Vopak is part of the Royal Vopak group which provides worldwide independent storage of gas and oil products and associated logistics services. This deal where the major oil companies have jointly outsourced their storage to an independent player is the first of its kind in Australia.

The company will invest (EUR 33 million) in the terminal which will become operational in August 2005 when the tenants move from their present facilities.

The new Vopak terminal and the closure of the old terminals will allow the Darwin government to proceed with the redevelopment of the old port area.

Negotiations have also included long term tenancy agreements with Darwin-based oil majors for the use of the terminal to secure supply to their markets.

Vopak's new terminal will redeliver mainly via tank trucks but also has rail siding enabling delivery to the mining industry in the northern region and via the new north-south rail infrastructure to the southern states.