALIFIED QUARTET Team TalentManagement at the Marquard & Bahls Human

Resources department. From left: Theresa Meier,Ingrid Johannsen-Biehl, Alexandra Schneider

(Team Leader) and Katja Kiera

Oiltanking is continuously growing, and the market conditions are volatile.

New structures, systems and processes are being implemented to ensure Oiltanking’s success

into the future. Managers have an important role in implementing and leading these changes. To support them in

their responsibility, Team Talent Management in the Marquard & Bahls Human Resources Department has launched initiatives including Leadership Development Programs.

P E O P L E & P L A C E S

... for Powerful Leadership Development

Indian art reflects the plurality of its country and has a long and very prolific history. The art displayed at the IOT Head Office in Mumbai gives a glimpse of the rich folk art heritage of India.

their direct reports. In these dialogs, individual development topics are discussed in the context of business objectives. The result is an Individual Development Plan (IDP) that consists of development objectives and specific steps for achieving them. This IDP process helps to focus development on the most relevant aspects and to hold oneself accountable for one’s development commitments. All this is cascaded down in the organization. IDPs can be documented in the peopleWeb HR system that is accessible to the employee and the superior.

Growing togetherA company’s success depends on the engagement of all of its employees. To remain successful, continuous personal development is essential. This includes leaders, which is why Oiltanking started its development initiatives at the top. Understanding daily challenges as a learning environment and using feedback helps everyone to grow. When leaders additionally introduce and apply what they have learned, everyone benefits.

P E O P L E & P L A C E S I N D I A

Folk art in India is as varied as the country’s people, and symbolizes a “unity in diversity” that can be found throughout the country. So when we speak of folk art in India, it is not just paintings, but art in varied media ranging from pottery and metal work to paper-art, weaving and jewelry design. Indian folk art is mostly tied to people’s religious and social lives. It portrays everything from everyday life, music and dance forms, and scenes from festivals to depiction of local gods and goddesses, religious processions and important historical events.Each region in India has its own unique form and media of folk art. The Pattachitra paintings of Orissa are typically made on dried cane leaves or silk, while the Dokra art found in Chhattisgarh consists of expertly carved brass and metal. Warli paintings from Maharashtra are made on a clay background using organic white ash or chalk, and depict daily life in tribal India. While the works produced in

the geographical and cultural regions possess decidedly individual characteristics, at the same time they have sufficient elements in common to justify their being considered manifestations of a general style.

Many of IOT’s Terminals are located in areas that have a rich heritage of folk art. This art is encouraged by adorning IOT’s offices’ walls with it, or giving it as gifts to visiting guests. Walk into the IOT Head Office in Mumbai and you will be greeted by a big Pattachitra painting from the State of Orissa that depicts the famous Jagannath Yatra. The walls on other floors sport Warli paintings as well as brass figurines crafted in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar district, the hotspot for Dokra art. In fact, the recently inaugurated terminal at Raipur, the capital of the Indian state of Chhattisgarh, has a Values Wall that depicts IOT’s values through one of the many types of Dokra art forms.

The history of Indian art is as old as Indian civilization itself, and every major period of history has given India contemporary new modes of expression and fresh forms of art. As India has always had good ties to the outside world, the cultures of other lands have invariably had an impact on the art of India. These myriad influences have enriched Indian art over the years and now, in the 21st century, these influences are clearly discernible in the fine arts of India.

Mastering present and future challengesTo help participants master present and future challenges, both senior programs focus on improving strategic orientation, building organizational capability and change leadership skills. This is accomplished by exploring new methods, learning from best practices, and applying leadership tools. Thanks to the international and cross-divisional composition of the groups, participants benefit from cross-cultural leadership insights and fresh perspectives from their peers. Last year, 16 Oiltanking senior leaders participated in the GMC and GLUE programs.Beyond the programs, individual development support is also offered. In 2015 both Managing Directors, Koen Verniers and Daan Vos, initiated Development Dialogs with


GROUP MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE (GMC) In the GMCprogram, the committee members develop

group-wide ideas, values and standards for the management of Marquard & Bahls

We Can, We Care …

Reflections of the Indian Spirit

DOKRA ART The IOT values are visualized as animal figurines crafted from wrought iron, a special form of folk art of the Bastar district in Chhattisgarh region. The Raipur terminal is located near this district.

DOKRA ART These dainty brass figurines adorn the IOT office in Mumbai

as the drawing tablet plus software components – are my source of inspiration and fire my imagination in a way other techniques can’t. Later, my pictures are carefully printed in 300 dpi using giclée printers with precious archival ink on acid-free material. This procedure preserves the paintings’ original color and quality for a lifetime.

What inspired you to the “Pipelines” painting?This is one of my favorite works! I was researching layering and mixing techniques and experimenting with the fusion of different colors. As the shapes speak for themselves the title could not be anything other than “Pipelines”. You see, when I give my paintings names I trust my first instinct. There is no special or symbolic

message in this painting. But wouldn’t it be positive if my visualization could help to change our common association of dull, grey things into a happy and colorful image in our minds?

What sort of works can we expect from youin the future?I created most of the murumuru paintings in 2012 and 2013, working day and night. One day, I just stopped. The artist within had to take a rest and right now I am re-inspiring myself. I intend to get back to creating soon and my new works are bound to be very colorful and, most likely, abstract.

L E I S U R E & E N T E RTA I N M E N TL E I S U R E & E N T E RTA I N M E N T

CONNECTIONS 17CONNECTIONS

Connections: murumuru is an unusual namefor an artist. Where does the name come from?murumuru: My wife Dorothy saw the word written on a cosmetic product – it turned out to be an ingredient that neither of us had ever heard of. We found that “muru” and “muru” covers both of us and we liked the sound. In fact it is the name of a palm tree and its seeds are becoming more and more popular as an ingredient.

This is also true for your artwork. When did your creative phase begin?I’ve always liked colors and until my teenage years drew pictures in many different styles: from my own cartoon characters to comic strips to pencil portraits. A few years ago, after having made thousands of artistic photos, I started creating digital paintings. I explored the boldest colors as they are almost impossible to obtain using non-digital techniques.

Can you tell us more about the developmentof a digital painting?The essence of the work is actually very similar to traditional painting techniques, and the creative process resides in my hands at all times. But the possibility of layering and mixing those layers create a playful and spontaneous result which is never quite what you expected. And that’s what makes the difference and where the fun lies! The tools I use – such

THE ARTIST Peter Csaba Foti, also known as “FP” or murumuru, creates colorful digitally painted pictures that are especially popular in the United Kingdom, the Americas and Australia

More about murumuru: http://www.murumuru.hu

and: http://murumuruart.etsy.com

EYECATCHERS

BOLD & COLORFUL

DIGITAL ART

16

Peter Csaba Foti (1981, Budapest, Hungary), “FP”, is a visual artist whose artworks are published under the nickname “murumuru”. Read more about him and his favorite work “Pipelines” which adorns the cover of this issue.

"Bar

oque

Bre

akfa

st"

© m

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uru

Overseas postings always have to be considered carefully and with the whole family. For this reason, employees are usually given a chance to go “sniff out” the new surroundings before committing themselves. Alexander Iakhnii and his wife went on their “look & see trip” in September 2015. Just three months later, two days before New Year’s Eve, both were on a plane to Dubai again – only this time accompanied by their Siberian husky (Elbrus). After all, the dog is part of the family and would therefore move there with them. Getting allthe paperwork done for the dog was the first major challenge. It was the time of year when everyone seems to be extremely busy and/or has limited working hours – and in this case the same was true for veterinarians and the authorities. But Elbrus was blissfully unaware of this, and is now

When Alexander Iakhnii considered taking up the position as Business Development Manager in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, he knew he would be facing not one but two cultural changes. For four years, he had worked for the parent company Marquard & Bahls in Hamburg, Germany – and now he would possibly be moving to Oiltanking in Dubai …


of Culture

C U LT U R A L E X P E R I E N C E SC U LT U R A L E X P E R I E N C E S

Change

CAMEL ENCOUNTER From camel racing to camel milk chocolate, the “ships of the desert” are an integral part of Dubai life

COSMOPOLITAIN DESTINATION Dubai is

a hub sought after by multinational

companies as well as tourists

For Alexander Iakhnii, the new year brought two major changes: He not only moved to live in another country, but also switched within the group, from Marquard & Bahls to Oiltanking Middle East & Africa. Let’s see how life has changed for him.

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HEADING IN A NEW DIRECTION

Alexander and his wife enjoying their

stay in Dubai at full throttle

adapting well to the relocation and busily exploring the new environment.

In fact the changes are turning out to be more of a challenge for Alexander. “I’ve never spent the winter in such a warm country before. I’m originally from the Ukraine where temperatures can drop to minus 20 °C / 4 °F in winter. Celebrating New Year at the beach was a new experience, and kind of weird. On the other hand, moving to Dubai in the winter is the best way to do it. It gives you a chance to gradually acclimate to the heat you will face during the summer. With temperatures already around 26 °C / 78.8 °F in January and humidity on the rise, I understand why bus stops in Dubai are enclosed and air-conditioned!”

But permanent warmth is not the

PORTRAIT Alexander Iakhnii started working for Marquard & Bahls as an analyst in the Merger & Acquisitions (M&A) department at the beginning of 2012. Two years later he was promoted to Associate within this department. At

the beginning of 2016 he moved to Oiltanking Middle East & Africa in Dubai, where he now works as Business Development Manager.

only thing that Alexander will have to get used to. “In Dubai, there is a different perception of time compared to busy Europe. Especially compared to my hometown Kiev where people seem to be more stressed, always in a hurry, and even the traffic is more chaotic. Or in Germany, where time management is as precise as clockwork. Here in Dubai people don’t rush, they take their time – both for themselves and also for you.

As an experienced and passionate traveler, I liked Dubai at first sight. For me this city is like a very big airport. Dubai is a melting pot of different cultures: Arabic, Asian, European, American, African etc. Almost


NEW ENVIRONMENTAlexander Iakhnii liked Dubai from the very first moment

OPPORTUNITY The first batch of colleagues that kicked off the training program

SUPERLATIVES Innovative and

modern projects are a common

sight in Dubai

M I D D L E E AS TCTo ensure operational excellence across its growing terminal business operations, Oiltanking Odfjell Terminals Oman (OOTO) has a tailor-made training program for its staff.

Oiltanking Odfjell Terminals Oman (OOTO) celebrated 10 years of operation on March 4, 2016, having grown from a greenfield site to a 1.3 million cbm terminal at a tremendous pace. The vast majority of the original staff still works at OOTO today and has been promoted to more senior positions in the meantime. Operations have been increasing at a similar pace from zero in 2006 to a throughput of 20 million cbm of products and 850 ships handled in 2015, and a further increase in product movement is expected in the years ahead. To ensure that the excellence of their operations remains in line with the rapidly increasing number of simultaneous operations, and with customer expectations, the terminal sought additional training for their terminal operators. They found it in C-Mist, a renowned provider based in the U.K.

C-Mist is a leading provider of training in the terminal industry that has successfully run seminars for a number of companies in the field. Their instructors all have vast hands-on experience in the various topics

covered by the program and are hence able to explain and guide the operators based on best industry practices and the relevant standards.OOTO’s staff is keen to seize the opportunity to boost their own knowledge and qualifications and the colleagues in question started the custom-tailored training program on February 17, 2016. All 64 operations staff members, four HSSE staff members, and a five technical staff members are enrolled in the program, which consists of three weeks classroom training to cover the theoretical part of terminal operations, followed by theory assessments. The three weeks of classroom training will be evenly divided to three stages in the course of 2016. Once the theory assessments have been successfully passed, the field assessments will take place from early 2017 and are expected to be completed by the end of 2017.

Each successful candidate will receive a diploma issued by the accredited body “City & Guilds” and will thus be ready for a successful future at OOTO in Oman!

C-M

ist

C U LT U R A L E X P E R I E N C E S

200 nationalities successfully co-exist here. As a foreigner who has lived abroad for many years, I know very well how important it is to live in an open and embracing society. And, who’s to say the culture within the company will be any different?

I’m sure I will enjoy my stay in Dubai!"

Operational Excellence Training

C

“Art jamming” was the title of the art session attended by nine colleagues from the Finance Department at the Singapore terminal two years ago. The only rule for this afternoon of teambuilding was: there are no rules! They could paint anything they liked using acrylic paint and their imagination,curiosity and creativity. As you can see: mission successfully accomplished!

At the end of October 2015, 21 colleagues from various departments at Oiltanking Daya Bay took part in a Values Workshop. In Part 1, they learned the importance of the Marquard & Bahls values and priorities, and in Part 2 explored how these values are expressed in their workaday routine. In the third part they were asked to reflect on their own attitudes and conduct and identify what they would do to put the values into

action at the workplace. Then, in teams of five, the participants visualized their perception of the values in a drawing. The workshop not only generated lively discussion, a better understanding of our values, and striking posters, but also led to some valuable measures: in 2016 Oiltanking Daya Bay and Oiltanking Nanjing will conduct local communication campaigns including a monthly values training workshop focusing on one of the five values.

These colorful paintings that adorn the walls of the Oiltanking Malta offices are real eye-catchers – and they are the creative outcome of a teambuilding exercise all colleagues took part in two years ago. Participants were shown pictures related to Oiltanking and asked to choose one as their theme. Because of the shift schedule, two group sessions were organized. HSSE Officer Lorenzo Joyce and Operator Elton Debono were picked as “creative supervisor” by their respective groups, having demonstrated a good eye for drawing. They drew the outlines, and the rest of their colleagues finished the canvas, each of which consisted of 35 pieces, numbered so the painter would know which colors to use. In the end all 35 pieces were put together. The results show that this was a successful teambuilding exercise!

As a follow-up to workshops on the company’s values and priorities held in September and November 2015, colleagues at the Oiltanking head office in Hamburg showed their creative side on December 3, 2015. In a cozy pre-Christmas atmosphere some of the participants decorated the Oiltanking Christmas tree, while others reached for a paintbrush. They were free to express their own ideas on canvas of what they had learned during the workshops. What do you think? Maybe the sun stands for reliability, the hot-air balloon for empowerment, sheep for integrity? They say a picture is worth a thousand words …

Art can be very long-lived, as shown by the statue outside the Oiltanking Amsterdam office. On the occasion of the company’s 25th anniversary in 2000, Oiltanking Amsterdam had the idea of creating a sculpture that represents the terminal’s line of work. While the idea itself was enthusiastically received, none of the designs that were viewed and reviewed fit the bill 100 percent. During

the discussions, one of the company’s contractors – welding foreman Peter Feit – asked whether he might give it a try. Together with colleagues from the engineering department he designed, bent and welded the sculpture. A big crane was needed to move it into the right place, as it weighs an impressive 350 kg. It was eventually unveiled as being “From the employees for the employees.”


P E O P L E & P L A C E SP E O P L E & P L A C E S

A Brush

ASIA Pacific

EUROPE

FROM MICKEY MOUSE TO WARHOL These nine colleagues in Singapore could paint anything they liked during the “art jam” teambuilding session

VALUES WORKSHOP Colleagues from Daya Bay painted how they discern the company values

PAINT BY NUMBERS Each painting consists of 35 pieces which were numbered and individually painted by a colleague

MASTERPIECE It has not yet been decided where the painting created by Oiltanking colleagues in the head office will be hung

CREATIVE COOPERATION The statue commemorates the first 25 years of Oiltanking Amsterdam (1975-2000) as well as a constructive artistic

cooperation between a contractor and colleagues at the terminal

Oiltanking colleagues from around the world and with a wide variety of daily tasks and functions within the group showed their hidden talents when they exchanged their pens and tools for paintbrushes. We present an overview of their artwork, created for various purposes.

with Creative Colleagues

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As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, on August 15, 2015 Oiltanking Colombia hosted an event where employees’ children were invited to visit their parents’ workplace.Following a safety instruction session, Leddy Evangelista, Managing Director, led the special visitors on a tour of the terminal. Afterwards, they received instruction on first aid, and the terminal’s fire brigade taught them how to combat and extinguish fires. Seeing the facilities where their parents work and what

they do, e.g. affixing the cooling rings to a tank, or witnessing them as “heroes” fighting fires gave the kids a different perspective on their parents –

often surprising and impressing them.Upon completing these activities, the children were

asked to draw what they had experienced. And now it was our colleagues’ turn to be wowed by the artistic talent their kids demonstrated.

While the younger ones expressed their ideas in colorful paintings, the older ones also participated in creative discussion forums about environmental protection, resulting in many interesting ideas. The “Oiltankers” have already proven repeatedly that they can be very creative. And now we know for sure that their sons and daughters are as well!

L AT I N A M E R I C AL AT I N A M E R I C A

People who reach a certain age are often told they have entered the ”Golden Years”. However, many seniors experience this time of life as anything but golden. Oiltanking Colombia’s “Golden Years” CSR activity was launched to help alleviate some of the feelings of loneliness and abandonment felt by many nursing home residents. Just before Christmas in 2015, the first event took place. 19 colleagues visited the San José nursing home in the city of Cartagena to spend time in the company of elders who would otherwise perhaps have no visitors. The holidays can be especially depressing if you are alone, and all the more so if you are aged and fragile.

At first our colleagues were quite anxious about how their visit would be received, but they could tell by the expressions on the residents’ faces how pleased they were to see them. Led by an entertainer who had been hired for the occasion, the nursing home residents and their visitors spent the afternoon playing games, dancing, singing, and telling stories

and a lot of jokes. Nor had the visitors come unprepared: they had brought carefully wrapped gifts for the seniors as

a nice surprise.

The gifts were “miraculously” multiplied and the colleagues were able to visit another nursing home, the “Manos Amigas (Helping Hand) Geriatric Home” soon afterwards. “We thought that the purpose of volunteering would be to help and entertain the elderly. But on the contrary, it was us who learnt some life lessons thanks to the elders sharing their wisdom with us,” concludes Leddy Evangelista, Managing Director Oiltanking Colombia. “Some of the seniors were poets, teachers, dancers, even boxers, … each and every one of them with their own unique life experience. They said goodbye with words of thanks that touched us all deeply. No question, we will go back to visit them again!”

LENDING A HAND, AN EAR AND A HEART Each colleague was assigned to one senior

Oiltanking Colombia’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activity under the heading “Golden Years” focuses on visiting elderly nursing

home residents to assist them and bring a bit of diversion to their lives. The first such visit took place in December 2015.

Creative Kids

Last August Oiltanking Colombia opened the doors of its terminal in Cartagena to employees’ children for an event under the heading “Getting to know dad´s and mom´s job.”

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” Pablo Picasso*

Caring for Seniors

* Pablo Ruiz y Picasso, also

known as Pablo Picasso (1881

– 1973), Spanish painter/artist

said to be one of the greatest

and most influential artists of

the 20th century

COLORFUL PROOF Employees' children

know exactly what their parents' jobs entail and

how to portray them


WORKSHOP

“Bringing our values to life” is the title of a series of workshops initiated by Marquard & Bahls to give colleagues around the globe a better understanding of the company’s corporate values. In February 2016, colleagues at the terminals in Colombia took part in one. The workshop which lasted approximately four hours was divided into three parts:

� Positioning: presentation and explanation of the company’s mission & vison, values and priorities� Exploration: discussion of how values and priorities are put into action based on a case study� Action: definition of personal commitment on how to realize the company’s values

Respect, HSSE excellence, and integrity among other values, give Marquard & Bahls its own culture and its own distinct signature. Talking about these values and living them is an important undertaking, especially in an ever-changing environment and with new colleagues joining the company all the time. Understanding these values provides an explanation of the company’s past and

present success, as well as laying the foundation for the future.In the case of Oiltanking in Colombia, a total of 140 colleagues attended the workshop, which took place in five different sessions to cover the whole group. Leddy Evangelista, Managing Director Oiltanking Colombia, who led all the workshops, gave a positive résumé: “I heard very positive comments from colleagues and saw for myself that they appreciated to learn and discuss how individual responsibility coupled with corporate values shape the way we do business.”

A mandatory workshop evaluation provided input for an action plan that is already being drawn up and implemented. As values have to be nurtured and maintained, there will be more workshops in the future. For now the big boards at the canteens at Oiltanking in Cartagena are a prominent and constant reminder of the commitment pledged by each colleague.

L AT I N A M E R I C AL AT I N A M E R I C A

Much has changed since Oiltanking acquired its COASSA terminal at the Atlantic entrance of the Panama Canal

in 2010. Its capacity has doubled, modern amenities have been added, and the terminal’s general appearance has improved significantly. However, one aspect has remained unchanged since the terminal took up its operation: our colleagues' commitment to live up to the fundamental values and priorities of the Marquard & Bahls philosophy. And because quality is a top priority in the terminal’s services, at the beginning of 2015 COASSA's team embarked on a project to have its process certified according to the ISO 9001-2008 standard.

The terminal’s entire team invested a lot of effort and time to consolidate their site’s quality and best practices.

On December 21, 2015, the mission was accomplished: COASSA's processes are now certified (by SGS) according to the ISO standard. Now, the team can proudly claim that their operations run smoothly, processes are easier to trace, actions are more accountable and customer satisfaction is tracked in a formal manner. They are also proud that the terminal has taken the lead in Panama with regard to ISO certification.

ADVANTAGE Oiltanking’s terminal in Colón is the only one in Panama certified compliant with the ISO 9001-2008 standard

At the beginning of February 2016, a total of 140 colleagues at the Oiltanking terminals in Colombia participated in a workshop to learn more about the Marquard & Bahls corporate values.

and Only in PanamaThe

Bringing Values to Life

VALUABLE SESSION Leddy

Evangelista with colleagues from operations during a

workshop break1CONNECTIONS 27CONNECTIONS26

REMINDER A board showing the company’s values on display in the canteen

SHI CHENYUE An adoring little girl was born to Wang Qiuyan and Shi Guangrong, Oiltanking Nanjing, on August 10, 2015.


G O O - G O O S G O O - G O O S

ANDREA A cute addition to the family for Kelvin Ling, Oiltanking Singapore, and Stella Lau on November 17, 2015.

NARELLE A lovely daughter was born to Sock Hoon Lim, Oiltanking Singapore, and Chris Lai on November 17, 2014.

WANG YIJUN Duan Yifang and Wang Guanhua, Oiltanking Nanjing, were filled with joy on December 31, 2015.

AMEER Jehad AbdulRahman and Ibrahim Mahmood, Oiltanking Odfjell TerminalsOman, are proud parents since November 15, 2015.

ALANA SOFIA Johana Peluffo and Roger Castellar, Oiltanking Colombia, became proud parents of a cute little baby girl on December 30, 2014.

FINN Stefanie Paulin-Schwenzke and Marcus Paulin, Oiltanking Deutschland, were over the moon with the birth of their son on August 15, 2015.

YARDAN Sabina Yilmaz-Alizai and Gokhan Yilmaz, Oiltanking Amsterdam, welcomed a cute baby boy an August 10, 2015.

ROAA A sweet daughter was born on December 30, 2015, to Um Mishal Al.Badrani and Qasim AlHarrasi, Oiltanking Odfjell Terminals Oman.

KAYTLIN AND ARIADNE July 13, 2015 was a day of double joy for Dormelina Maria Anglin and Alberto Kelly, Oiltanking Panama.

MIGUEL ANGEL This little angel was born on April 16, 2015, to Marena De Osorio and Eduardo Osorio, Oiltanking Colombia.

SHAHD TARIQ AL MOQBALI This little sunbeam was born to Tariq Mohammed Al Moqbali, Oiltanking Odfjell TerminalsOman, and Rahma Al Alawi on July 30, 2015.

CHARLOTTE MINRUI Jaysen Lee, Oiltanking Singapore, and Jassie Teo have been proud parents since July 28, 2015.

GUI LIANWU A bouncing baby boy was born to Wu Qiong and Gui Zhigang, Oiltanking Nanjing, on October 31, 2015.

ISAAC A “pure-bred” little Oiltanker was born to Janette and Manuel Schembri, both employed at Oiltanking Malta, on January 4, 2016.

IVAN greeted his parents Yanina Catalfamo, Oiltanking Ebytem, and Matias Poswik on July 1, 2015.

MATEO ALEXANDER first said hello to his parents Francia Villanueva, Oiltanking Colombia, and Alexander Hepburn on August 5, 2015.

LIZ Roxanne Soeterbroek and Thijs Rozemeijer, Oiltanking Amsterdam, became proud parents of a baby girl on July 9, 2015.

MADHU RAM & MADHU SUTHAN Sundara Vinayagam Sivashanmugam, Oiltanking Helios, and Sankari are delighted with their twins, born on August 15, 2015.

Little

AIDAN Antoine Debono, Oiltanking Malta, and his wife Christine first laid eyes on their baby son on December 12, 2015.

The arrival of a baby is bound to add color to its parents’ life. And color also plays an important part in a baby's life. A one-month-old

can already distinguish between red and green, while at 12 months, infants show a preference for colorful stimuli over white. So visits to an art museum can clearly be a rich source of stimuli for the development of their visual system. During your next museum visit, keep your eyes open – you might bump into one of our youngest Oiltankers, listed here!

artists

MIRELA This little sweetie was born to Juliana Ferreiro dos Santos and Esmildo dos Santos Nascimento, Oiltanking Terminais, on January 30, 2015.


G O O - G O O S I D O ’ S

ABIGAIL This ray of sunshine entered the lives of Ruslânia Silva Santos and Helenito da Conceição Araujo Filho, Oiltanking Terminais, on January 25, 2015.

FABIO Ruth Gutierrez andMartín Collantes, Oiltanking Andina Services S.A.C., are proud parents since July 24, 2015.

LUCIO MANUEL A little junior was born to Laura Acosta and Matías Janiot, Oiltanking Ebytem, on May 20, 2014.

BRAM DUINDAM His siblings Teun and Stef, as well as his parents Kim Passant and Juriaan Duindam, Oiltanking Amsterdam, were as happy as can be when he came into this world on February 27, 2015.

LIAM September 9, 2015 was a joyful day for Lady Crisologo and Jeftik Collazos Balladeros, Terminales del Perú.

ASHLEY Has starredin the lives of JoiceGutierrez and AnthonyMendoza Silva,Terminales del Perú,since October 25, 2015.

EMILIA A sweet addition to the family for Verónica Iturrioz and Gonzalo Aispuro, born on January 1, 2016.

MARÍA PAZ A bundle of joy for Stephanie Flores García and Roberto Seminario, Terminales del Perú, on October 4, 2015.

GASPAR This cute little fellow joined Marisa and Fernando Plescia, Oiltanking Ebytem, on November 9, 2015.

PEDRO ISMAEL This junior was born to Rosmery Silva and Pedro Fernández, Logística de Químicos del Sur, on September 10, 2015.

BEATRIZ A darling little girl was born to Elaine Gomes da Silva and Paulo Geovany Nicoleti Polezi, Oiltanking Terminais, on February 16, 2015.

DAVI A precious son was born to Thathyany Gonçalves Ferreira and Tiago Barreira dos Santos, Oiltanking Terminais, on November 24, 2015.

LUCIANA Elia Egoavil and Santiago Castañeda Black, Terminales del Perú, became smiling parents on October 1, 2015.

MICAELA Elina Ulloa Chávez and Víctor Villavicencio Rosas, Terminales del Perú, welcomed this little sweetheart onSeptember 4, 2015.

CAROLINA KÖHLER, Oiltanking Latin America, and SANTIAGO CORRADINI’S wedding bells rang on February 27, 2015.

RAYANN Richard Ong, Oiltanking Odfjell Singapore, and Sharon Seow, were proud to announce their son’s birth on January 12, 2015.

&Love Marriage…

*Rubik's Cube is a 3-D combination puzzle invented in 1974 by the Hungarian sculptor and professor of architecture Ernő Rubik**Brian Cramer, author of the humorous Zero Calvin sci-fi novels and of “What The Luck”?

“Love is like a Rubik’s Cube*, there are countless numbers of wrong twists and turns, but when you get

it right, it looks perfect no matter what way you look at it.”** Several Oiltanking colleagues found love and

followed it up with marriage in 2015 / 2016. Let’s have a look!

© Maitree Laipitaksin/123RF.COM


I D O ’ S I D O ’ S

MARIELLA and RODERICK

CAMILLERI, Oiltanking Malta, became husband and wife on July

25, 2015.

LIU CUIXIANG and WANG SIYU, Oiltanking Nanjing, made a radiant couple on June 27, 2015.

LILLY VALESKA AGUAS CASTRO, and OSCAR ULISES ACOSTA, Oiltanking Colombia, celebrated their wedding on January 9, 2016.

ZELINA BISPO DE SOUZA and WESLEY PÁGIO VARGAS, Oiltanking Terminais, joined their lives on October 10, 2015.

ANNE-CHRISTIENE and MARTIJN SCHAEFFER, Oiltanking Amsterdam, celebrated their big day on September 12, 2015.

FADIA CURE, Oiltanking Colombia, and IVAN PIZARRO exchanged their

wedding vows on April 18, 2015.

LISSETH DE LA ESPADA DE NICOLO and FRANCISCO PABLO DE NICOLO, Oiltanking Panama, tied the knot on December 19, 2015.

L E I S U R E & E N T E RTA I N M E N T

People in the Netherlands have been eating oliebollen for centuries. They have definitely been served since around 1652 as “Vrouw met schaal oliebollen” by the Dutch painter Aelbert Cuyp* proves. But it wasn’t until the beginning of the 19th century that these round dumplings became a traditional delicacy, served at Christmastime and until New Year’s Day. Made with flour, egg, yeast, some salt, milk, and usually with raisins, sultanas or apple, they are especially delicious if eaten still warm and dusted with plenty of confectioner’s sugar. The fact that they are eaten towards the end of the year dates back to the late medieval custom of treating the poor to sweets – like

oliebollen – around that time. Oliebollen have not lost any of their popularity, as shown by the big run on them when they were offered to colleagues at a small booth set up on December 10, 2015, at the terminal in Amsterdam. Within 30 minutes, all 400 oliebollen had been devoured! Oiltanking Amsterdam employees were given a second opportunity on December 31, when oliebollen are traditionally served for the New Year’s celebration.

THEN Oliebollen

were already a popular delicacy in

the 17th century, as Aelbert Cuyp’s

painting shows

A Tasty Tradition©

Dor

drec

ht,

Dor

drec

hts

Mus

eum

* Aelbert Cuyp, Dutch painter (1620-1691); “Vrouw met schaal oliebollen” can be admired at the Dordrechts Museum in Dordrecht, The Netherlands

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NUMBER


V= This is the mathematical formula for calculating the volume of a spherical shape, whereby V is the volume, pi is the mathematical constant that defines the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter as 3.1415926 … and d is the diameter of the object. For the construction of three spherical tanks destined to contain butadiene-1.2. at Daya Bay, China, Oiltanking engineers had decided to go with a diameter of 18 m, a standard in the industry.

Using the above formula, they arrived at an available geometrical volume of: 1/6 x pi x 18³ = 3,053 cbm.

Safety standards require that only a maximum of 90 percent of the calculated geometrical volume is utilised, which reduces the filling volume to a more moderate 2,750 cbm. The formula is only the beginning. Next comes the structural design, and then the construction phase, during which numerous shell plates are assembled and welded together. The question remains of why the engineers opted for spherical tanks, rather than the classical cylindrical ones? When used for high-pressure products (in the case of butadiene storage, the tank has to be designed for a pressure of 8 bar) the sphere shape is preferable, as spheres have a smaller surface area compared to cylinders, and can thus better withstand high internal pressure.


/1 6 x pi x d³1/6 x pi x d³

Run, swim, run, swim, run, swim … Swimrun is an endurance sport that originated in Sweden. It involves a long-distance cross-country race between teams of two athletes who repeatedly switch between running and swimming, but all the time in wetsuits and shoes. Two of our Belgian colleagues are fascinated by this fast-growing multi-stage competition: Dirk Hermans, Software Development & Support Manager at Marquard & Bahls, and Rob De Donder, Human Resources Coordinator Recruitment & Development for Oiltanking Stolthaven Antwerp and Oiltanking Ghent and Terneuzen. How come?On Saturday mornings, Dirk and Rob take their kids to the same swimming pool in Antwerp. Rather than simply waiting around for their kids to complete their swimming classes, they started swimming together. Somehow swimrun came to their attention and they promptly enrolled for the “Amphiman.” This very first Belgian swimrun will be held on May 7, 2016. In fact, Dirk and Rob will participate in two races this year. The first one will be held in May in the natural lakes region “Lacs de L’Eau de l’Heure”, in the south of Belgium. The second race will follow in October in the recreation area De Schorre in Boom, in the north of Belgium.

The challenge is to cover a 28 km distance (24 km running and 3.6 km swimming) as a team. There is only a maximum distance of 4 m allowed between each team member so they have to make sure that they can do it together. They see the fact that they each have a different sports background as an advantage. While Rob is a veteran triathlete, Dirk is more focused on interval training and martial arts. This is a very complementary combination for a race like this and they chose “Stronger Together” as their team name.

They will prepare for the races both individually and together, while of course making sure to give enough time to their work and family life as well. As soon as the weather

permits, our two Belgian colleagues will compete in running events and start their open-water swimming practice. Their first performance check will be the Antwerp 10 Mile Run, which they will compete in as part of the Oiltanking Stolthaven Antwerp team.

S P O RTSS P O RTS

In September 2015 an ad for Oxfam India, a charitable Indian organization, caught my eye in a Mumbai newspaper: Register now for trail walk from November 20-22, 2015! Curious, I read on, and was excited to learn that teams of four persons were being invited to complete a 100 km trail walk within 48 hours! The starting point would be at the Garudmachi Cliff in Sahayadri range, near the city of Mumbai, and the walk would finish at the Cloud Nine Resort near Lonavla, a hill town on the outskirts of Mumbai. Apart from a chance to raise funds for charity, I saw an opportunity for a personal challenge and a lesson in teamwork. Now I only had to find some like-minded people to join me!

Our team was soon complete when DP Singh and Capt Eshwar, both IOT India, declared their interest, as did our German colleague Jörg Neetzke, Oiltanking GmbH, who also works in the Mumbai office occasionally. I proudly emailed our colleagues at IOT, Oiltanking and Indian Oil announcing our team’s participation and asking for pledges. Shortly thereafter, a second team also registered from IOT Mumbai – Sadasivan Sankaran, Sathyanarayanan Asokan, Pradeep Bhatt and Dibyendu Deepak. The next few weeks we all trained with great enthusiasm over rough terrain in the forests around Mumbai, and in the “jungle” outside Hamburg.

Reaching the goal and physical limitsBefore we knew it, November 20 had arrived and we started at 6 a.m. –

with a “rude awakening”. The trail, we quickly found out, was not going to be a walk in the park. There were steep climbs, rocky descents into gorges, jungle paths, stony cart tracks, and occasional stretches of road. But the scenery around us was fantastic! At each of the nine checkpoints, doctors were available to stretch and massage aching

muscles, and attend to bruises, cuts and blisters. After a few minutes of rest, as well a bite to eat, a drink of water, and water bottle refills provided by our support team, it was time to set off again.

We had walked 20 hours and covered 60 km when we reached Checkpoint 6 at 2:00 a.m. on November 21. After a short three-hour nap, and ignoring our protesting muscles, we were off again by 6:30 a.m. By midday, our average speed had dropped sharply. The trail was hot, dusty, humid, rocky, slippery, and steep. Somehow, we managed to plod on, overcoming pain and exhaustion, and crossed the finish line at about 7:00 p.m., having covered 100 km in 37 hours! We were met with loud cheers from the support team, photographers, medals, and a huge sense of relief and accomplishment. And, the

best beer of our lives!

We now look forward to Oxfam Trailwalker Mumbai in November 2016, with more teams from Mumbai, Hamburg, and who knows where else?

AFTERNOON DAY 1 The constant walking took its toll, but the team of four persevered

Swimrun is a new, increasingly popular endurance sport. True to the motto “Stronger together” two of our colleagues will take part in Belgium’s very first swimrun, the “Amphiman”.

In November 2015, eight colleagues from IOT in Mumbai, India, and Oiltanking in Hamburg, Germany, participated in the Oxfam Trailwalker in

India in two teams of four. Ashwini Kumar recalls the impressive experience of his team’s swapping the concrete jungle for the real one.

ENERGIZED Dirk in a typical swimrun outfit during a training session

RELAXED Dirk Hermans (left) and Rob de Donder in regular outfits enjoying a festive event

No Walk in the Park

‘It’s not just a race, it’s an

adventure’


NutshellIn a

P E O P L E & P L A C E SP E O P L E & P L A C E S


Europe This year, the Port Center Lillo in Antwerp presented its first “Harbor Center Awards” to partners to honor outstanding cooperation in 2015. One of the four winners was Oiltanking Stolthaven Antwerp which received the “Stamgast” (regular guest) Award. It was presented by the Flemish minister Philippe Muyters and Ludwig Caluwé, President Havencentrum Lillo, in the Harbor Center's exhibition space on the Scheldelaan on January 19, 2016.

Since Oiltanking Stolthaven Antwerp is located adjacent to the harbor center, it regularly uses the Harbor Center for meetings, events, trainings etc. Oiltanking Stolthaven Antwerp also helped the Center to make Belgium’s National Chemistry Day a success last year. The terminal attracted more than 500 visitors during this event hosted by Belgium’s chemical industry. Last year the Harbor Center drew more than 40,000 visitors with its educational visitor center and extensive guided tours of the port. The Harbor Center Awards will be presented annually from now on. Oiltanking Stolthaven Antwerp dedicates this award to all its employees and volunteers who helped to put all last year’s activities into action.

Europe After a construction period lasting three months, the weekend of January 16-17, 2016 saw the commissioning of a new additive tank at the Karlsruhe tank terminal. This contains five chambers for the storage and transhipment of additives for Otto and diesel fuels. With the four existing already, that means the tank terminal now has a total of nine storage chambers for additives. These are connected to all eleven tanker vehicle loading bays. So when it comes to additives, the Karlsruhe tank terminal benefits from state-of-the-art facilities and is ideally set up for the future.

Europe Like other cities in Germany, Hamburg is seeing an increasing influx of refugees. As a cosmopolitan company, Marquard & Bahls accepts its social responsibility and has decided to provide short-term relief as well making a longer-view commitment.

For months, colleagues at the head office have been organizing and collecting donations such as clothing, sleeping bags and winter-proof shoes during their free time and – on a larger scale – during a collection drive in the first week of February 2016. A donation of 6,000 euros to the non-profit association More Than Shelters e.V. went to fund a winter-proof DOMO – a large dome tent – that is currently being used in Hamburg. Their many interchangeable components mean DOMOs can be used as 'room-in-room solutions' within larger halls, or as customizable social spaces outdoors.

EXPANDED FACILITIES The additive system of Oiltanking Karlsruhe now has nine storage chambers

TEMPORARY SHELTER The winter-proof DOMO donated by Marquard & Bahls is initially being used as a mother-and-child space for refugees in Hamburg

Europe On December 3, 2015 another bottom-loading bay went into operation at the Duisburg tank terminal. This is designed to serve tanker vehicles which carry diesel fuel exclusively. The new facility will relieve the former bottom-loading bay, which was adapted to all products of the fuelling station mix, to a considerable degree. And all customers will benefit from the reduced waiting times.

GOOD NEIGHBORS Erik Bogaert, Quality Manager Oiltanking Stolthaven Antwerp (center) accepted the “Regular Guest” award on behalf of the terminal

BENEFITS The new bottom-loading bay of Oiltanking Duisburg results in greater flexibility

Imagine four black cubes arranged in a row. One person uses a fifth, smaller cube to tap a pattern on the cubes. The other person is then challenged to replicate the sequence. Known as the Knox Cube Test, this is a nonverbal intelligence test originally developed in 1913 by Dr. Howard Knox, a medical officer at Ellis Island. He suggested that sequence A (1-2-3-4) is reasonable for a child of four years of age, sequence B (1-2-3-4-3) is suitable for a five-year-old, sequence C (1-2-3-4-2) can be replicated by a six-year-old, etc. The test is useful for measuring attention span and in identifying neurological disorders like Attention Deficit Disorder. Over time, Knox’ “performance tests” were adapted and incorporated into intelligence testing and cross-cultural research around the globe. Today, performance testing is still an integral part of neuropsychological assessment.

Though discussions can sometimes seem to “go round in circles,” actually communication is a square according to the four-sides model by Friedemann Schulz von Thun**. According to his model, every message has four facets though not the same emphasis might be put on each: The matter layer contains statements that are

facts; in the self-revealing layer the speaker – consciously or not – discloses something about himself; the relationship layer communicates something about how the sender gets along with the receiver and what he thinks of him; the appeal layer contains the advice or instruction the speaker aims to give. The crux is that each layer can be misunderstood individually. The receiver side also features the news cube – and depending on which side he “hears especially well” on, he will receive the message accordingly.

CONNECTIONS 41

L E I S U R E & E N T E RTA I N M E N TL E I S U R E & E N T E RTA I N M E N T

CONNECTIONS40

… but a village within a city where each house represents a tree, and all the houses together form a forest. That was

what Piet Blom (1934-1999) had in mind with his concept “living as an urban roof”: enable high-density housing while at the same time leaving sufficient space at ground level. So the Dutch architect tilted the cube of a conventional house (total area around 100 m2) by 45 degrees and rested it upon a hexagon-shaped pylon. The walls and windows are angled at 54.7 degrees. The result is quite stunning. Curious to see it for yourself in Rotterdam? One of the cube houses is open to visitors!

Not only a treehouse

Cube? Do you copy?

How Appealing!

UNCONVENTIONAL The 51 Cube Houses designed by Piet Blom in 1984 are still an iconic attraction in the city of Rotterdam

DON’T GET ME WRONG The four sides of a message

The famous French artist Paul Cézanne* once observed that all forms in nature could be reduced to a few basic shapes: the circle / sphere, the triangle / pyramid and square / cube. Let’s have a look at the latter in daily life situations.

Sender Receiver

FACTUAL INFORMATION

RELATIONSHIP

AP

PEA

L

SEL

F-R

EVEL

ATI

ON

MESSAGE

IT’S HIP TO BE

SQUARE

THE SEQUENCE COUNTS! The Knox Cube Test is a test that measures short-term memory and attention span of children and adults

*Paul Cézanne (1839-1906), French artist and post-impressionist painter

**Friedemann Schulz von Thun (*1944), German psychologist and expert

for interpersonal communication and

intrapersonal communication

© 2016 Ed de Graaf/St."Het Blaakse Bos"

To whet your appetite for art and / or freshen up your knowledge, here are some questions that require lateral

thinking. For each description, can you guess the name of the painting and its artist? Once you've figured them out, hurry up and send us your answers, as the deadline is May 20, 2016. We hope the chance to win a powercard (2.200 MAH) will inspire you!

CONNECTIONS 43

R E A D E R ' S C O R N E R

... and Action!Try to solve our riddle and don't miss out on the chance to win! Please send your entries to: [email protected], or contact us by post: Oiltanking GmbH, connections Team, Admiralitaetstrasse 55, 20459 Hamburg, Germany, or by fax: +49 40 370 99-499.

C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S

N E W Q U I Z

Quiz Solution

Art Appetizer

How to remove an ice cube without touching it? The extra ingredient you need is salt! Just scatter a little of it on the ice cube’s surface and the ice will melt. Put the thread on the top of the ice-cube and as soon as the saltwater re-freezes on the ice cube, it locks the thread in place and the ice cube can be removed easily! The promised wellness kits will soon be delivered to our resourceful winners: Sadasivan Sankaran / IOT, Geraldine Díaz / Oiltanking Andina Services, Andres F. Gerena / Oiltanking Colombia, Nicole Strauch / Total Deutschland,Ulli Raßler / Oiltanking Deutschland, Terminal Karlsruhe, Tim Van Baeveghem / Oilltanking Ghent, Wendy Van Poucke / Oiltanking Ghent, Bharati Srinivasan / IOT, Herman Van Loo / Oiltanking Ghent, and Lisa Sanchez / Oiltanking North America.

CONNECTIONS42


“Not so loud” said the man and covered

his ears

Some put them in a vase, others like their seeds

for its oil

Not only the Dutch should take care and

look out during the night!

“Lilly be careful! You will get wet! And, don’t pluck these flowers!”

She seems to smile at you knowingly, no matter what

angle you look at her from

His peculiar moustache as well the name of this painting

should aid your recall

Who said piercing one

ear is only for boys?

Hop, hop … last orders, you

night owls!

The foods produced by nature are very varied and unique – as is the piece of art the Dutch design studio Lernert & Sander came up with in 2014 for a commission by

the Dutch newspaper De Volkskrant. A custom-designed tool was used to cut unprocessed food into 98 perfectly square 2.5 cm cubes. That in itself was already an eye-catcher – but to top it off, each cube was placed at an equal distance from the camera. The rows were each photographed separately and later put together into a composite shot, for a neat grid formation that literally looks good enough to eat!

CUTTING-EDGE Various foods, cut precisely into 2.5 cm cubes for an illustration to accompany a feature about eating habits in the Dutch newspaper De Volkskrant

© L

erne

rt &

San

der

Same Same But Different

L AS T B U T N OT L E AS T

© Steve Nicol

Pipelines are a common sight at Oiltanking – and so are barges. These subjects are encountered in art as well – as in “The Bargeman” (1918), an oil on canvas painting by Joseph

Fernand Henri Léger (1881 – 1955). Look closely to discern the colorful, overlapping discs, cylinders, cones and diagonals and see the bargeman with his tube-like arms ending in metallic-looking claws. The painting presents a syncopated, abstract equivalent of the visual impressions of a man traveling along the Seine through Paris.Léger, a French painter, sculptor, and filmmaker, ranks among the foremost Cubist painters alongside Picasso, Braque, and Gris. Cubism was a highly influential 20th century art movement that emphasized the flat, two-dimensional surface of the picture plane. The concept of previous eras, that art should copy nature, was rejected along with traditional techniques of perspective, modelling, and foreshortening. By 1912, Léger had developed his own style of cubism. Utilizing pure color, he simplified the forms in his pictures into geometric components of the cone, cube, and sphere, leaving their contours unbroken. He was also fascinated by machines and modern technology. His boldly simplified treatment of modern subjects has caused him to be regarded as a forerunner of pop art.

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- A

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the art connections · 2018-06-20 · the new terminal will be located within the jurong port...

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