As Project Engineer Tanks at Liquin, Keith Gonesh’s day involves technical precision, detailed planning and close collaboration. From his office at Botlek Terminal and outside at the tanks, he oversees maintenance projects and helps ensure safety and sustainability at Liquin. In this article, Keith (39 years old) takes us through his day-to-day activities and challenges.
The day begins: setting priorities
Keith starts his working day between 8.00 and 9.00 am with an overview of priorities. “First I check pressing matters and talk to contractors, colleagues and other departments. Everything depends on good communication and collaboration so that projects run smoothly,” he says.
With his fellow engineers and coordinators, he works on a programme in which an average of 20 to 25 tanks a year are maintained. This work comprises inspections, planning repairs and implementing improvements. “Planning is everything, because a tank that’s out of service means reduced storage capacity and in turn, reduced turnover. If no alternative tank is available for the client, turnaround time becomes even more crucial. Our goal is to keep the turnaround time as short as possible.”
From inspection to implementation
Keith’s job starts well before the actual maintenance work on a tank. “First we determine the scope of the project, make a budget and draw up a rough plan. That’s followed by the detail engineering, drawing up test and inspection plans (QA/QC) and safety plans. Then we hand the project over to the construction department for implementation,” he explains.
Technical inspections play a crucial role in his work. These inspections assess the state of a tank, using both the naked eye and wall thickness measurements. “Based on the inspection results, we establish what’s required to make the tank operational and safe again. It can be a matter of simple repairs or bigger improvements like replacing tank bases or coatings.”
Precision and planning: from beginning to end
A tank maintenance project can result in a longer turnaround time, from the preparation phase to completion. Keith: “The implementation itself takes 16 weeks, but the preparation and completion take just as much time. It’s important that everything is prepared properly so that the work runs smoothly. We are continuously striving to optimise our processes in order to achieve our targets more efficiently.”
The challenges lie in the details according to Keith.
“Every tank is different, depending on the product stored and the technical requirements. Some chemicals corrode materials faster, which means the inspection and maintenance intervals have to be shorter.”
Outside and inside: a varied workday
Although Keith spends most of his time in the office, he regularly goes outside to assess inspections and problems in the field. “I’m outdoors for about 20% of my time. It varies depending on the phase of the project,” he explains. “Sometimes I spend weeks drawing up a plan and budget, whilst during other periods I’m more in the field assessing situations or monitoring progress.”
Collaboration with different departments
Keith works closely with various departments within Liquin, like the operational teams, maintenance, commercial department and the SHEQ team. “A big part of my work involves communication. We have regular consultations to discuss what actions are required to complete a project on time and within budget.”
Partnership with external contractors and suppliers is also an important element of his work. “We ensure that everything is right technically, but the implementation is often in the hands of external parties. It’s our task to ensure compliance with Liquin’s standards and legal requirements.”
Knowledge and growth
With a background in process and energy engineering at TU Delft, Keith has a solid technical foundation, but he admits that a lot of knowledge is only gained through practical experience.
“There are some things you can’t learn from a book. Here you learn by working together with experienced colleagues and by being involved in different projects.”
Keith has a clear ambition to continue growing within Liquin. “I would really like to take on bigger projects involving even more disciplines and complexity. Here at Liquin, you get that chance. It makes the work challenging and exciting.”