Location: Arnold’s Cove IMTT Terminal, Canada, April 2026

At the IMTT terminal in Arnold’s Cove, a large crude oil storage tank required cleaning and sludge recovery. Previous cleaning projects at the terminal had left significant sludge deposits behind, making maximum sludge removal and minimal manual cleaning key objectives for this project.
Working in temperatures ranging from -4°C to +5°C, Oreco was brought in to support the operation with its proven tank cleaning methodology and practical expertise.

A recovery-focused approach

Rather than relying on heating from the start of the project, Oreco implemented a strategy focused on efficient sludge dilution and hydrocarbon recovery. This approach allowed valuable product to be recovered while maintaining stable and efficient cleaning operations throughout the project.

The recovered sludge and oil were transferred to designated tanks, reducing waste and minimizing the amount of material requiring manual removal.

Excellent results, delivered on schedule
From the outset, the goal was simple: leave the tank as clean as possible while maintaining the highest safety standards. Oreco’s approach helped achieve exactly that.
Starting with approximately 3,200 m³ of sludge, the team successfully recovered virtually all recoverable material. Final inspections showed that less than 10 m³ remained in the tank, consisting only of a thin layer of oil at the centre of the cone-bottom tank.
The project was completed within the planned schedule and without a single safety incident.

A successful partnership
The project demonstrated the value of combining experienced tank cleaning specialists, proven technology, and close cooperation with terminal personnel. Despite challenging weather conditions and a large sludge inventory, the tank was returned in excellent condition, proving once again how Oreco’s expertise helps operators maximize recovery, minimize waste, and reduce tank downtime.

The result: a cleaner tank, safer operations, and exceptional recovery performance.