Could you briefly introduce Carboclor?

NS: Carboclor has undergone a significant transformation in the last few years, shifting from production to a dedicated logistics terminal under ANCAP’s ownership. We have invested heavily in infrastructure to support its new role, including installing heating systems for tanks, developing exclusive pipelines, and upgrading its dock on the Paraná de las Palmas River. Today, the entire tank park, once satellite storage for liquids and gases, is fully dedicated to providing tailored logistical services to clients. Around one-third of our storage is occupied by petroleum derivatives, another third by industrial by-products, and the remaining third by fuels, totaling around 45,000 cubic meters of capacity.

EDF: One of Carboclor’s key competitive advantages as a newly converted logistics service provider is its ability to offer highly customized solutions to clients, ranging from storage requirements as small as 400 m³ to much larger volumes. Our technical infrastructure is flexible, enabling adjustments to tank configurations, internal coatings, and safety measures to accommodate the specific needs of various products, including chemicals and fuels. We manage around 80 tanks of varying sizes, which helps us meet a broad spectrum of client needs. In addition, we have eight independent loading lines and a dedicated LPG installation with a direct dock connection.

What are you doing to showcase this shift in Carboclor’s business?

NS: We are repurposing a large portion of our old pre-industrial area assets, previously used for petrochemical production, into expanded logistical facilities.

EDF: While Carboclor is widely recognized for its past, its recent shift to a logistics-focused model has not been as well-publicized. We are working on a new website to showcase Carboclor’s change from its production focus to its current role as a logistics service provider.

How can Carboclor sustain and expand its growth in the future?

NS: The terminal has the potential to expand its storage capacity by more than four times. Our organic growth will focus on gradual expansion based on market needs rather than aggressive capital investment.

EDF: One of Carboclor’s most significant assets is its strategic location. Located in Campana, on the Paraná de las Palmas River. The area, including Zárate, Campana, Pilar, Garín, and Tortuguitas, represents Argentina’s highest concentration of chemical industry activity. We can provide upstream and downstream logistics services for other industrial hubs like Rosario and San Lorenzo. Even at full capacity, we are dedicated to developing new business lines in logistics management, particularly dry goods and specialized storage solutions.

How did COVID and technology change Carboclor’s business?

NS: Before Covid-19, Carboclor mainly stored raw materials like solvents and chemicals, filling about three-quarters of our capacity. The pandemic significantly disrupted the domestic market, leading to major changes in our operations. As the market recovered post-Covid, demand for industrial products increased, but now only 30-35% of our storage capacity is filled. We changed our strategy to maintain a diverse product range and evolved from a logistics provider focused on the domestic industry to one that prioritizes export services.

EDF: Technological advancements are valuable when paired with cultural and organizational shifts. In the medium term, we want to implement load planning and scheduling systems to reduce truck waiting times at the terminal and pass these savings to our customers. This will help us cut logistical costs and potentially offer integrated storage and distribution services in collaboration with logistics companies.

Do you have a final message for GBR’s audience to help them learn more about Carboclor?

NS: As we reposition Carboclor, we want the industry to recognize our evolution from a petrochemical provider to a comprehensive logistics service provider. This is not a complete rebranding because we are not starting from scratch; we will retain our existing logo and our experienced longstanding employees, a key part of Carboclor’s identity.

EDF: In 2024 and 2025, Carboclor plans to grow its market presence and communicate its new identity. We are dismantling the old chemical plants, redesigning our offices, and launching a new website to reflect the new cultural and operational focus. Alongside our tank and port facilities, Carboclor now provides comprehensive logistics services, including container handling and specialized storage solutions.