Nippon Vopak

About Nippon Vopak

Nippon Vopak, rebranded as Central Tank Terminal Co., Ltd. in 2016, operates as a significant entity in Japan's bulk liquid storage market. The company was originally established in 1966 as Nippon Gatx Co., Ltd., a joint venture between GATX Corporation from the United States, and two Japanese firms, Nippon Express and Nagase & Co., Ltd. This formation marked the creation of Japan's first public tank terminal, designed to serve a broad range of petroleum and chemical clients beyond single corporate groups.

The company's business model is centered on providing third-party logistics (3PL) and storage solutions for liquid bulk products. It operates a network of tank terminals in key industrial and port areas across Japan, including Kawasaki, Yokohama, Kobe, Nagoya, and Moji. Clients, primarily from the chemical and oil sectors, utilize these facilities to store and handle products, effectively outsourcing their tank storage needs. This strategy allows customers to reduce their own capital expenditure on storage infrastructure and gain flexibility in their supply chain. Revenue is generated through fees for the storage and handling of these liquid products, with the company maintaining high utilization rates, often exceeding 90%.

A significant shift in ownership and identity occurred in 2001 when Royal Vopak, a Dutch multinational and the world's largest independent tank storage provider, acquired GATX's stake, leading to the name change to Nippon Vopak. This partnership integrated the company into a global network, enhancing its service offerings. Another major transition took place in May 2016, when Royal Vopak divested its 40% share to Macquarie Asia Infrastructure Fund, prompting the rebranding to Central Tank Terminal. Concurrently, its subsidiary, Nippon Chemical Handling Co., Ltd., which specialized in handling liquid chemical products, was absorbed into the parent company.

Throughout its history, the company has expanded its footprint through strategic acquisitions, such as the purchase of two terminals in Nagoya and Moji from Mitsui & Co. in 2015, which increased its total storage capacity in Japan to over 220,000 cubic meters. The firm provides comprehensive terminal services, including the handling of import and export products via vessels, and the loading of outgoing tank trucks and drums. Its terminals are equipped to handle large ocean-going vessels, making them critical nodes in the national and international supply chain for bulk liquids.