As the global energy system transitions to low and zero-carbon alternatives, onshore terminals are evolving from fossil fuel storage sites into critical nodes for storing liquefied gases such as carbon dioxide and ammonia. These sites must adapt quickly, yet many are constrained by limited space, legacy infrastructure, and ground conditions that cannot handle the weight loads of conventional vertical tanks.
LPV (Lattice Pressure Vessel) storage tanks offer a smarter and more scalable solution to these challenges. Designed for compactness, structural flexibility, and maximum volume utilization, LPV tanks are quickly becoming the go-to option for future-focused terminal operators.
The Space Dilemma Faced by Terminal Owners
Most existing onshore terminals were never designed to accommodate the volumes and conditions associated with pressurized liquefied gases like LCO₂. Adding new storage capacity often means working within tight site boundaries, avoiding existing assets, and complying with strict regulatory zones.
Vertical cylindrical tanks have long been used to minimize footprint, but they concentrate enormous force on a small surface area. That leads to costly piling, civil engineering works, and project delays. In contrast, LPV tanks provide a footprint that can be spread more evenly, reducing ground pressure and simplifying structural requirements.
Designed for Tight Spaces and High Performance
The key advantage of LPV technology is its free-shape, free-size design. LPV tanks can be tailored to fit irregular site dimensions, making use of awkward or unused spaces while maintaining or increasing total storage capacity. This allows terminal owners to:
- Increase capacity without expanding the site
- Retrofit storage into brownfield locations
- Avoid expensive civil works or redesigns
- Improve load distribution on weak soil foundations
Whether integrated into a new terminal layout or adapted to fit within an existing facility, LPV tanks offer flexibility that traditional tanks cannot.
Better Economics Through Smarter Engineering
LPV storage tanks also deliver strong financial advantages. Fewer tanks mean fewer connections, less auxiliary equipment, and lower operational complexity. That translates directly into:
- Reduced capital expenditure on foundations and steelwork
- Lower installation and commissioning timelines
- Simplified maintenance and fewer potential leak points
- Long-term operational cost savings through optimized performance
These benefits make LPV a compelling choice not only for greenfield projects, but also for brownfield terminal expansions where cost control and quick deployment are key.
Engineered for the Future of Liquefied Gas Storage
LPV tanks are capable of handling pressure ratings above 30 barg and temperature ranges from minus 253 to plus 45 degrees Celsius. This means they are suitable for:
- Liquefied carbon dioxide (LCO₂)
- Liquefied ammonia (LNH₃)
- Hydrogen or other cryogenic gases
- Existing or emerging low-carbon fuel types
Their adaptability allows terminal operators to invest once and be ready for multiple future fuel scenarios—without needing to rebuild from scratch as regulations and markets evolve.
LPV Tanks Make Room for Growth—Even When Space Is Tight
In many cases, the greatest barrier to expansion is not technology—it’s real estate. LPV technology flips the equation by designing the storage system around what space is available, not forcing space to adapt to a fixed system.
This design philosophy gives terminal operators more options. It opens the door to phased rollouts, interim capacity increases, and scalable configurations that can grow as demand grows—all without requiring major land use or environmental re-approvals.
Conclusion: A Smart Tank for Smarter Terminals
The demands on onshore terminals are changing fast. To meet the needs of tomorrow’s energy logistics—especially for carbon capture, ammonia, and alternative fuels—terminals must become more flexible, compact, and cost-effective.
LPV storage tanks make that possible. They eliminate many of the barriers associated with conventional tank designs, offering a more intelligent approach to volume, layout, and integration. In doing so, they enable terminal operators to future-proof their assets, maximize site utility, and lead the transition to a low-carbon economy.