Stolt Tank Containers is upgrading the tank cleaning facility at its Houston terminal in a two-phase project aimed at setting a new global benchmark for tank container cleaning in North America.
The enhanced facility features high-efficiency cleaning technology and an integrated wastewater treatment system from Rotterdam, Netherlands-based Groninger Cleaning Systems, the company behind Quala’s FastTrax, which introduced Gronninger’s automation to North America in 2019.
“This collaboration is a milestone in North American tank cleaning infrastructure, establishing Stolt Container Terminal Houston [SCTH] as a benchmark facility and reaffirming our commitment at Groninger Cleaning Systems to delivering innovative, sustainable, and safety-focused cleaning solutions to the logistics and chemical industries,” Garth Belue, president of Gronninger Cleaning Systems USA, told Bulk Transporter.
“We are proud to support Stolt Tank Containers in their mission to lead with integrity and innovation and look forward to future opportunities that move our industry forward.”
See also: Groninger delivers tank wash tech to U.S.
Groninger served as the design-builder, installation partner, and equipment supplier through the first phase of the “transformative” project that is several years in the making. Belue first revealed he was working with a major tank container operator with a Houston facility in 2021. Groninger’s turnkey solutions is engineered to support higher daily cleaning capacity, enhancing turnaround times and enabling reliable service across a broader range of tank types, including baffled and compartmentalized ISO tanks, and tank trailers, Belue reported.
Stolt expects the new drive-through facility to double daily cleaning capacity.
A new automated trolley cleaning system will “significantly” reduce manual intervention and exposure to hazardous elements, increasing worker safety while ensuring “consistent, high-quality” cleans, the company added.
“We’re excited to upgrade our Houston infrastructure to better serve our customers, offering market-leading safety and sustainability standards,” Dennis Verduyn, Stolt Tank Container global depots director, said in a new release. “With new technologies, more capacity, and unprecedented efficiency, we are reinforcing our commitment to serving the North American market.”
Additionally, Groninger’s wastewater treatment system enables Stolt to recirculate up to 70% of the water used in the cleaning process, reducing the company’s environmental impact while meeting regulatory standards. “This means a greener, more sustainable cleaning operation while maintaining the highest industry standards,” Stolt said. “Sustainability is our priority, and we’re making sure our customers benefit from eco-friendly solutions that align with global environmental goals.”
Stolt is executing the upgrade in two phases, ensuring SCTH remains operational throughout construction, and customers can continue to rely on the company for high-quality services while it builds for the future.
“By investing in Houston, we are strengthening our ability to support your business needs with superior cleaning, shorter turnaround times, and sustainable solutions, ensuring you can keep your tank containers on the move with confidence,” Stolt concluded.
