Innovation partnership powers Vopak in driving new frontiers for a sustainable future

Innovative solutions with a future mindset for sustainability, productivity and safety
The focal points in this innovation program for Vopak in Singapore are around improving asset management, optimising operational processes and supply chain integration. In these domains a variety of projects were launched at our Vopak Singapore terminals at Sebarok, Penjuru, Banyan and Sakra. (Banyan and Sakra terminals are on Jurong Island). Some of the Innovations include:

1. Use of drones/robotics for safer inspections.
   Vopak’s partnership with Performance Rotors on drones and Asia Offshore Solutions on remotely operated vehicles has supported the international expansion of these two made-in-Singapore innovations. The drones of Performance Rotors allow for safe inspections of confined or hard to reach industrial spaces, and the ROVs of AOS are inspecting our underwater infrastructure without the need to have human divers in potential riskful environments.

 

2. Use of Industrial Internet of Things and data analytics to conduct preventive maintenance.
   The application of Industrial IoT devices that are suitable for deployment in hazardous environments including for example wireless vibration sensors can collect real time condition data on rotating equipment (like pumps and compressors). The data which is collected by the sensors is transmitted wirelessly to cloud based analytics platforms where smart algorithms can provide actionable insights for asset maintenance. This helped to give better visualisation of asset operating conditions and can provide diagnostics and actions to be taken - significantly reducing unplanned downtime of assets.

 

3. Industrial wireless network 
   The pilot roll-out of an industrial LoRa WAN network at two of Vopak’s terminals kick-starts the deployment of a range of next-generation sensors that will improve safety and sustainability. Examples include valves position sensors to help avoid leakage and contamination; wireless temperature sensors to allow optimisation of tank heating. LoRa Wan defines a Low Power, Wide Area networking protocol designed to wirelessly connect battery operated ‘things’ to the internet.

 

4. Artificial Intelligence video analytics for real-time monitoring
   Artificial intelligence video analytics providing real-time visibility of terminal operations have been successfully piloted at the Penjuru terminal in which truck loading activities are monitored in real-time for safety compliance.

 

5. Cloud based ERP systems for real time insights in supply chain
   Vopak’s Singapore terminals were one of the first to use cloud based ERP systems. This was developed fully in-house using low code platform Outsystems. It enables the use of I-IoT solutions to digitize operations, providing its customers with real time insights in their supply chain.

 

6. Supply chain optimisation through secured data sharing platform
   A future ready operational system also enables supply chain integration. Vopak endorses API first data sharing platform NxtPort International, to securely and efficiently establish data connectivity with Vopak’s supply chain partners. NxtPort connects public and private port stakeholders of different digital maturity ensuring data providers remain in strict control of their data.

    

7. Flow batteries as sustainable solution for off-grid operations
   Vopak is piloting the use of a micro grid with flow batteries to reduce reliance on diesel generator and improve the sustainability of our operations on our terminal at off-grid island, Sebarok.