DUBAI, UAE — September 26, 2026 — Oscar Terminals has published a new technical guide explaining the key differences between fixed roof and floating roof storage tanks and how businesses can determine the most suitable tank design for different chemical and bulk liquid products.

As chemical and bulk liquid storage requirements become increasingly focused on safety, environmental performance and operational efficiency, selecting the appropriate tank configuration is an important consideration for terminal operators, chemical manufacturers, traders and distributors.

Fixed Roof and Floating Roof Designs Explained

Fixed roof tanks feature a permanent roof attached to the tank shell, creating a vapour space above the stored liquid. Depending on the product and operating requirements, fixed roof tanks can be equipped with pressure-vacuum vents, heating, insulation, chilling and nitrogen blanketing systems.

The new guide explains common fixed roof configurations, including cone roof and dome roof tanks, along with their advantages and limitations. Fixed roof tanks can be particularly suitable for products requiring a controlled atmosphere or temperature management.

Floating roof tanks operate differently. Their roof moves with the liquid level, significantly reducing the vapour space above the stored product. This can help reduce evaporation losses and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions.

The guide also distinguishes between **External Floating Roof (EFR)** and **Internal Floating Roof (IFR)** tanks. External floating roofs are exposed to the surrounding environment, while internal floating roofs operate beneath a fixed roof, providing additional protection from weather conditions.

Choosing the Right Tank for the Product

According to Oscar Terminals, there is no single tank configuration suitable for every chemical or bulk liquid product. Tank selection should consider factors such as product volatility, vapour pressure, flash point, temperature requirements, environmental considerations, storage volume and operational requirements.

Fixed roof tanks can provide a practical solution where controlled atmospheres, heating or insulation are required, while floating roof configurations can offer significant benefits for products where evaporation and vapour emissions are important considerations.

Understanding these differences allows businesses to evaluate storage infrastructure based on the characteristics of the product rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.

Supporting Safer and More Efficient Chemical Storage

Oscar Terminals provides bulk liquid storage infrastructure designed to support the handling and storage requirements of chemical and industrial products. The company's terminal facilities incorporate infrastructure and operational capabilities intended for a range of bulk liquid storage applications.

The newly published guide is intended as an educational resource for businesses evaluating storage tank configurations and planning chemical storage operations.

About Oscar Terminals

Oscar Terminals is a bulk liquid storage terminal serving chemical and industrial customers in the UAE. The terminal provides storage and related services for bulk liquid products, supporting businesses that require reliable infrastructure for chemical storage, handling and distribution.

For more information about Oscar Terminals and its storage capabilities, visit the company's website.

Oscar Terminals
JAFZA Dubai, United Arab Emirates