Balmoral Tanks, a Balmoral Group company and a leading provider of innovative and reliable bulk liquid storage solutions, has expanded its footprint in the global data centre market. Projects now account for approximately 20 percent of export sales – double last year’s share – reflecting growing demand for engineered water storage and cooling solutions.

As global data centre expansion accelerates – with an estimated 10 GW of new capacity starting construction this year and global investment expected to rise by roughly 25-30 percent – the industry faces growing scrutiny over its environmental impact, particularly around water use and supply.

Across Europe, North America and Latin America, developers are under mounting pressure to design facilities that use resources responsibly. And these pressures are prompting consultants and operators to rethink system design – not only in terms of energy consumption, but also how cooling and protection systems manage water use.

Simon Scott, export sales director at Balmoral Tanks, said: “The scale and speed of global data centre growth are creating new kinds of pressure for the industry. This is no longer just an engineering challenge – it’s a resource challenge. As regulations tighten and community concerns around water use increase, the industry needs to plan differently. Reliability and sustainability must be designed in from the outset, not added later. That requires closer collaboration between consultants, operators and suppliers from the onset to ensure tomorrow’s facilities can perform efficiently, responsibly and at scale.”

As data centres expand in scale and complexity, the challenge lies in balancing operational reliability with responsible resource use. Cooling and fire-protection systems depend heavily on water, yet supply and sustainability concerns are tightening around both. Closed-loop systems – where cooling water is continually treated, recycled and returned – are emerging as a key solution, cutting consumption while maintaining stable performance. Achieving this at scale requires early collaboration between design engineers, consultants and specialist partners.

Ross Waite, export sales manager at Balmoral Tanks, added: “When people think about data centres, the focus usually falls on how to power them. But how we cool them is just as important – and that’s where we’re seeing growing engagement from consultants and developers. The priority is shifting from basic compliance to engineering systems that deliver reliability, efficiency and lower environmental impact over the long term. Closed-loop and water-reuse designs must now be central to that shift, and Balmoral’s engineering expertise helps ensure the storage systems behind them are safe, robust and built for demanding environments.”

With more than a decade of experience supplying water storage systems for data centre projects across Europe, Balmoral’s engineered solutions support a range of critical functions, including fire protection, process cooling, potable and rainwater reuse.

For more information visit www.balmoraltanks.com

Aramco, one of the world’s leading integrated energy and chemicals companies, has announced 17 new Memoranda of Understanding and agreements with major US companies, carrying a potential total value exceeding 30 billion US dollars. These commitments, made through Aramco Group Companies, build on the 34 MoUs and agreements unveiled in May, which together represented around 90 billion US dollars in potential value. In total, Aramco is now pursuing collaboration opportunities with US partners worth approximately 120 billion US dollars.

The latest MoUs and agreements are expected to support Aramco’s strategic growth ambitions while enhancing long-term shareholder value. They span a wide range of activities, including Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), financial services, advanced materials manufacturing, and procurement of materials and services.

The announcement coincides with the US–Saudi Investment Forum 2025 in Washington, DC, and reinforces Aramco’s long-standing relationship with American companies—a partnership that stretches back more than nine decades.

Amin H. Nasser, Aramco president and CEO, said:
“Since the 1930s, US firms have played a major role in supporting the company’s success. These relationships have contributed to the first production of oil in Saudi Arabia, the growth of our gas business, an expansion of our integrated downstream operations, the development of advanced digital technologies, AI and R&D, and promoted upskilling through the training and development of many Aramco employees in the US. We expect the multi-billion dollar MoUs and agreements announced today to act as a springboard for further progress, strengthening Aramco’s longstanding legacy of collaboration with American counterparties and unlocking new value creation opportunities that promote innovation and growth.”

The new MoUs and agreements include:

LNG

• MidOcean Energy: MoU relating to potential investment in the Lake Charles Liquefied Natural Gas Project.

• Commonwealth LNG: Agreements relating to a liquefaction project in Louisiana and Aramco Trading’s potential purchase of LNG and gas.

Procurement of Materials & Services

• Contracts and agreements reflecting ongoing relationships with key US strategic suppliers, including SLB, Baker Hughes, McDermott, Halliburton, NESR, KBR, Flowserve, NOV, Worley, and Fluor. These suppliers provide high-quality materials and professional services supporting Aramco’s projects and operations.

Advanced Materials Manufacturing

• Syensqo: Extension of an MoU to explore localisation of carbon fibre and advanced composites for industrial applications.

Financial Services

• Wisayah asset management and investment agreements with Loomis Sayles, Blackstone, and PGIM, Inc.

• J.P. Morgan: Strategic collaboration for cash account management.

For more information visit www.aramco.com

A new partnership between i6 Group and Enemed is set to transform fuel operations at Malta International Airport, bringing real-time efficiency, enhanced data visibility and improved sustainability to one of the Mediterranean’s busiest aviation hubs.

i6 Group, a leading aviation technology provider, has been selected by Enemed — Malta’s state-owned and largest fuel service operator — to support its strategic goals of increased efficiency, advanced data utilisation and future-ready digital infrastructure. The implementation will enable Enemed to deliver improved on-time performance for airline customers and facilitate fully digital refuelling operations.

Serving more than nine million passengers each year, Malta International Airport stands to benefit significantly from modernised, real-time fuel management.
“We are impressed with the scale of i6’s platform and the operational improvements they have already been able to deliver at airports across the world,” said Melvin Pulis, COO at Enemed. “The technology is exactly the right solution to help Enemed boost operational efficiency at Malta International Airport.”

At the centre of the collaboration is Fusion6, i6’s into-plane fuel management platform. Fusion6 integrates seamlessly with airport data feeds, retrieving live flight schedules and updating operational information in real time. It provides Enemed with detailed reporting across key fuel-management metrics — including operational status updates and meter-based fuel data — with functionality maintained even during offline operation.

Refuelling teams are now equipped with intrinsically safe tablet devices wirelessly connected to flow metres. This setup enables paperless, digital communication between Enemed and airlines through i6’s proprietary eHandshake® technology, ensuring accurate, efficient and transparent refuelling processes.

“The whole team is excited to embark on this partnership with Enemed and bring a new era of fuel management to Malta,” said Steve Uhrmacher, CEO at i6 Group. “i6 will help Enemed achieve high standards for fuel-management efficiency and reliability, and I look forward to seeing airlines leverage enhanced connectivity with seamless, paperless digital refuelling.”

For more information visit www.i6.io

Building on the success of its award-winning Heat-Flex® CUI-mitigation coatings, Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine has secured two major energy industry awards for its next-generation industrial thermal insulative system, Heat-Flex Advanced Energy Barrier (AEB). This innovative system delivers exceptional thermal efficiency while eliminating the costly and hazardous risk of corrosion under insulation (CUI). Heat-Flex AEB was recognised with the 2025 Gulf Energy Information Excellence Award for Best Coating/Corrosion Advancement Technology and the 2025 Vaaler Award from Chemical Processing.

Gulf Energy announced its award recipients on 16 October 2025 in Houston, Texas, while Chemical Processing revealed its winners on 10 November 2025. The achievements follow previous industry recognition for the Heat-Flex platform, including the 2023 Vaaler Award and the 2025 MP Corrosion Innovation of the Year Award.

“We engineered Heat-Flex AEB to replace bulky mineral-based insulation traditionally used on tanks, vessels, valves, fittings and piping to retain process heat,” said Neil Wilds, Global product director, CUI/Testing, Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine. “By removing the corrosion zone between insulation and the asset, the system eliminates the potential for CUI by design. These awards underscore its ability to cut corrosion-related costs, reduce carbon footprints and significantly improve operational efficiency for energy operators.”

The Gulf Energy Information Excellence Awards highlight innovations and leaders shaping the global oil and gas sector. The 2025 programme received more than 500 nominations for technologies that help operators “find, produce, transport and process hydrocarbons more safely, economically, efficiently and sustainably.”

Established more than 50 years ago, the Vaaler Awards honour products and services that meaningfully advance operations in chemical processing plants. The biennial programme evaluates entries on contribution to plant performance, uniqueness and industry-wide applicability, continuing the legacy of long-time Chemical Processing editorial leader John C. Vaaler.

Heat-Flex AEB delivers a more sustainable, resource-efficient approach to thermal retention by eliminating the need for traditional mineral-based insulation, which can absorb moisture and lose up to eighty-five percent of thermal effectiveness. Its closed-cell structure minimises moisture ingress, ensuring consistent insulating performance throughout its service life.

The system forms a robust, insulative film directly on assets operating at temperatures up to 350°F (177°C), with excursions to 400°F (204°C). By retaining heat efficiently and performing reliably even in extreme environments, Heat-Flex AEB not only improves energy performance but also reduces burn-risk exposure for workers.

“The Vaaler Awards celebrate the spirit of innovation that drives our industry forward,” said Traci Purdum, Editor-in-Chief of Chemical Processing. “Sherwin-Williams exemplifies excellence and continuous improvement. Their Heat-Flex AEB system represents the type of breakthrough solution that enhances safety, efficiency and sustainability across chemical processing.”

For more information visit www.industrial.sherwin-williams.com

Metso has delivered the core process design and supplied key technologies for Fortescue Ltd’s Christmas Creek Green Metal Project in the Pilbara, Western Australia, where installation of Metso equipment began in September 2025. The project aims to showcase the production of high-purity green metal using renewable energy to power hydrogen-based reduction and electric smelting technologies for future downstream steel production.

At the heart of the demonstration plant are Metso’s Circored™ fluidised bed direct reduction process and its electric DRI Smelting Furnace—technologies designed to support low-emission steelmaking pathways.

“Green metal presents a huge opportunity for Australia’s iron ore industry, and Fortescue is determined to lead the way,” said Dino Otranto, Fortescue’s Chief Executive Officer of Metals and Operations. “Through the Christmas Creek Green Metal Project, we’re combining cutting-edge technologies, including Metso’s Circored™ process and DRI Smelting Furnace, with Fortescue’s track record in project delivery to pioneer low-emission pathways for steelmaking.”

The initial demonstration plant will produce more than 1,500 metric tonnes per year, with ongoing studies evaluating the development of a future commercial-scale facility.

Breakthrough Technologies Advancing Green Steel

“This project, which implements the Circored™ and DRI smelting solutions, underscores our commitment to advancing sustainable and efficient industrial processes,” said Attaul Ahmad, vice president, Ferrous and Heat Transfer at Metso. “The Circored™ process uses solely green hydrogen instead of fossil reductants. This flexible fine-ore fluid bed process—eliminating the need for pelletisation—produces highly metalised direct reduced iron that can be fed directly into electric smelting furnaces for carbon-free steelmaking.”

Jyrki Makkonen, vice president, Smelting at Metso, added: “The low-emission electric smelting route, which replaces traditional blast furnaces in producing hot metal, is ideally suited to Australia’s abundant low- to medium-grade Pilbara iron ores. The goal of the Metso DRI Smelting Furnace technology is to unlock the use of these vast ore reserves for green ironmaking, even though they have historically been unsuitable for the DRI route due to higher gangue content. We are excited to see the furnace taking shape at Christmas Creek, where foundations are now in place and the first equipment was installed in September.”

For more information visit www.metso.com

Venture Global, Inc. has filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission its application for permitting and approval of the Plaquemines LNG brownfield expansion project. Additionally, Venture Global has filed with the U.S. Department of Energy for export authorisations associated with the expansion.

The Plaquemines Expansion was announced earlier this year with US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, US Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, and Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry. Venture Global has since increased the expected output from the project by nearly 40 percent from previously announced plans due to continued optimisation of liquefaction trains and strong market demand.

The bolt-on expansion will be built incrementally in three phases and consist of 32 modular liquefaction trains, adding in total over 30.0 MTPA in peak production capacity. This will bring total peak production capacity across the entire Plaquemines complex to over 58.0 MTPA. As previously stated, commercial operation timelines for Phase I and Phase II remain unchanged.

Mike Sabel, CEO of Venture Global, stated that the company is pleased to announce the formal launch of the permitting process for the Plaquemines Expansion Project. He characterised incrementally expanding Plaquemines as a logical and economically efficient opportunity building on strong existing infrastructure. Sabel noted that this strategic step provides Venture Global with optionality to develop a scalable project that can efficiently meet evolving market needs. The decision to significantly increase the project’s permitted capacity reflects strong market demand the company continues to observe, with the expansion playing a vital role in meeting that demand.

The brownfield expansion approach leverages existing Plaquemines LNG site infrastructure, including marine facilities, utilities, and regulatory approvals, potentially reducing development costs and timelines compared to greenfield developments requiring entirely new site establishment. The 40 percent capacity increase from original plans demonstrates project scalability and Venture Global’s confidence in securing sufficient gas supply and commercial offtake supporting a larger facility.

The modular liquefaction train approach utilising 32 trains represents Venture Global’s established technology strategy employing smaller standardised units rather than traditional mega-trains. This approach potentially offers construction flexibility, reduced execution risk through standardisation, and operational redundancy supporting high availability.

The three-phase incremental development enables staged investment matching commercial commitments and market conditions rather than committing full capital upfront. This phasing provides flexibility to adjust timing, scope, or configuration between phases responding to market feedback whilst maintaining optionality for full development.

The over 58.0 MTPA total Plaquemines complex capacity upon completion would position the facility among the world’s largest LNG export complexes, substantially expanding US LNG export capability serving global markets. Louisiana Gulf Coast location provides access to abundant U.S. natural gas production alongside deepwater facilities accommodating large LNG carriers.

FERC permitting addresses environmental impacts, safety considerations, and public interest determinations required for LNG facility authorisation. The application initiates comprehensive review processes, including environmental assessments, public comment periods, and technical evaluations, before commission authorisation enabling construction.

DOE export authorisations address non-FTA country exports, requiring public interest determinations considering economic impacts, energy security, and international considerations. These authorisations enable Venture Global to contract with customers globally rather than limiting sales to free trade agreement countries.

The unchanged Phase I and Phase II timelines indicate that the expanded capacity addition represents additional phases beyond originally planned development rather than modifications affecting near-term project schedules. This preserves commercial commitments and financial arrangements for initial phases whilst establishing a framework for subsequent expansion.

The announcement demonstrates Venture Global’s aggressive LNG development strategy, pursuing multiple large-scale projects and positioning the company as a major U.S. LNG exporter. The company’s emphasis on modular approaches, brownfield expansions, and phased development reflects execution strategies addressing capital efficiency and market responsiveness.

For more information visit www.ventureglobalLNG.com

The Fujairah Oil Industry Zone and the National Fire Protection Association have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at enhancing fire and life safety standards across the Emirate of Fujairah.

FOIZ, the regulatory authority for all hydrocarbon operations within Fujairah, and the NFPA, a United States–based non-profit organisation focused on developing global fire and life safety standards, will collaborate to strengthen safety practices and mitigate fire-related risks. The agreement outlines cooperation in key areas including training, data sharing, research, and community education.

H.E. Captain Salem Al Afkham, director of FOIZ, noted that the partnership reinforces FOIZ’s commitment to upholding world-class safety standards throughout Fujairah’s energy sector. He emphasised that working with NFPA enables alignment with international best practices, supporting efforts to safeguard people, assets, and the environment.

Mr Mike Brunzell, vice president of global business development at NFPA, highlighted that the collaboration marks a significant step in advancing global safety and compliance standards. He stated that the agreement reflects a shared vision of creating safer, more resilient industrial environments and demonstrates the impact of combining expertise, best practices, and innovation to protect people and property from fire and other hazards.

The partnership supports FOIZ’s mission to ensure safe and sustainable hydrocarbon operations while advancing NFPA’s broader mandate to promote fire safety awareness and innovation worldwide.

For more information visit www.foiz.gov.ae

DIALOG Group Berhad has announced the expansion of Phase 3 of the Pengerang Deepwater Terminals in Johor following the signing of a conditional long-term service agreement between DTP5, DTSB, and bp Singapore on 18 November 2025. The agreement will add 614,000 m³ of storage capacity for refined petroleum products and biofuels, with bp Singapore as the dedicated long-term customer. Completion is expected by mid-2028.

Phase 3 PDT, launched in 2018, plays a central role in DIALOG’s midstream development strategy and aims to position PDT as the largest petroleum and petrochemical hub in the Asia Pacific region. The initial 430,000 m³ of storage under Phase 3 began operations in March 2021. Upon completion of the current expansion, total storage capacity will reach 1 million m³ across 48 tanks, supported by five new berths to enhance marine handling capabilities.

Designed as an integrated terminal, Phase 3 provides port and marine operations, multi-product storage, deepwater jetty facilities, interconnecting pipelines, and shared utilities. It also supports downstream activities within the Pengerang Integrated Petroleum Complex and across the region. The expansion is aligned with DIALOG’s goal of growing recurring income and creating opportunities for its engineering and maintenance divisions.

PDT, operational since 2014 and spanning approximately 1,200 acres, includes four terminals and three jetties capable of accommodating VLCCs and Q-Max LNG vessels. About 660 acres remain available for future development. The expansion furthers DIALOG’s long-term vision for PDT as a major regional petroleum and petrochemical hub.

Work will begin after all conditions precedent—including regulatory approvals and bp Singapore’s due diligence—are fulfilled. The project will be funded through internally generated funds and borrowings. No liabilities will be assumed by DIALOG other than performance guarantees.

DTP5 and DTSB, both part of the DIALOG Group, oversee storage terminal operations and investment holding respectively. bp Singapore, a subsidiary of BP International Limited and BP p.l.c., is engaged in marketing and trading petroleum products.

The expansion will not affect DIALOG’s share capital or substantial shareholdings and is not expected to materially impact earnings in FY2026, though it is projected to contribute positively thereafter. Risks include economic, geopolitical, regulatory, and operational factors, which DIALOG aims to manage effectively. No directors or major shareholders have any interest in the LTSA.

For more information visit www.dialogasia.com

Brenntag the global market leader in chemicals and ingredients distribution, today announces the acquisition of Chem Tech Services, Inc., a leading production chemicals provider with proprietary formulations for operators in the energy sector in the Permian Basin, the largest energy producing region in North America. The company will be integrated into Coastal Chemical, a Brenntag platform focused on serving the upstream, midstream, and downstream segments of the oil and gas industry.

Scott Leibowitz, president of Brenntag Essentials North America, highlights: “Chem Tech’s expertise and network are a welcome addition to Brenntag’s Energy Services business in North America, adding key capabilities to our resilient market offerings in the energy sector and strengthening our market presence in a region that is critical to global energy supply. The acquisition represents a strategic opportunity to strengthen Coastal Chemical’s unmatched position as a dedicated, integrated energy service platform that efficiently, safely, and reliably support our customers in the oil and gas industry. I look forward to welcoming our new colleagues from Chem Tech to the Brenntag family.”

Derek Waters, co-owner and president of Chem Tech comments: “Brenntag presents a perfect new home for Chem Tech as we share a similar vision: to be a leader in the oilfield chemical market that provides exceptional customer service and a great culture for employment. This new and exciting partnership will lead to great opportunities and will accelerate our joint ambition of becoming the best chemical service company in the Permian Basin and beyond.”

Chem Tech Services, Inc. was founded in 1980 in Levelland, Texas, USA. The company provides professional oilfield chemical solutions in Texas and New Mexico. The acquired business has sales of over USD 80 million in the past 12 months.

Signing and closing of the transaction took place simultaneously. Financial details of the acquisition are not being disclosed.

For more information visit www.brenntag.com

OpenTAS announces a strengthened leadership model with the appointment of Monica Hildinger as Co-CEO. Hildinger will jointly lead the OpenTAS Group alongside Harald Wentsch, who continues in his role as CEO. This strategic decision marks the beginning of an ambitious new chapter for the organisation as it accelerates innovation and operational excellence across its global activities.

In her expanded role, Hildinger now oversees Technology in addition to Product Management and Go-to-Market functions. Her mandate is to unify product strategy with platform engineering and IT operations—aligning architecture, data, security, and delivery under one coordinated vision. This integrated approach is designed to drive measurable improvements in throughput, safety, compliance, and total cost of ownership, supporting OpenTAS’ transition from automation to autonomy.

Before joining OpenTAS, Hildinger spent more than a decade at Siemens in senior leadership roles across the process industries. As Head of Digitalisation, she shaped digital strategies for the Chemicals, Glass, and Oil & Gas sectors, with a strong focus on advancing AI applications in process automation. Earlier, as Product Lifecycle Manager, she guided portfolio development for tank farm and terminal management systems. Her extensive hands-on experience in Oil & Gas terminal operations, particularly across the Middle East, equips her with deep operational insight and a sharp understanding of customer needs.

Together, Harald Wentsch and Monica Hildinger bring a complementary blend of expertise, vision, and leadership. As Co-CEOs, they are committed to steering OpenTAS toward a future defined by innovation, collaboration, and sustained excellence.

For more information visit www.opentas.com

Oxalis Logistics UK has announced the acquisition of seventy percent of the shares in Dennis Dixon Ltd, marking a significant step in the company’s strategic expansion within the United Kingdom.

Headquartered in Teesside, Middlesbrough, Dennis Dixon Ltd is recognised as a market leader in domestic chemical bulk liquid road transport. The acquisition represents a strong alignment with Oxalis’ growth ambitions in the UK and introduces chemical logistics to the Oxalis portfolio for the first time, further strengthening the Group’s service offering.

The move underscores the Oxalis Logistics Group’s continued commitment to investing in its core markets and expanding its capabilities through the addition of well-established, high-quality businesses.

Oxalis Logistics Group extended a warm welcome to all Dennis Dixon Ltd employees and customers, marking the beginning of a new chapter of collaboration and shared growth.

For more information visit www.oxalis-logistics.com

Shell Aviation and i6 have successfully completed the worldwide deployment of i6’s cloud-based fuel management technology, now operational across more than seventy airports. This multi-year programme delivers real-time visibility, automated data exchange and optimised fueling workflows to Shell Aviation sites throughout North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific. The final rollout phase included full implementation across Shell’s Canadian network, marking a major milestone in the global digitisation of fueling operations.

Alex Mattos, CEO and MD of the i6 Group, highlighted the significance of the achievement, stating:“This milestone is the result of close collaboration and relentless focus from the i6 team to digitise Shell Aviation’s fueling network globally. Together, we’ve built a smarter, more resilient fueling ecosystem that sets a new standard for operational excellence.”

With the i6 platform now in place, Shell Aviation and its partners can streamline refuelling activity, reduce manual processes and enhance communication between ground teams and airline customers. The system supports safer, more efficient operations across Shell’s global footprint.

Raman Ojha, President of Shell Aviation, added:
“The aviation sector has experienced an uptick in global air travel, which requires more efficient fuel management. The i6 digital platform can help how we serve customers; improving communication, efficiency and reliability across our operations.”

The completion of this global deployment underscores the commitment of Shell Aviation and i6 to advancing operational efficiency through innovation and digital transformation.

For more information visit www.i6.io

As manufacturers face unprecedented pressure to maximise productivity and optimise resources, Emerson continues to deliver advanced solutions that support operational excellence. The Rosemount™ Tank Gauging System is engineered to meet the industry’s most critical requirements — efficiency, safety, accuracy, reliability, and data security — ensuring facilities are equipped for today’s demands and tomorrow’s challenges.

The system enables precise net volume inventory calculations in full compliance with the latest overfill prevention standards. Regardless of the application or complexity of the tank gauging environment, Rosemount solutions are designed to help operators achieve top-quartile performance.

Enhancing Operational Efficiency
The Rosemount Tank Gauging System provides real-time tank information, improved capacity utilisation, and seamless integration of new devices. These capabilities help reduce downtime, increase plant performance, and support more informed decision-making.

Raising Safety Standards
With non-contact radar technology and no moving parts, Rosemount solutions offer inherently reliable operation. A unique 2-in-1 configuration allows operators to upgrade safety on existing tanks with minimal modification, further strengthening on-site protection.

Delivering Exceptional Accuracy
Rosemount radar level gauges deliver measurement accuracy of ±0.5 mm (0.02 in.). By combining precise level data with accurate average temperature readings, the system ensures highly reliable net volume calculations for inventory and custody transfer applications.

Enabling Wireless Connectivity
Where cabling is impractical — such as sites separated by roads, waterways, or other obstacles — Emerson provides robust wireless solutions that maintain secure and dependable connectivity across challenging layouts.

For more information, or to discuss specific application requirements, customers are encouraged to contact their local Emerson sales representative.

For more information visit www.emerson.com

TotalEnergies announces the signing of an agreement with Energetický a průmyslový holding, a.s. (EPH) for the acquisition of 50 percent of its flexible power generation platform (gas-fired and biomass power plants, batteries) in Western Europe (Italy, United Kingdom and Ireland, Netherlands, France), valued at €10.6 billion (enterprise value), i.e. a multiple of 7.6x 2026 EBITDA.

Under the agreement, EPH will receive the equivalent of €5.1 billion in TotalEnergies shares. 95.4 million TotalEnergies shares will be issued, based on a price equal to the volume-weighted average share price of the twenty trading sessions preceding November 16^th (signing date), i.e. €53.94 per share, representing about 4.1 percent of TotalEnergies’ share capital and making EPH one of the Company’s largest shareholders upon completion of the transaction.

The transaction will result in the creation of a joint venture owned 50/50 by TotalEnergies and EPH, which will be responsible for the industrial management of the assets and the business development, while each company will market its share of production under a tolling arrangement with the joint venture.

A leading European platform

This transaction is fully consistent with TotalEnergies’ Integrated Power strategy and will strengthen its position in European electricity markets by enhancing the complementary relationship between intermittent renewable power generation and flexible power generation (gas-fired plants, batteries). It will allow TotalEnergies to expand its power trading activities across Europe and develop its Clean Firm Power offering to its customers. This will position the Company as a key player to meet Europe’s growing data center demand.

Furthermore, leveraging TotalEnergies’ strong position in supplying LNG to Europe, this transaction enhances the Company’s ability to diversify value creation along the gas value chain, particularly between the United States and Europe. The additional net electricity production from the transaction, estimated at 15 TWh/y, will enable the Company to capture added value to approximately 2 Mtpa of LNG.

The transaction covers a portfolio of more than 14 GW gross capacity of flexible generation assets in operation or under construction. This primarily includes gas-fired power plants, biomass power plants and battery systems, which benefit from secured capacity revenues representing 40 percent of the gross margin, allowing TotalEnergies to strengthen its presence in the most profitable European electricity markets:

• Italy: 7.5 GW, with 3.7 GW in operation, 2.4 GW under construction, including two next-generation gas-fired power plants that are among the most efficient in Europe, and 1.4 GW under development.
• United Kingdom and Ireland: 7.1 GW, including 5 GW from operating gas and biomass plants, 0.4 GW of batteries under construction and 1.7 GW under development.
• Netherlands: 3.6 GW, with 2.6 GW from gas-fired plants that are particularly well located to meet the needs of the German market, 0.2 GW from batteries under construction and 0.8 GW under development.
• France: 1.1 GW, with 100 MW of batteries under construction and 1 GW under development.

The acquisition scope includes about 5 GW of projects under development. The agreement provides that the joint venture will become the preferred vehicle for TotalEnergies and EPH to drive flexible power generation growth in the targeted countries.

An acquisition immediately accretive to free cash flow per share for all TotalEnergies shareholders and accelerating implementation of the Integrated Power strategy and profitability

The transaction is immediately accretive to TotalEnergies’ shareholders. Over the next five years, TotalEnergies expects an increase in available cash flow of about $750 million per year, which far exceeds the additional dividend requirement for the newly issued shares.

As a result of this transaction, the Integrated Power segment will generate positive free cash flow and contribute to shareholder returns as early as 2027 compared to 2028 previously. The transaction also contributes to the increase of Integrated Power’s ROACE from 10 percent to 12 percent over the next five years.

Due to this accelerated inorganic growth within the Integrated Power segment, the Company is lowering its annual net Capex guidance by $1 billion per year to $14-16 billion per year for 2026-2030, of which $2-3 billion is for Integrated Power, while maintaining its 2030 electricity generation target of 100-120 TWh.

This acquisition marks another major milestone in TotalEnergies’ strategy to build an integrated electricity player in Europe. By joining forces with EPH as part of a long-term partnership, we are accelerating the implementation of our Integrated Power strategy and strengthening our ability to provide reliable, competitive, and low-carbon energy to our customers by leveraging the complementarity of our renewable and flexgen portfolio. Given our position as the #1 gas supplier in Europe, this transaction enables us to fully capitalise on gas-to-power integration and create added value for our LNG chain, independently of oil cycles. We are convinced that this partnership will create lasting value for our shareholders and are also pleased to welcome a new long-term European shareholder who is fully committed to TotalEnergies’ transition strategy, said Patrick Pouyanné, chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies.

Daniel Kretinsky, chairman of the Board of EPH, added: This transaction is founded on our strong appreciation of TotalEnergies, its management team led by Patrick Pouyanné and its strategy. For all these reasons, we are both highly interested in becoming a long-term anchor shareholder of TotalEnergies and excited to create a joint venture which is already today a leading player in European flexible power generation, best positioned to further strengthen its role. TotalEnergies is one of the largest European companies across all industries and also has a strong global presence. Through the shareholding in TotalEnergies, we are implementing our strategic ambition to diversify our geographic exposure, currently concentrated in the EU and UK.

The transaction is subject to the legal information and consultation process of the relevant employee representatives and to the approval of the competent authorities. Completion is expected mid-2026.

For more information visit www.totalenergies.com

Saunders has been awarded the bp Kwinana Energy Hub T503 & T505 External Floating Roof Replacement project. The scope includes engineering, procurement, and construction of two new external floating roofs, with the team applying specialist tank roof construction expertise to deliver the upgrade.

The project will be delivered at bp’s operating Kwinana Energy Hub terminal, with work commencing soon and completion scheduled for mid-2026. Saunders characterised the award as another example of the team delivering complex fluid storage infrastructure solutions for one of Australia’s leading energy operators.

External floating roofs serve critical functions in petroleum storage tanks, floating on the liquid surface and rising or falling with liquid level changes during filling and withdrawal operations. The floating design minimises vapour space above the stored liquid, reducing evaporative losses and emissions of volatile organic compounds compared to fixed-roof tanks.

The replacement of existing floating roofs addresses ageing infrastructure requiring refurbishment or replacement after decades of service. Floating roofs experience wear from environmental exposure, mechanical stresses during operation, and corrosion from stored products and weather conditions. Systematic replacement maintains tank integrity, operational reliability, and environmental performance.

The engineering scope encompasses detailed design of new floating roof structures accounting for tank diameter, stored product characteristics, operational requirements, and relevant standards including American Petroleum Institute specifications governing floating roof design and construction. Design considerations include structural capacity for operational loads, drainage systems managing rainwater, rim seal systems preventing vapour escape, and access provisions for inspection and maintenance.

Procurement activities secure materials including steel plate for deck construction, pontoon or double-deck components providing buoyancy, rim seal assemblies, legs and supports, drainage systems, and safety equipment. Material specifications must ensure compatibility with stored products, structural performance meeting design requirements, and corrosion resistance supporting extended service life.

Construction work at the operating terminal requires careful coordination with ongoing operations, implementing safety protocols for hot work and confined space entry, managing logistics within active facilities, and scheduling activities minimizing operational disruptions. External floating roof installation typically requires tank decommissioning, cleaning, and entry for internal work, followed by roof assembly and installation before returning the tank to service.

The Kwinana Energy Hub operates as a critical petroleum storage and distribution facility serving Western Australia’s fuel supply requirements. The terminal receives refined products including gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel via pipeline from bp’s Kwinana refinery or marine imports, storing products for distribution to retail outlets, commercial customers, and Perth Airport.

Saunders’ specialist expertise in tank roof construction encompasses technical knowledge of floating roof systems, practical experience with installation methodologies, understanding of operational constraints in active facilities, and established safety management systems for high-risk construction activities. This specialized capability differentiates the company from general construction contractors lacking specific tank infrastructure experience.

The mid-2026 completion target indicates approximately 18-month project duration encompassing detailed engineering, procurement of long-lead materials and equipment, fabrication of roof components, site mobilization, tank preparation, roof installation, and commissioning activities verifying operational performance before return to service.

External floating roof replacement projects support asset integrity management strategies maintaining storage infrastructure reliability whilst meeting environmental performance standards. Regulatory requirements governing volatile organic compound emissions from petroleum storage increasingly favor floating roof tanks over fixed-roof alternatives, creating drivers for systematic maintenance and replacement programs.

The project represents continued investment in Australia’s petroleum infrastructure supporting fuel security and supply chain reliability. Western Australia’s geographic isolation from eastern Australian markets and reliance on maritime fuel imports create strategic importance for local storage capacity ensuring supply continuity.

Saunders’ characterisation of the work as complex fluid storage infrastructure highlights technical demands of floating roof replacement in operating facilities, requiring integration of engineering, procurement, and construction capabilities alongside safety management, stakeholder coordination, and quality assurance, supporting successful delivery for major energy infrastructure operators.

For more information visit www.saundersint.com

APA Corporation has announced the promotion of Robert P. Rayphole to vice president, chief accounting officer and controller, effective 15 November.

In his new role, Rayphole will lead APA’s Accounting department and assume global oversight of the company’s accounting organisation. His responsibilities will include directing financial reporting, managing accounting operations and ensuring compliance with U.S. GAAP and SEC requirements. He succeeds Rebecca A. Hoyt, who is retiring after 33 years of distinguished service with the company.

Ben Rodgers, APA’s chief financial officer, said: “I am pleased to welcome Rob to APA’s leadership team. With his deep expertise in financial reporting, accounting and internal controls, Rob will play a key role in supporting APA’s commitment to transparency, financial accuracy and operational excellence across our global finance organisation. I would also like to thank Becky for her exceptional leadership and 33 years of dedicated service to the company.”

Rayphole joined APA in 2002 and has since held positions of increasing responsibility, including his appointment as assistant controller in 2011. Prior to joining the company, he served as an audit manager at Arthur Andersen LLP from 2000 to 2002. He holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in accounting from Texas A&M University.

For more information visit www.apacorp.com

Noatum Maritime, part of AD Ports Group’s Maritime & Shipping Cluster and a leading provider of comprehensive maritime solutions, has announced the award of a five-year contract by Bapco Upstream to deliver marine services at the Bahrain LNG Import Terminal (BLNG). Bapco Upstream is a subsidiary of Bapco Energies Group, the integrated entity driving the Kingdom of Bahrain’s energy transition.

The contract marks another key milestone for Noatum Maritime in Bahrain, following several strategic developments introduced earlier this year as part of a broader plan to expand its footprint and capabilities within the Kingdom.

As part of the agreement, Noatum Maritime Marine Services will deliver essential marine support services for the offshore LNG terminal near Khalifa Bin Salman Port. The terminal plays a vital role in securing a clean, reliable energy supply for Bahrain, supporting the nation’s growing demand for natural gas. Services will include towage operations using high-performance LNG-compliant tugboats, berthing and unberthing of LNG carriers and Floating Storage Units (FSUs), and round-the-clock emergency response and standby support. All operations will be carried out by experienced pilots and crew to ensure the highest standards of safety and efficiency.

Captain Ammar Mubarak Al Shaiba, CEO – Maritime & Shipping Cluster, AD Ports Group, said: “Securing this contract for a principal facility within Bahrain’s energy landscape is a strong endorsement of Noatum Maritime Marine Services’ reputation for delivering advanced, dependable solutions. It marks our strategic entry into the LNG terminal towage sector and represents a significant step in diversifying and expanding our operational footprint. By extending our capabilities into LNG terminals while maintaining our strong foundation in port services, we are unlocking new synergies that position us for growth.”

Johann Pleininger, CEO of Bapco Upstream, added: “This agreement marks an important milestone in Bapco Upstream’s efforts to strengthen the Kingdom’s energy infrastructure and ensure a diversified supply of natural gas. Partnering with Noatum Maritime brings world-class marine capabilities to support operations at the LNG terminal, reinforcing our commitment to excellence, safety and sustainability as we expand into the LNG value chain.”

The agreement further consolidates Noatum Maritime’s presence in Bahrain and supports its strategy to expand its global reach while reinforcing its role as a trusted partner in critical maritime and energy infrastructure.

For more information visit www.bapcoenergies.com

Omega has signed a binding Letter of Intent with Helmerich & Payne (Australia) Drilling Pty Ltd for the provision of Rig 648, a super-spec FlexRig®, to support the company’s extensive Taroom Trough appraisal programme. The agreement marks a major milestone for Omega’s development of the Canyon Project, an emerging Permian unconventional gas and liquids play.

Under the LOI, Omega and H&P have agreed to a period of exclusivity to finalise contract terms. The proposed drilling campaign includes three firm wells and four optional wells, providing flexibility for a continuous programme as Omega seeks to further de-risk the subsurface. Rig 648, operated by personnel with extensive US unconventional drilling experience, is scheduled to commence operations for Omega in mid-May 2026 following other commitments.

The Canyon Project holds a contingent resource of 0.4–1.7–4.5 TCFE (1C–2C–3C), presenting a significant opportunity to support domestic energy security, LNG development, and what is emerging as a major new oil province on the eastern flank of the Taroom Trough. Planning for the appraisal programme is well advanced, targeting five reservoir layers with at least three vertical wells and options for multiple horizontal sections to test flow capacity and delineate the most prospective “sweet spots.” Omega has already placed orders for long-lead equipment, and with more than 70 million dollars in available funding, the company is well positioned to execute the programme.

Omega’s CEO and MD, Trevor Brown, said the LOI marks an important step forward:
“We are pleased to have signed a binding Letter of Intent with H&P, one of the pre-eminent global drilling contractors, for Rig 648. This ensures access to a state-of-the-art, high-capacity drilling rig as we further de-risk and demonstrate the scale of the Permian unconventional gas and liquids play in our Canyon Project area. With an extensive, multi-well appraisal programme scheduled to commence in May 2026, we are focused on systematically de-risking the subsurface and unlocking the significant resource potential of the Canyon Project.”

John Bell, H&P’s Executive VP, Eastern Hemisphere Land operations, added:
“We’re proud to bring H&P’s world-class drilling capabilities and technology to the Taroom Trough in collaboration with Omega. Our teams share a strong commitment to safety, performance, and innovation, and we look forward to delivering exceptional drilling outcomes that help unlock the basin’s significant gas and liquids potential.”

The upcoming appraisal programme will evaluate five reservoir intervals across Omega’s extensive acreage, providing crucial geological and engineering data for resource and reserves maturation. Vertical wells will be designed to enable follow-up horizontal drilling, which will play a key role in assessing commercial flow rates. Drilling results are expected from mid-2026, followed by an updated resource assessment in the second half of 2026.

Omega anticipates finalising the detailed forward work programme and the rig contract before the end of 2025, with the flexibility to add additional vertical or horizontal wells as the programme progresses.

For more information visit www.omegaoilandgas.com.au

Texplor has successfully installed its MSS® Leak Monitoring System at DOW’s newly built concrete liquid liner basin in Stade, Germany, delivering continuous real-time protection for one of the site’s critical containment structures. The installation, which incorporates eight sensors across a 7,000 m² basin, is designed to strengthen environmental safety, optimise maintenance, and extend the service life of the facility.

Advanced Monitoring for Maximum Environmental Protection
The MSS® Leakage Monitoring System provides uninterrupted surveillance of the basin’s integrity, ensuring early leak detection and preventing potential environmental hazards. By delivering real-time data, automated alerts, and immediate anomaly identification, the system significantly enhances DOW’s risk management approach and supports safer, more efficient operations.

This TÜV-Nord approved solution also allows for extended inspection intervals, enabling production to continue without interruption unless an anomaly is detected. The result is a reduction in downtime, lower operational costs, and improved regulatory compliance.

Improved Maintenance Efficiency and Operational Safety
Texplor’s modular monitoring technology reduces the need for manual inspections, replacing periodic checks with continuous digital verification. In addition to leak detection, the system can be expanded with sensors for corrosion, structural movement, and moisture monitoring, providing a scalable and future-proof solution.

Its explosion-proof design ensures reliability in demanding industrial environments, while Texplor’s cloud-based platform centralises data access and reporting across facilities, offering long-term insights and trend analysis.

Bastian Merten, MSc., CTO of Texplor Group, highlighted the benefit of continuous verification:
“With our TÜV-Nord approved monitoring technology, DOW no longer needs to perform inspections every five years. Our system continuously verifies the basin’s integrity, offering 24/7 real-time system checks to ensure containment integrity.”

Texplor’s deployment at the DOW site marks a significant step forward in industrial safety, environmental protection, and intelligent infrastructure monitoring.

For more information visit www.texplor.com

Chane Terminal Le Havre continues to reinforce its position as a key logistics hub for complex liquid bulk products, benefiting from deep-sea access, multimodal connectivity, and flexible storage solutions. As the terminal looks to the future, strategic development remains central to its long-term vision.

Johannes Doucet, commercial director, emphasises the forward-thinking approach driving CTLH’s plans. He explains that the team is committed to supporting customers’ evolving requirements while expanding the terminal’s reach. “Our ambition is to develop beyond Le Havre and strengthen our presence within Europe. We aim to be a trusted reference point for expertise and partnership.”

Business Unit director Pascal Millet highlights the critical role of talent and infrastructure in ensuring safe and reliable operations. “Our focus remains on people and infrastructure. Skilled teams and dependable assets enable us to operate safely and responsibly while serving our customers.”

To underpin its growth ambitions, CTLH is investing in infrastructure enhancements and logistics upgrades designed to boost resilience and prepare the terminal for new opportunities across the European market.

For more information visit www.chane.eu

It has been a landmark month for the team at Trotech, whose work on the Sasol CF2 Clean Fuel Tanks in Secunda has earned three major accolades at the 2025 SAISC Steel Awards.

The project secured wins across multiple categories, including:

• Industrial Category Winner

• Regional Category Winner – Mpumalanga

• Overall Project Winner – South Africa and Pan-Africa

Image:Trotech

The achievement recognises the scale and complexity of constructing five tanks, each with a capacity of 18,000m³. Delivered under demanding conditions, the project showcases the precision, expertise and resilience of the Trotech team.

Trotech’s leadership emphasised that these results reflect more than just technical excellence—they represent the strength of shared ambition and collaboration. The company is proud not only of the final outcome, but also of the commitment and engineering rigour that made it possible.

Well done on your achievements, Trotech.

For more information visit www.trotech.co.za

PETRONAS Lubricants International and The Lubrizol Corporation’s Fluid Engineering business have announced a global strategic partnership that represents a major milestone in advancing reliability and performance within the global lubricants sector. The collaboration was formally established by Uday Kumar, Industrial Managing Director at PETRONAS Lubricants International, and O’Neil Pinto, Vice President of Lubrizol’s Fluid Engineering business.

The alliance reflects both organisations’ shared commitment to accelerating innovation across refrigeration, industrial and heat-transfer applications. By combining PETRONAS Lubricants International’s expertise in lubricant solutions with Lubrizol’s strong technological foundation in fluid engineering, the partnership is positioned to deliver smarter, cleaner and more accessible fluid technologies to customers worldwide.

This strategic collaboration marks a pivotal step forward in shaping the future of sustainable and high-performance fluid solutions. Together, the two companies aim to drive meaningful innovation, support global energy-efficiency goals and strengthen long-term growth across the lubricants industry.

For more information visit www.global.pli-petronas.com

Sumitomo Corporation has established a joint venture company, tentatively titled “Integrated Supply Chain Oman LLC,” in Muscat, the Sultanate of Oman, together with Energy Development Oman, a state-owned energy company. The new company aims to provide supply chain management services to Oman’s energy sector, starting with Oil Country Tubular Goods supply chain, with other energy-related products and services to be added, covering not only hydrocarbon value chains but also renewables and other types of energy development.

For over 20 years, Sumitomo Corporation has supplied OCTG used in oil and gas extraction to Petroleum Development Oman, a subsidiary of EDO and Oman’s largest national oil company. Through SCM services including inventory management, maintenance, and just-in-time delivery on behalf of customers, Sumitomo Corporation has realised an efficient and stable supply system.

The venture symbolises the deepening strategic partnership between Oman and Japan in the energy sector, underscoring both organisations’ mutual commitment to enhancing the resilience of Oman’s energy infrastructure and fostering long-term, sustainable growth.

A Sumitomo Corporation representative stated that the company is proud to partner with EDO in contributing to development of sustainable energy supply infrastructure in the Sultanate of Oman. The representative noted that for over two decades, Sumitomo Corporation has supplied OCTG products to Oman’s oil and gas industry, with the joint venture building upon a track record of long-standing trust and collaboration. The initiative marks a significant step forward in realising Oman Vision 2040, particularly in areas of energy diversification, innovation, in-country value, and local talent development. Sumitomo Corporation remains committed to being a trusted partner in Oman’s journey toward a sustainable future, looking forward to deepening cooperation with a long-term perspective.

An EDO official noted that the partnership marks an important milestone in Oman’s journey to strengthen and localise its energy supply chain, creating a more efficient, resilient, and self-sustaining energy ecosystem supporting national industry, building local capability, and enhancing long-term competitiveness. For the first time, Oman will be able to aggregate supply chain demand at national level, helping reduce overall production costs whilst creating opportunities for Omani SMEs and professionals. Duqm provides the ideal base for this transformation, with EDO looking forward to working with partners to turn the vision into tangible results.

The joint venture addresses strategic objectives of supply chain localisation, efficiency improvement, and economic diversification aligned with Oman Vision 2040, the government’s long-term development strategy emphasising economic transformation beyond oil and gas dependence. The initiative supports in-country value objectives requiring major projects to maximise local content through Omani workforce employment, SME participation, and domestic capability development.

OCTG represents substantial expenditure for oil and gas producers, encompassing drill pipe, casing, and tubing used in well construction and production. Efficient OCTG supply chains require inventory management balancing availability against working capital costs, quality assurance ensuring products meet specifications, logistics coordinating delivery to remote drilling sites, and maintenance services extending product life through inspection and refurbishment.

Sumitomo Corporation’s two-decade track record supplying PDO demonstrates established relationships, operational knowledge, and proven service delivery supporting the joint venture’s foundation. Building upon existing business relationships reduces startup risks whilst providing immediate operational capabilities.

The expansion beyond OCTG to encompass broader energy-related products and services, including renewables, reflects Oman’s energy diversification strategy. The country has established ambitious renewable energy targets including solar and wind projects supporting domestic consumption and potential green hydrogen production leveraging abundant renewable resources.

National-level demand aggregation creates economies of scale improving procurement terms, optimising inventory levels across multiple operators, and supporting domestic manufacturing and service provision through predictable demand volumes justifying local investment. Centralised supply chain management can reduce redundant inventories held by individual operators, improve utilisation of storage and logistics infrastructure, and enhance supply security through systematic capacity planning.

Duqm’s reference reflects the city’s strategic positioning supporting industrial development. Duqm Special Economic Zone offers infrastructure, regulatory incentives, and geographic positioning supporting logistics, manufacturing, and service industries. The location provides deepwater port facilities, industrial land, and connectivity supporting supply chain operations serving Oman’s energy sector.

SME development objectives address economic diversification, creating employment and entrepreneurial opportunities beyond direct oil and gas production. Supply chain localisation enables Omani companies to participate as suppliers, service providers, and logistics operators, developing capabilities transferable to other sectors whilst reducing import dependency.

Local talent development encompasses training, employment, and career progression for Omani professionals in supply chain management, logistics, technical services, and commercial roles. Workforce localisation supports national employment objectives whilst building sustainable human capital supporting long-term economic development.

The Japan-Oman energy partnership reflects longstanding economic relationships, with Japan historically importing Omani crude oil and LNG. The joint venture extends bilateral cooperation beyond commodity trade to encompass industrial development, technology transfer, and institutional capacity building aligned with both countries’ strategic interests.

The joint venture structure combining EDO’s national mandate and market access with Sumitomo Corporation’s supply chain expertise, international networks, and operational capabilities creates complementary strengths supporting successful execution. EDO provides regulatory facilitation, stakeholder coordination, and alignment with national objectives, whilst Sumitomo Corporation contributes technical expertise, systems, and international best practices.

For more information visit www.sumitomocorp.com

Noord Natie Odfjell Antwerp Terminal continues to play a pivotal role in connecting international producers with European customers through the efficient storage and distribution of base oils, glycol and chemical intermediates. Strategically located in Antwerp, the terminal accelerates global logistics and serves as a vital hub for producers, traders, and manufacturers worldwide.

Through its strategic partnership with Odfjell Terminals, which holds a twenty-five percent share, Noord Natie Odfjell Antwerp Terminal benefits from access to an extensive international customer network. The commercial team maintains a strong global presence, actively participating in conferences across Europe and the United States to foster new partnerships and strengthen existing ones.

The Antwerp terminal serves as a key distribution centre for base oils and glycol throughout Europe. Base oils are primarily supplied by producers from the United States and the Far East, while glycol is predominantly stored for international traders serving the plastics and coolant fluid industries. In addition, the terminal handles a diverse range of chemical intermediates, which arrive by sea from global production sites before being safely stored and distributed to manufacturers across Europe. Its customer portfolio spans the United States, India, and Europe, reflecting the terminal’s global reach and reliability.

Noord Natie Odfjell Antwerp Terminal offers a combination of world-class infrastructure, specialist handling capabilities, and a customer-centric approach with an international mindset. With access to the Odfjell Terminals network, advanced logistics facilities in Antwerp, and extensive expertise in base oil, glycol, and chemical storage, the company continues to deliver trusted and efficient solutions to global partners.

Its shareholder, Noord Natie, embodies nearly five centuries of international logistics experience, defined by foresight, adaptability and responsible entrepreneurship. This enduring commitment to connecting global trade has recently been recognised with Noord Natie’s nomination as a finalist for Onderneming van het Jaar® 2025, underscoring the company’s continued contribution to sustainable and forward-looking business practices.

For more information visit www.noordnatie.be

LBC Tank Terminals has successfully implemented UAB Online at its Bayport facility in Houston, Texas, completing phases 1 and 2 of the digital transformation project. With these initial stages now operational, Bayport is streamlining terminal processes, improving stakeholder communication, and establishing foundation for full digital transformation across operations.

LBC Bayport plays vital roles in chemical and energy supply chains. Situated on the Houston Ship Channel, the terminal provides deep-water dock access, extensive pipeline connectivity, and rail interface linking directly to key industrial areas. These advantages position Bayport as a strategic hub for storage and handling of liquid bulk products in one of the world’s busiest ports.

Terminal operations involve coordination amongst vessels, agents, surveyors, and terminal operators ensuring safe and timely product transfers. Historically, much communication relied on phone calls, emails, and paper documents. By introducing UAB Online, LBC Bayport is transforming manual processes into integrated digital workflows, enhancing operational efficiency and coordination, accuracy of information shared between parties, and transparency and compliance in all operational steps.

The digital rollout at Bayport is executed in multiple stages ensuring smooth adoption and minimal disruption. Phase 1 introduced digital dossier creation for vessels and barges alongside online Notice of Readiness submissions. Phase 2 implemented document sharing in PDF format, improving transparency and accessibility for all stakeholders. Future phases will include advanced digital document creation and enhanced checklists further streamlining operations.

As part of the Houston Ship Channel community, LBC Bayport’s digital operations benefit customers and the broader regional logistics network. Digitalisation strengthens the port’s competitiveness, reliability, and sustainability—key factors maintaining Houston’s role as global leader in energy and chemical logistics.

With UAB Online now active in phases 1 and 2, LBC Bayport has taken important steps toward a fully digital future. Subsequent phases will build on this foundation, continuing to improve safety, efficiency, and transparency across operations. LBC’s digital journey demonstrates how modern technology and collaboration can redefine terminal operations, making them faster, safer, and more intelligent.

Digital transformation in terminal operations addresses inefficiencies inherent in paper-based workflows and fragmented communication channels. Traditional processes involving multiple parties coordinating vessel arrivals, cargo operations, and documentation generate delays, errors, and compliance risks when information flows through disconnected systems.

UAB Online’s digital dossier creation consolidates vessel information, operational parameters, and required documentation in unified electronic format accessible to authorized parties. This eliminates information silos, reduces duplicate data entry, and ensures all stakeholders work from consistent, current information.

Online Notice of Readiness submission streamlines the critical process whereby vessels notify terminals of arrival readiness and preparation to commence cargo operations. Digital NOR submission provides timestamp documentation, immediate notification to relevant parties, and integration with terminal planning systems enabling efficient berth allocation and resource scheduling.

PDF document sharing in Phase 2 addresses practical requirements for distributing operational documents including cargo manifests, inspection reports, certificates, and communications logs. Digital distribution eliminates delays associated with physical document handling whilst creating audit trails supporting compliance verification.

Houston Ship Channel’s status as major petrochemical and energy logistics corridor creates high-volume terminal operations requiring efficient coordination amongst numerous vessels, cargo owners, and service providers. Digital platforms supporting operational coordination enhance channel capacity utilization by reducing vessel turnaround times and improving predictability of operations.

Terminal digitalization supports sustainability objectives through reduced paper consumption, optimized operations minimizing energy usage and emissions, and improved safety through enhanced communication and documentation supporting compliance with operational procedures.

The phased implementation approach manages change systematically, enabling users to adapt to new workflows progressively rather than overwhelming personnel with comprehensive system changes simultaneously. This approach supports user adoption, identifies improvement opportunities through operational experience, and validates system performance before expanding functionality.

Future phases incorporating advanced document creation and enhanced checklists will further digitize operational workflows, potentially including electronic signatures, automated compliance verification, real-time operational status tracking, and data analytics supporting performance monitoring and continuous improvement.

LBC Tank Terminals’ digital transformation at Bayport exemplifies industry trends toward smart terminals leveraging information technology for operational excellence, with digital platforms becoming standard infrastructure supporting efficient, transparent, and compliant liquid bulk terminal operations in major ports globally.

For more information visit www.uab-online.com

Alaska LNG, majority owned and developed by Glenfarne Alaska LNG, LLC, has announced a strategic alliance with Baker Hughes, a global energy technology company, to advance the Alaska LNG Project. Under the new agreement, Glenfarne has selected Baker Hughes as the supplier of main refrigerant compressors for the LNG terminal and power generation equipment for the North Slope gas treatment plant. Baker Hughes has also made a strategic investment in the project. The announcement was made during a ceremony in Washington, D.C., attended by U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and Secretary of Energy Chris Wright.

Brendan Duval, CEO and founder of Glenfarne, highlighted Baker Hughes’ role as a key partner, noting the company’s leadership in LNG compression technology and the significance of this collaboration for national and state energy objectives. Baker Hughes’ Chairman and CEO, Lorenzo Simonelli, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting the project, emphasising the importance of natural gas and LNG in providing secure, reliable, and lower-carbon energy. Both government officials commended the alliance as a milestone in strengthening U.S. energy independence, economic resilience, and international competitiveness.

Left to Right: Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, Baker Hughes Chairman & CEO Lorenzo Simonelli, Glenfarne CEO & Founder Brendan Duval, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, Senator Dan Sullivan (Alaska)

The Alaska LNG Project is being developed in two financially independent phases. Phase One will include an 807-mile, 42-inch pipeline transporting natural gas from Alaska’s North Slope to serve domestic energy needs, with final engineering and cost analysis by Worley expected to conclude in December ahead of a final investment decision. Phase Two will add an LNG terminal and supporting infrastructure, enabling an export capacity of 20 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), with FID anticipated in late 2026. Since taking leadership of the project in March, Glenfarne has secured preliminary commercial commitments from major buyers in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand for over 60 percent of the LNG capacity needed to reach FID. With a total permitted portfolio of 32.8 MTPA across Alaska, Texas, and Louisiana, Glenfarne continues to expand its footprint in the North American LNG market, including collaboration with Baker Hughes on its Texas LNG project.

For more information visit www.glenfarne.com

The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), the global authority in materials protection and performance, and the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organisation (SASO) have signed a Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) to advance collaboration in standardisation, training, and technical development to enhance safety, quality, and industrial performance.

The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation between the two organisations to support the exchange of information, participation in the development and harmonisation of standards, and organisation of joint training programmes, workshops, and technical exchanges. Through this partnership, AMPP and SASO aim to promote best practices that strengthen industry competitiveness and product safety while supporting the advancement of quality infrastructure throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and beyond.

“AMPP’s collaboration with SASO represents an important milestone in expanding our global engagement in standardisation and quality initiatives,” said Tim Gonzalez, vice president, Energy Integrity Solutions at AMPP. “This agreement reinforces our shared commitment to advancing standards, training, and technical excellence that drive safer, more efficient, and sustainable industrial operations.”

The Technical Cooperation Programme also outlines cooperation in areas such as:

• Exchange of information on standardisation practices, regulations, and technical developments;
• Joint study and harmonisation of draft standards aligned with international recommendations;
• Exchange of experts and participation in training, conferences, and workshops;
• Sharing of best practices related to national standards and technical regulations; and
• Coordination within international organisations such as ISO and IEC to enhance engagement in global standardisation activities.

“This collaboration with SASO strengthens AMPP’s ability to contribute to the Kingdom’s growing focus on quality and innovation,” said AMPP CEO Alan Thomas. “Together, we can ensure that materials protection and performance standards are integrated into the global conversation on safety, sustainability, and industrial excellence.”

The agreement reinforces AMPP’s mission to advance materials protection and performance by sharing expertise, harmonising standards, and expanding opportunities for technical collaboration. AMPP and SASO will develop initiatives that help industries operate more safely, efficiently, and sustainably across all sectors that depend on corrosion control and asset integrity.

For more information visit www.ampp.org

PALA has announced the promotion of Adam Landry to President of PALA Interstate. Landry’s career with PALA spans over 12 years, beginning shortly after earning his degree in Construction Management from Louisiana State University.

He started his career as an estimator and steadily advanced through key leadership positions, including project manager, operations manager, and most recently, chief operating officer. Throughout his tenure, Landry has played vital roles in driving growth, performance, and sustainability of the employee-owned company, leading with integrity and deep commitment to personnel and clients.

Beyond his work at PALA, Landry serves as a dedicated industry leader and advocate. He serves on the ABC Pelican Chapter Board of Directors, was recognised as a 2024 Baton Rouge Business Report 40 Under 40 honouree, and was named a 10/12 Industry Report Emerging Leader in 2024. Landry is a husband and father to two children.

PALA stated that his leadership, dedication, and vision exemplify the core values defining the company, expressing honour at having him serve as President of PALA Interstate and anticipation for the continued growth and success he will help lead.

The promotion recognises Landry’s sustained contributions and progression through increasingly senior roles over more than a decade with the company. His advancement from technical estimating through operational management to executive leadership demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of PALA’s business across functional areas.

The employee-owned company structure creates alignment between leadership decisions and workforce interests, with Landry’s promotion reflecting confidence from employee-owners in his capabilities to lead the Interstate division. Employee ownership models emphasise long-term sustainability and stakeholder value creation beyond purely financial metrics.

Industry recognition through 40 Under 40 honours and Emerging Leader designations validates Landry’s professional contributions and leadership potential beyond PALA’s internal assessment. Such recognition enhances the company’s reputation through association with acknowledged industry leaders.

Board service with ABC Pelican Chapter demonstrates commitment to industry advocacy and professional development initiatives supporting construction sector interests. Trade association involvement provides networking opportunities, policy engagement, and industry knowledge, benefiting both individual participants and their employers.

PALA Interstate’s focus within the broader PALA organisation likely addresses specific market segments, geographic territories, or service lines requiring dedicated leadership attention. The president’s role carries responsibility for strategic direction, operational performance, business development, and stakeholder relationships within the Interstate division’s scope.

The promotion reflects succession planning and leadership development practices cultivating internal talent for senior positions. Organisations developing leaders through progressive responsibility assignments retain institutional knowledge whilst creating career advancement pathways, motivating high-performing employees.

For more information visit www.palagroup.com

Creaform, a business of AMETEK, Inc. and worldwide provider of automated and portable 3D measurement solutions, announced the next evolution in automated quality control for at-line inspection in mass production: the CUBE-R M Series. This innovative modular solution leverages the power of the MetraSCAN 3D-R scanner in an automated 3D measurement cell and offers three standard configurations to accommodate different part sizes. A wide range of options ensure easy integration into any production environment, enabling more inspections with fewer resources and lower costs.

Unlike one-size-fits-all solutions, this turnkey high-productivity industrial measuring cell adapts to any shop floor and any requirements, and not the other way around. The M2™ inspects parts up to 2 m in length, the M3™ handles parts up to 3 m and the M4™ supports parts up to 4 m, offering significant flexibility in footprint, payload, and part size. Built with modularity in mind, these solutions are future-proof: the wealth of configuration and option choices, as well as Creaform’s ongoing innovation, ensures factories remain agile and ready to evolve. Bringing quality control and inspection ever closer to production, the CUBE-R delivers continuous measurements and uncompromising accuracy, even in vibrating environments and on difficult surfaces, by leveraging hardware-software synergy for smart offline programming, high-frame-rate full-field 3D data, and rapid cycle times through parallel processing. The results: increased productivity, enhanced product quality, and reduced operational costs.

The M Series offers a range of configurable options designed to enhance integration and operational efficiency for diverse manufacturing environments:

• Metrology-grade 3D scanning capability: The MetraSCAN-R BLACK+™|Elite HD uses its 69 blue laser lines to deliver an accuracy of 0.025 mm (0.0009 in), 3,000,000 measurements/s and an impressive measurement resolution of 0.015 mm (0.0006 in). These measurements are validated through acceptance tests compliant with the VDI/VDE 2634 Part 3 and ISO 10360 standards and carried out in ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited laboratories.
• Productivity Kit: Elevating the overall equipment effectiveness, this kit enables uninterrupted scanning workflows by parallelising inspection and processing activities, eliminating downtime associated with data processing.
• Removable Mounting Plates: This forklift-compatible kit offers optional pallets so parts and jigs can be preloaded outside the measuring cell, for quick part swaps and minimal downtime.
• Virtek Iris™ 3D positioning system: Leveraging Virtek’s powerful solutions, this kit uses projected laser-guided patterns for precise alignment and accurate parts and jigs positioning, reducing setup errors and boosting processing speed.
• Secure Remote Access Kit: This kit includes connectivity tools that enable Creaform’s technical support team to remotely troubleshoot the CUBE-R, accelerating issue resolution and reducing support downtime.
• Dedicated sheet metal solution: Combining the specialised Sheet Metal Add-on in the Inspection module and the MetraSCAN 3D-R HD, this kit delivers the most accurate and repeatable 3D sheet metal measurements available.
• Automation module: The digital twin environment module of Creaform Metrology Suite prioritises ease of use and performance so that all operators, regardless of expertise, can confidently program and operate robotic systems.

“We believe quality control should drive production, not slow it down,” says Mathieu Desmarais, product manager at Creaform. “With the M-Series’ modular design, manufacturers benefit from turnkey yet tailored solutions that scale with their needs, maximising throughput and system uptime, and accelerating the journey toward 100% inspection and zero defects, while staying future-proof for evolving manufacturing needs.”

For more information visit www.creaform3d.com

A new SIAS Level 2 Diploma in Bulk Storage Operations has officially launched, marking a major step forward in professional standards, safety and career development across the bulk storage sector.

Developed collaboratively by SIAS, Reynolds Training Services (RTS) and the Tank Storage Association (TSA) and its members, the qualification provides a structured pathway for learners entering or progressing within operational roles.

John Reynolds, managing director of Reynolds Training, said: “This qualification represents a key milestone for the bulk storage sector. By combining SIAS’s awarding expertise, TSA’s industry leadership – alongside its members’ industry knowledge – and our hands-on training experience, we’ve created a qualification that directly supports the delivery of safe, future-ready operations and enables the demonstration of competent performance. We’re proud to be shaping competence together, building the next generation of skilled operators and providing the foundation for a clear career pathway within the sector.”

The diploma equips learners with the fundamental knowledge and practical skills required to work safely and effectively in bulk storage facilities. Covering essential areas such as health, safety, environmental compliance, teamwork and emergency response, the qualification ensures that operators can meet the evolving demands of a critical national industry.

Aligned with SIAS’s regulated framework and the TSA’s ongoing work to promote excellence within the tank storage sector, the qualification forms a key part of the wider Shaping Competence Together initiative – connecting education, industry and safety leadership.

Steve Smith, managing director of SIAS, commented: “This qualification sets a new standard for skills in bulk storage operations. It combines essential technical knowledge with a strong focus on safety, sustainability, communication and teamwork, ensuring learners are fully prepared for the realities of a modern, fast-moving industry. This collaboration between SIAS, TSA and RTS exemplifies how partnership can drive real progress – combining deep sector expertise, innovative thinking and a shared vision for excellence in skills development. Together, we’re not just responding to industry needs – we’re helping to shape the future of bulk storage operations”.

Peter Davidson, chief executive of the Tank Storage Association, said: “The new Level 2 Diploma in Bulk Storage Operations supports the development of a skilled, confident, and adaptable workforce. The qualification is designed both for those seeking to begin a career in bulk storage operations and for existing professionals wishing to enhance their knowledge and skills to progress in their roles. It stands as a clear demonstration of our ongoing commitment to investing in people, talent, and the future of the bulk storage and energy infrastructure sector.”

Learners completing the diploma will gain a recognised Level 2 qualification that supports progression into bulk storage, process operations and related technical disciplines.

The launch of the SIAS Level 2 Diploma in Bulk Storage Operations marks an exciting moment for the industry, bringing together the best of industry expertise and educational innovation to build the skilled, adaptable workforce needed to power the sector’s future.

For more information visit www.siasuk.com , www.reynoldstraining.com or www.tankstorage.org.uk

Aptamus Carbon Solutions, a subsidiary of Overseas Shipholding Group, and Entr, the consultancy arm of Aker Solutions, have entered into an agreement for front-end engineering and design of CO2 terminals in Florida and Louisiana. Entr will conduct FEED for a temporary storage and liquefaction processing terminal at Port Tampa Bay in Tampa, Florida, and a discharge and regasification terminal at LBC Tank Terminals in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, supporting Aptamus’s CO2 maritime transport and storage programme, Carbon Ocean and Storage Transport 20 (COAST20).

COAST20 was selected for an award to be partially funded by the US Department of Energy. The programme includes design of a 20,000-tonne liquefied CO2 tank vessel which will be the first built in the United States, the Port Tampa Bay intermodal hub site collecting captured CO2 from emitters across Florida, and the LBC receiving port on the Mississippi River near Baton Rouge, adjacent to an existing dedicated CO2 pipeline system for delivery to permanent underground storage sites. Port Tampa Bay and LBC are partners in the COAST20 project.

Credit: Aptamus

Knut Egil Pedersen, vice president of hydrogen and CO2 at Aker Solutions, expressed excitement about bringing pioneering expertise in designing and building CO2 terminals and first-of-their-kind carbon removal projects to Florida. He stated that having advised on optimised solutions in early development phases, Entr will now execute these in a cost-effective, industrialised project environment, combining North American team expertise with global experience to support safe processing, storage, and transport of CO2 from Tampa Bay to Louisiana.

Jeffrey Ross Williams, president of Aptamus, stated that Aptamus has strategically expanded capabilities to offer Florida’s largest CO2 emitters a supply chain solution for safe and efficient removal of captured CO2 from the state. He characterised Entr’s development of the Port Tampa Bay hub and LBC Tank Terminals site as offering the ideal solution for managing captured CO2 in Florida. Williams noted that COAST20 will allow power generation companies to meet increasing electricity demand in Florida whilst managing carbon output to meaningfully impact the environment and human health.

The COAST20 programme addresses emerging requirements for CO2 transport and storage infrastructure supporting carbon capture deployment. Florida’s CO2 emitters lack proximate geological storage formations suitable for permanent sequestration, necessitating transport solutions connecting emission sources with suitable Gulf Coast storage sites.

The maritime transport approach utilises purpose-built liquefied CO2 carriers connecting Florida collection points with Louisiana delivery terminals adjacent to existing CO2 pipeline infrastructure. Port Tampa Bay serves as collection hub enabling aggregation of CO2 from multiple Florida sources, with temporary storage and liquefaction processing preparing CO2 for ship loading.

LBC Tank Terminals’ Baton Rouge location provides strategic positioning on the Mississippi River with existing liquid bulk storage infrastructure and proximity to established CO2 pipeline systems. The discharge and regasification terminal will receive liquefied CO2 from vessels, return it to a gaseous phase, and inject it into pipelines for delivery to permanent storage sites.

US Department of Energy funding support reflects federal policy priorities for carbon capture, utilisation, and storage infrastructure development. Aker Solutions’ experience in CO2 handling infrastructure from North Sea projects provides relevant technical expertise for COAST20.

FEED work establishes detailed technical specifications, equipment selections, process designs, safety systems, and cost estimates supporting final investment decisions. The project exemplifies emerging carbon management infrastructure connecting emission sources lacking proximate storage with suitable geological formations via multimodal transport, potentially establishing models for similar regional approaches addressing commercial-scale CCS deployment requirements.

For more information visit www.aptamus.com

SPX FLOW has announced a significant expansion of its global service network for its Pump Solutions business, growing from five to more than 30 certified or in-process Authorised Service Providers (ASPs). The initiative is designed to strengthen aftersales support for Johnson Pump and Bran+Luebbe equipment worldwide. Each ASP is carefully selected based on technical expertise, quality standards, strategic location, and strong customer relationships—particularly in regions with large installed bases but limited access to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) services.

“Authorised Service Providers are an essential extension of our service model,” said Stephanie White, vice president of aftermarket for Pump Solutions at SPX FLOW. “They give customers the confidence of OEM-quality repair and support, no matter where their operations are located. This investment helps us deliver faster response times, localised expertise, and consistent service standards worldwide.”

ASPs are trained and certified to the same standards as SPX FLOW service centre technicians, ensuring customers receive the same level of precision and reliability as they would from the company’s direct facilities in Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, India, and the United States.

Mark Tuinman, head of sales at Nordic Flow AS, one of the newly appointed providers, said: “Having direct contact with SPX FLOW pump experts provides the flexibility and responsiveness that are crucial when failures occur. The SPX FLOW team once hand-delivered critical parts to Norway to keep one of our projects on track. That’s real partnership.”

Many ASPs also maintain local inventory, enabling faster part fulfilment, improved regional inventory management, and reduced equipment downtime. SPX FLOW plans to further expand the ASP network in 2026 to enhance the availability of genuine parts, service expertise, and lifecycle support for customers around the world.

“There’s no better time to announce this expansion than during World Quality Week, as quality providers showcase SPX FLOW’s continued commitment to service excellence,” added White.

For more information visit: www.info.spxflow.com

UAB-Online, a leading platform in maritime logistics that unifies industry stakeholders, has announced a strategic partnership with Digital Port Agency Limited (DPA), headquartered in the United Arab Emirates. The collaboration marks a significant milestone in UAB-Online’s expansion into the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, which includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The partnership aims to enhance port logistics efficiency and promote operational excellence across the region.

Strategic Collaboration for Regional Growth
The partnership combines UAB-Online’s proven SaaS platform—renowned for optimising port logistics, safety, and compliance—with DPA’s strong regional presence, deep expertise in liquid bulk logistics, and established relationships across the GCC. Through this collaboration, UAB-Online will gain access to DPA’s extensive network in the UAE and the wider Gulf region, enabling the delivery of locally tailored, high-quality digital solutions.

More than a geographic expansion, the partnership represents a strategic entry for UAB-Online into one of the world’s fastest-evolving maritime and logistics hubs. As GCC nations continue to invest heavily in port infrastructure, digitalisation, and logistics innovation, the collaboration positions UAB-Online to support customers with advanced technologies that drive efficiency and sustainability.

“This partnership with Digital Port Agency marks a key moment for UAB-Online,” said Hans Bobeldijk, CEO of UAB-Online. “With DPA’s in-depth knowledge of port operations in the GCC and our technology, we are ready to deliver real value to maritime and logistics operators in the region. It’s an exciting step in our global journey.”

Frank de Leng, official reseller for UAB-Online in the GCC, added: “I see enormous potential in combining our technical capabilities with DPA’s regional expertise. Together, we will provide GCC customers with solutions designed for their unique challenges—enabling faster decision-making, improved efficiency, and more sustainable operations.”

For more information visit www.uab-online.com

Impala Terminals Group, a leading global operator of liquid and dry bulk storage infrastructure, has successfully completed the refinancing of its holding company through a US$225 million facility, complemented by a US$25 million bank guarantee line.

The facilities include a hybrid US private placement (USPP) and institutional loan structure, comprising both fixed and floating tranches. The financing consists of an initial US$175 million with an additional US$50 million in deferred funds available for drawdown no later than 31 December 2025.

In addition, the group secured a US$25 million bank guarantee line to further support its operations.

The refinancing attracted strong interest from a select group of existing investors, exceeding the required amount. Proceeds from the transaction will primarily be used to refinance existing borrowings and for general corporate purposes, strengthening Impala Terminals Group’s financial position as it continues to expand its global infrastructure footprint.

For more information visit www.impalaterminals.com

PSG®, an operating company of Dover Corporation, today announced that Cryogenic Machinery Corp. (“Cryo-Mach”) will transition from a standalone brand to a dedicated product line known as the CRYO-MACH Series under the Blackmer® portfolio. This strategic alignment expands the core competencies and capabilities of both brands while extending their reach and value to customers.

“Bringing the Cryo-Mach brand into the Blackmer portfolio as the CRYO-MACH Series is a natural next step in expanding our ability to solve critical fluid-handling challenges for customers,” said Chris Walsh, vice president of marketing and engineering. “We will continue the legacy of precise engineering and strict quality standards Cryo-Mach is known for – and deliver the CRYO-MACH Series with the trusted leadership that defines Blackmer.”

Founded in 1964, Cryo-Mach has built a global reputation for engineering mission-critical cryogenic centrifugal pumps, mechanical seals and accessories for cryogenic and industrial gas applications, including oxygen, argon and nitrogen. Customers across the market recognise Cryo-Mach for its unmatched product reliability, simple maintenance and responsive service.

Blackmer, founded in 1903, is one of the leading global providers of high-quality sliding vane pumps, internal gear pumps, centrifugal pumps, regenerative turbine pumps and reciprocating gas compressors. Known for helping customers solve complex pumping challenges with precision, the Blackmer history of innovation and excellence makes it the ideal home for the CRYO-MACH Series.

“This transition represents our commitment to expanding our core competencies and delivering greater value to customers across both cryogenic and non-cryogenic applications,” said Brian Battle, Vice President – Industrial Business Unit at PSG. “By aligning the Cryo-Mach legacy of cryogenic performance with the broad market expertise of Blackmer, PSG is better positioned to offer comprehensive solutions that address a wide range of liquified gas needs. This strategic move aligns with our long-term vision for PSG to be the most trusted and forward-thinking partner in the markets we serve.”

The CRYO-MACH Series will continue to be manufactured at the facility in North Hollywood, CA, USA. All Cryo-Mach products and marketing materials will be branded under the Blackmer name. There will be no changes to the existing product lineup, service capabilities or support resources.

For more information visit www.psgdover.com

INEOS has issued an urgent call for European politicians to make an “eleventh-hour” intervention to save the chemical industry. During a session addressing the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs, Rob Ingram, CEO of INEOS O&P Europe, outlined the critical challenges facing the sector and proposed immediate remedial actions.

Ingram emphasised that the chemical and plastics industry holds strategic importance for Europe, providing vital raw materials for virtually all value chains spanning medical and pharmaceutical, aerospace and transportation, food and agriculture, information technology, defence and security, and renewable energy sectors. However, he characterised the industry as being in crisis, with closures announced almost monthly. During 2023-2024 alone, more than 11 million tonnes of capacity has been announced for closure affecting 21 major sites across Europe.

Whilst acknowledging headwinds including low demand and global overcapacity, Ingram identified the key challenge as Europe’s loss of competitiveness compared to other regions. European producers face high electricity costs, high gas costs, and unique exposure to punitive CO₂ taxation. He illustrated this by noting that a typical cracker in Europe pays approximately €150 million more annually in gas, power, and CO₂ costs than an equivalent plant located on the US Gulf Coast, making European producers unable to compete effectively.

Compounding these challenges, Ingram noted that tariff changes between the EU and US support imports into Europe whilst simultaneously punishing European exports. He stated that bold action is needed immediately to maintain a viable European chemicals and plastics industry.

Ingram outlined required immediate actions including restoring competitive energy prices through removal of green levies and reduced grid fees; providing relief from carbon taxes with complete system restructuring; freezing Free Allocations at current levels; reducing CO₂ certificate prices; relaxing investment support rules at EU and Member State levels; introducing trade protections or compensation mechanisms; and reducing and simplifying regulations, particularly for SMEs.

Regarding funding, Ingram noted that the EU Innovation Fund contains approximately €40 billion, the EU Modernisation Fund has close to €60 billion available, and the EU-ETS scheme raises more than €40 billion annually. He argued these funds should be redirected and made fit-for-purpose, with selection criteria amended to support existing projects improving reliability, efficiency, competitiveness, or emissions—projects currently on hold due to affordability constraints.

Ingram justified intervention by noting chemicals and plastics represents Europe’s fourth-largest industry, employing more than 1 million people directly and another 5 million indirectly. Beyond employment, Europe possesses strength in innovation, requiring a functioning industrial ecosystem for development. Without intervention, investments and innovation will migrate overseas.

He cited the circular economy and blue hydrogen with carbon capture as examples requiring support. Chemical recycling complementing mechanical recycling needs technology-agnostic regulations supporting existing assets, market stimulation for circular products, and border enforcement of circular product standards matching domestic requirements. Blue hydrogen with carbon capture should be recognised as the most viable option for decarbonising existing chemical production assets, whilst green hydrogen remains too expensive beyond niche applications.

Ingram warned that the current path leads to decarbonisation through deindustrialisation—a lose-lose scenario where Europe loses jobs, income, and strategic independence whilst global emissions actually increase as production moves to territories with lower emissions standards, with products then shipped back to Europe. He stated that the first and only measure of success that matters currently is decisive action before year-end, before it becomes too late to preserve the European chemical industry.

For more information visit www.ineos.com