Blog/The Great Terminal Shift: Why Automation Is No Longer Optional for Terminal Operations

The Great Terminal Shift: Why Automation Is No Longer Optional for Terminal Operations

Thursday, August 28, 2025

The Great Terminal Shift

Today, the oil and gas industry is undergoing a seismic transformation. Major energy companies are increasingly divesting their terminal assets to independent, third-party operators in a strategic push to streamline operations and boost profitability.

According to Ernst & Young, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity in the sector surged 331% year-over-year, totaling $206.6 billion in 2024. This wave of consolidation has reduced the number of top publicly traded exploration and production companies from 50 to just 40, signaling a shift toward leaner, more focused operations.

Recent deals include:​

Operational Efficiencies are Critical

These transactions reflect a broader industry trend: energy giants are offloading non-core infrastructure, including terminals, to focus on upstream production and shareholder returns. As a result, third-party logistics providers and independent terminal operators are stepping in to manage these assets—bringing with them a heightened need for automation, efficiency, and compliance.

In this new landscape, terminal operators must evolve quickly. Operational inefficiencies can cost millions annually, and outdated systems are no longer sustainable. The pressure to modernize is mounting.

In this post, we’ll explore the essentials of oil and gas terminal operations, who manages them, the technologies involved, and how the Toptech Systems’ ecosystem is helping modernize and automate terminal operations.​

Understanding Oil & Gas Terminal Operations: The Backbone of Bulk Liquid Logistics

In the high-stakes world of oil and gas logistics, terminal operators are the unsung heroes ensuring that fuel, chemicals, and asphalt products move safely, efficiently, and accurately through the supply chain. From bulk plants to large-scale storage terminals, these operations are the foundation of modern energy distribution. On top of these responsibilities, operators now need to optimize their operations.

What Is Oil & Gas Terminal Operations?

Oil and gas terminal operations refer to the daily activities at facilities where bulk liquids are received, stored, blended, and dispatched. These terminals serve as critical nodes between refineries, marketers, transport carriers, and end users.

Key terminal types include:​

  • Fuel terminals for light distillates such as gasoline, diesel, kerosene and jet fuel
  • Chemical terminals for industrial and specialty grade chemicals
  • Asphalt terminals for different grades of liquid binder and emulsions for paving

Each terminal type has unique operational demands, but all share a focus on precision, safety, and automation.

Who Operates These Terminals?

Terminal operators in the oil and gas sector are responsible for managing infrastructure, personnel, and logistics. They may be:

  • Energy companies
  • Third-party logistics providers
  • Independent bulk plant owners

Their responsibilities may include:

  • Coordinating with carriers and suppliers
  • Managing tank inventory and product blending
  • Ensuring regulatory and environmental compliance
  • Leveraging automation for accuracy and efficiency

An Ecosystem for Oil & Gas Terminal Operations 

For over 35 years, Toptech Systems has been automating and supporting terminal operations, with an ecosystem of products that increase operational security, precision and efficiency.

During the initial steps of the Product Receipt and Transfer stage, Toptech Systems helps control and manage terminal access using the RCU II+ Remote Control Unit. This system integrates with the terminal management system to provide visibility across the facility. The RCU II+ controls access to entry and exit gates, load racks, BOL request stations, and more. The RCU II+ also integrates with load rack control systems to automate the bulk fuel loading process, reducing operator error increasing loading efficiency.

During the Blending & Additive Injection and the Loading and Dispatch stages, the Multiload II+ load rack control system ensures secure, dependable, and precise measurement for custody transfer of petroleum liquid products. The Multiload II+ provides the additive control, product blending and complete flow control while supporting straight product or multi-product “recipes” using ratio, sequential, and various hybrid blending methods. Multiload II+ is used for blending gasoline, biofuels, light oils, and heavy residuals. In addition, it supports blending and loading Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG), Liquid Natural Gas (LNG), Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and other petro-chemicals and liquid materials.

For Automation & Data Integration, Toptech offers TMS7 – a powerful terminal management and automation system. TMS7 is a local secure web-based application used to support stock-accounting, local allocation controls and ERP interfaces, as well as remote access and control over entry gates, loading & offloading racks and BOL printers.

For owners of multiple terminals, Toptech also offers Tophat7 to manage data to and from numerous TMS7 sites, providing centralized allocation control, master data management and reporting, with integration to your company’s ERP system for real-time transaction data and order updates. Terminal operators can monitor and report on the entire enterprise using our hosted Synetics toolset. It is also possible to remotely manage smaller loading operations with our cloud-based UAP (Unified Automation Platform) application.

To help manage Loading and Dispatch, Toptech offers Load2day, a Software as a Service (SaaS) application. Load2day allows terminal owners to empower their customers and their customer’s customers to manage their own data, generate their own reports and get access to transaction data and electronic bills of lading (eBOLs). These are self-serve features that reduce errors, save time, and increase site efficiency.

Why Terminal Operations Matter in the Oil & Gas Supply Chain

Efficient terminal operations directly impact:

• Delivery timelines and customer satisfaction

• Product integrity and regulatory compliance

• Operational costs through automation and optimization

• Environmental performance via emissions monitoring and spill prevention

In bulk liquid logistics, even small inefficiencies can lead to costly delays or compliance issues. That’s why modern terminals rely on robust systems like TMS7 to stay ahead.

Conclusion

As energy companies continue to divest terminal assets in pursuit of leaner operations and higher profitability, the oil and gas logistics landscape is rapidly evolving. The rise of third-party terminal operators and independent bulk plant owners is reshaping how these critical facilities are managed—placing a premium on automation, efficiency, and data-driven decision-making.

In this new environment, terminal operations are no longer just a back-office function—they are a strategic asset. The terminal’s ability to service their customers (and their customer’s customers) - with faster loading or offloading times, tracking inventory in real time, and complying with increasingly complex safety regulations - all these dynamics can make or break profitability. Automation solutions, like those in the Toptech Systems’ ecosystem, are not just helpful—they’re essential.

Whether you're acquiring new terminals, optimizing existing ones, or preparing for industry shifts, understanding and modernizing terminal operations is key to staying competitive. The future of bulk liquid logistics belongs to those who can adapt quickly, automate intelligently, and operate with precision.

Are you ready to modernize your terminal operations with an ecosystem strategy? Contact Toptech Systems to learn more.

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience, analyze site traffic, and personalize content. By continuing to use our website, you consent to our use of cookies. To learn more about our cookie practices, including how to disable cookies, please view our Cookie Notice.
Toptech Systems

Toptech Systems, Inc.
1124 Florida Central Pkwy
Longwood, Florida 32750
​+1 (407) 332-1774

Toptech Systems NV
Nieuwe Weg 1 – Haven 1053
B-2070 Zwijndrecht / Belgium
+32 (0)3 250 60 60