Case Study 1 — New Propane/Butane Storage Tank
Client: Zueitina Oil Company (ZOC) | Location: Zueitina Terminal, Libya | Scope: Full EPC
The Challenge
The Zueitina Terminal required a significant expansion of its gas storage capacity to support growing propane and butane handling and export volumes. The client needed a fully engineered, purpose-built storage tank that could meet international safety standards for pressurised gas products, integrate seamlessly with existing terminal infrastructure, and be delivered within a demanding project schedule without disrupting ongoing terminal operations.
The project demanded a single contractor capable of managing the full engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) scope — from initial design through to commissioning — with the technical depth to handle the complexities of pressurised gas storage and the regional experience to manage procurement and construction logistics in Libya.
The VAOS Approach
VAOS assumed full EPC responsibility for the project, providing an integrated team of engineers, procurement specialists and construction managers to deliver the tank from concept to commissioning.
The engineering phase covered the complete design of the gas storage tank and all supporting infrastructure, including structural steel, tank shell, roof systems, piping, valves and safety systems.
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All design work was carried out in accordance with applicable international standards for pressurised gas storage, with a strong focus on operational safety and long-term asset reliability.
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Procurement was managed centrally by the VAOS team, coordinating the supply of all materials including large-format tank plates, structural steel, piping components and specialist safety equipment. VAOS leveraged its established supply chain relationships to ensure timely delivery of materials to the Zueitina site, mitigating the logistics challenges common to construction projects in the region.
On-site construction was executed by VAOS construction crews, covering shell assembly, roof installation, welding, piping systems, access structures, surface protection and corrosion prevention. A rigorous quality assurance programme was maintained throughout, with all welding and structural work subject to independent inspection and testing.
Result
The project was completed successfully, with the new tank commissioned and handed over to the client meeting all specified performance, safety and regulatory requirements. The new storage facility materially increased the Zueitina Terminal's capacity for propane and butane products, supporting the client's export programme and long-term operational planning.
Impressions
