LBC Tank Terminals has approved the Rainbow 5 Phase A expansion at its Rotterdam terminal, adding approximately 41,000 cubic metres of new storage capacity and increasing the site’s total capacity to around 295,000 cubic metres. The project, scheduled for completion by the end of 2028, will support growing demand for chemical and energy transition-related storage while enhancing terminal efficiency and sustainability.
Rotterdam | June 22, 2026 – LBC Tank Terminals has approved a major new expansion at its Rotterdam terminal, committing to the development of Project Rainbow 5 Phase A, a strategic investment that will add approximately 41,000 cubic metres of storage capacity and further strengthen the Dutch port’s role as a key European hub for chemical products and energy transition-related cargoes.
The final investment decision marks the latest phase of LBC’s long-term growth strategy in Rotterdam and follows the successful completion of the company’s recently commissioned Rainbow 3 expansion project. Once completed, Rainbow 5 Phase A will increase the Rotterdam terminal’s total storage capacity to approximately 295,000 cubic metres, enhancing LBC’s ability to meet rising customer demand for high-quality bulk liquid storage and logistics services.
Expansion Follows Successful Rainbow 3 Delivery
The new investment comes shortly after the commissioning of Rainbow 3, a major infrastructure project that added 36 storage tanks and a dedicated rail tank car loading station to the terminal.
LBC said the project was delivered safely while maintaining uninterrupted operations across the active terminal, demonstrating the company’s operational expertise and project execution capabilities.
The completion of Rainbow 3 has provided the foundation for the next stage of expansion, allowing LBC to continue strengthening its position within one of Europe’s most important chemical and energy logistics clusters.
Next-Generation Storage Infrastructure
Rainbow 5 Phase A will involve the construction of 14 new storage tanks, replacing older infrastructure with modern facilities designed to improve safety, operational efficiency, and flexibility. The project forms part of LBC’s broader strategy to modernise its terminal network while supporting the evolving requirements of customers involved in chemicals, specialty products, and energy transition markets.
In addition to the new tanks, the expansion will include the development of a second central truck loading station, aimed at accommodating increasing truck traffic and improving logistics efficiency across the terminal. The project will also establish additional connections to existing jetty infrastructure, strengthening marine handling capabilities and enabling greater operational flexibility for customers moving cargo through the Port of Rotterdam.
Commissioning of the new facilities is scheduled for late 2028.
Sustainability Embedded in Project Design
LBC stated that sustainability considerations remain central to the development of Rainbow 5 Phase A. Building on principles adopted during earlier expansion projects, the company plans to incorporate measures designed to reduce environmental impact throughout the construction process. These initiatives include the reuse of materials where possible and the adoption of lower-carbon construction methods.
The approach aligns with growing industry efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of industrial infrastructure projects while supporting the development of supply chains linked to the energy transition.
As demand continues to grow for storage solutions supporting renewable fuels, sustainable chemicals, and low-carbon energy products, terminal operators are increasingly investing in modern facilities capable of meeting both operational and environmental requirements.
Confidence in Rotterdam’s Long-Term Growth
Commenting on the investment decision, Frank Erkelens, Chief Executive Officer of LBC Tank Terminals, said the project reflects the company’s confidence in Rotterdam’s future as a leading European logistics and energy hub.
“The approval of Rainbow 5 Phase A marks an important next step in the development of our Rotterdam Terminal,” Erkelens said. “Coming shortly after the successful delivery of Rainbow 3, it reflects our confidence in the long-term outlook for Rotterdam and our commitment to continue investing in infrastructure that supports evolving customer and market needs. As one of the first major expansion projects under MOL’s ownership, it demonstrates our shared ambition to build on LBC’s strong foundation.”
The project is among the first major investments announced since LBC Tank Terminals became part of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), underscoring the Japanese shipping group’s commitment to expanding its presence in the global storage and logistics sector.
Rising Demand for Storage Solutions
According to LBC Rotterdam Commercial Manager Robert van der Hoek, the investment is driven by continued demand for modern, sustainable storage infrastructure in the Rotterdam market.
“This investment underlines our confidence in the continued demand for high-quality, sustainable storage solutions in Rotterdam,” van der Hoek said. “By expanding our capacity and further upgrading our infrastructure, we are strengthening our ability to serve customers with greater efficiency while maintaining the highest safety standards.”
Industry demand for bulk liquid storage has remained robust as supply chains adapt to changing energy markets, evolving chemical trade flows, and increasing volumes of transition-related products. Rotterdam remains one of Europe’s most strategically important ports, serving as a gateway for chemicals, refined products, biofuels, feedstocks, and emerging energy transition commodities.
Supporting the Energy Transition
LBC Tank Terminals has increasingly positioned itself to support products associated with the global energy transition, alongside its traditional chemical and base oil storage activities. The company operates storage infrastructure across key locations in Europe and the United States, providing handling and logistics services for a wide range of bulk liquid products.
The Rainbow 5 Phase A development is expected to strengthen LBC Rotterdam’s ability to accommodate future growth in both traditional chemical markets and emerging low-carbon value chains.
As industrial sectors continue to invest in cleaner energy solutions and sustainable feedstocks, demand for specialised storage and logistics infrastructure is expected to remain a key growth driver for terminal operators across Europe.
With the approval of Rainbow 5 Phase A, LBC is reinforcing Rotterdam’s role as a critical logistics hub while positioning itself to capture new opportunities arising from the energy transition and evolving global trade patterns.
About LBC Tank Terminals
LBC Tank Terminals is a leading independent provider of bulk liquid storage and logistics solutions, operating strategically located terminals across Europe and the United States. The company specializes in the safe, reliable, and efficient storage and handling of chemicals, base oils, and products supporting the global energy transition.
With a strong commitment to safety, sustainability, operational excellence, and customer service, LBC delivers best-in-class storage infrastructure and integrated logistics solutions tailored to the evolving needs of industrial and energy markets. Through continuous investment in modern facilities and innovative technologies, LBC supports customers across complex supply chains while contributing to a more sustainable future.
Source: LBC Tank Terminals