VTTI Malaysia (ATB) has been named the National Winner of the HSE Excellence Award 2024 in the Tank Storage category.

Chosen from among 676 entries across 29 categories, the award recognises the company’s strong commitment to health, safety, and sustainability, while celebrating the people and culture that make safety a core value at VTTI Malaysia.

Senior vice president of Safety and Sustainability, Margit Blok, commented: “This award is a fantastic recognition of the hard work and passion of our VTTI Malaysia team. You have shown what it truly means to live our values, making safety an integral part of everything we do. Thank you for leading by example and setting new standards for safety excellence within our industry.”

VTTI Malaysia extends its congratulations to the entire team for this remarkable achievement. The company celebrates this milestone with pride and gratitude, reaffirming its ongoing commitment to building a safer, stronger, and more sustainable future.

For more information visit www.vtti.com

Santos has reported strong financial and operational performance across its global portfolio, highlighting continued reliability and growth in key assets. PNG LNG achieved an annualised run rate of 8.6 Mtpa during the quarter, supported by more than 98 percent facility reliability, while Santos-operated PNG gas facilities maintained over 99 percent uptime at the Hides Central Processing Facility. In Western Australia, domestic gas production rose 8 percent year-to-date, aided by exceptional performance at Halyard-2 and Varanus Island. GLNG production averaged 711 TJ per day, with record daily output from the Roma field and ongoing field development at Scotia and Fairview. Cooper Basin production continued to recover following earlier flood disruptions, and the Moomba Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) project safely stored over 1.3 million tonnes of CO₂-equivalent in its first year.

Key project milestones were also achieved. Barossa LNG began its production operations phase after first gas was introduced to the BW Opal FPSO, with first LNG shipment expected in the fourth quarter of 2025. The Darwin LNG facility successfully completed its life extension project, while Pikka Phase 1 in Alaska reached more than 95 percent completion, achieving record well lengths and positioning the project for first oil in early 2026. Santos also advanced its sustainability and partnerships agenda, securing a mid-term LNG supply deal with QatarEnergy Trading LLC, signing MOUs with ENGIE, Orica, and Narrabri Shire Council for domestic gas supply, and achieving an ESG score of 61 from S&P Global, placing it among the top 10 percent of global peers.

CEO Kevin Gallagher said the company’s strong results reflect the resilience of its diversified portfolio and disciplined operating model. With approximately 1.4 billion dollars in free cash flow generated from operations so far this year, Santos is positioned for strong shareholder returns as Barossa LNG and Pikka Phase 1 come online. Gallagher emphasised the company’s focus on safety, operational excellence, and cost efficiency, noting that Barossa and Pikka are expected to boost overall production by around 30 percent by 2027.

For more information visit www.santos.com

Gpi Tanks Poland has delivered seven stainless steel tanks to Zuivelhoeve as part of a modernisation project designed to make the Dutch dairy producer’s facility future-proof. The project aims to improve product quality while supporting the company’s growth plans. Zuivelhoeve, a family-owned business from Twekkelo known for its traditional custard, yoghurt, and dessert products, has invested in a new production area equipped with Gpi’s stainless steel tanks to meet rising market demand and maintain high industry standards.

According to Alfons Schuurmans, manager of technology and Projects at Zuivelhoeve, the expansion was driven by the company’s acquisition of Boermarke’s conventional dairy products, which required increased production capacity and updated production methods. The new tanks, designed with water-saving nozzles for CIP cleaning, enable higher volumes while meeting stringent quality and sustainability requirements.

Gpi Tanks Poland was selected for the project following a tender process, with Zuivelhoeve citing Gpi’s professionalism, expertise, and extensive experience in the dairy industry as key factors. The company handled the engineering, manufacturing, and delivery of the tanks, which were transported in two phases from Poland and installed by Gpi Tanks Netherlands. Despite some early communication challenges, both parties praised the smooth installation and strong cooperation. The delivery marks a major step in upgrading Zuivelhoeve’s facilities to modern standards, ensuring the company is well positioned for future growth and innovation.

For more information visit www.gpi-tanks.com

Wärtsilä Gas Solutions, part of technology group Wärtsilä, has been contracted to deliver a biogas upgrading plant to Danish renewable energy solutions provider Bigadan AS. The plant will enhance the efficiency and utility of biogas as a renewable energy source, with the capacity to upgrade 6,000 normal cubic metres per hour of raw biogas. The order with Wärtsilä was booked in the third quarter of 2025.

The project represents a significant step in scaling up biogas production and utilisation in Denmark, making an important contribution to the country’s green transition. The biogas upgrading plant will be located at Bigadan’s facility in Horsens, Denmark.

Wärtsilä’s biogas upgrading technology is based on amine scrubber technology, allowing efficient and effective upgrading of biogas to meet Danish national gas grid standards. Casper Krog Hansen, project manager at Bigadan AS, and Christian A. Tidmarsh, business development manager at Bigadan AS, stated the company’s commitment to supporting the green transition, noting that Wärtsilä’s upgrading solution will add momentum to these efforts. They characterised biogas as having huge potential as a sustainable energy solution, aligning with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote cleaner energy sources.

The Wärtsilä PuregasCA solution is expected to achieve full operation, delivering upgraded gas to the Danish national grid, in the third quarter of 2026. Wärtsilä’s scope includes installation and commissioning of the plant.

Goran Gajski, sales manager for Biogas at Wärtsilä Gas Solutions, commented that integration of biomass and biogas alongside wind and solar represents an important element in creating holistic energy strategies, with the collaboration between Wärtsilä and Bigadan contributing significantly to this approach. He noted that the innovative technology delivered is based on vast experience and deep in-house expertise, with Wärtsilä’s solid reputation and track record representing important considerations in the contract award.

Denmark has established itself as a leader in biogas utilisation, with supportive policy frameworks encouraging conversion of agricultural and organic waste into renewable energy. The upgrading plant will process raw biogas produced from organic materials, removing carbon dioxide and other impurities to produce biomethane meeting pipeline quality standards. This upgraded biogas can be injected into the national gas grid, providing a renewable alternative to natural gas for heating, power generation, and transportation applications.

The amine scrubber technology employed by Wärtsilä utilises chemical absorption to separate carbon dioxide from methane, achieving high methane purity levels required for grid injection whilst enabling capture of separated CO₂ for potential utilisation or sequestration. The 6,000 Nm³/h capacity represents substantial throughput suitable for large-scale biogas production facilities serving regional energy requirements.

For more information visit www.wartsila.com

TGS, a leading provider of energy data and intelligence, has announced the award of an Ocean Bottom Node (OBN) acquisition contract in the Gulf of America. The 4D monitor survey is scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of 2025, with an expected duration of around four and a half months. The contract was not included in the booked position disclosed in TGS’ Q2 2025 presentation.

The project strengthens TGS’ position in the Gulf of America, which remains a core market for its OBN operations. The company continues to expand its portfolio of advanced seismic solutions, supporting clients in improving reservoir understanding and production efficiency across key offshore regions.

Kristian Johansen, CEO of TGS, expressed satisfaction with securing the contract for a repeat IOC customer. He noted that the client values TGS’ OBN technology and its strong track record of project execution and timely delivery. The survey is expected to provide high-quality data and insights to help optimise production at one of the customer’s most productive offshore facilities.

For more information visit www.tgs.com

Koloma has been awarded Petroleum Service Contracts No. 83 and No. 84 for natural hydrogen exploration in Central Luzon during a contract signing ceremony at Malacañang Palace. The ceremony was presided over by president Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., with secretary of Energy Sharon S. Garin, secretary of Environment and Natural Resources Raphael P. M. Lotilla, and undersecretary of Energy Alessandro O. Sales officiating. U.S. ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay L. Carlson attended the proceedings.

Historic Competitive Bid Round

The awards represent the result of the first competitive bid round for natural hydrogen, marking a historic moment on the global stage for the Philippines. The contracts establish a framework for Koloma to conduct exploration activities targeting naturally occurring hydrogen resources in the Central Luzon region.

Presidential Recognition

President Marcos lauded the first hydrogen exploration contracts during the ceremony, framing them as signalling the Philippines’ readiness to lead in sustainable innovation. Koloma expressed full support for this national objective as it mobilises its exploration programme in Central Luzon.

Company Statement and Strategic Vision

Tim Chisholm, Koloma’s chief exploration and operations officer, extended deep appreciation to the Philippines Department of Energy and the Office of the President for their leadership, professionalism, and science-based framework enabling the contract awards. He characterised the Philippines as representing a world-class hydrogen exploration opportunity that could impact the entire Asia-Pacific energy landscape.

Chisholm stated that a commercial discovery of natural hydrogen would transform the Philippines into a global hub for clean, low-carbon primary energy, ushering in a new era of national energy prosperity and security. Koloma expressed commitment to a long and productive partnership with the government and people of the Philippines, led by the Department of Energy and president Marcos’s administration.

Natural Hydrogen Exploration Context

Natural or native hydrogen refers to naturally occurring hydrogen gas generated through geological processes, as distinct from manufactured hydrogen produced through industrial processes such as steam methane reforming or electrolysis. Geological hydrogen can accumulate in subsurface reservoirs through various natural mechanisms, potentially providing primary energy sources requiring minimal processing.

The Philippines’ establishment of a competitive bid framework for natural hydrogen exploration positions the country among the first jurisdictions globally to create regulatory structures specifically addressing this emerging resource category. As interest in hydrogen as a clean energy carrier intensifies globally, identification of naturally occurring hydrogen deposits could provide cost advantages compared to manufactured hydrogen requiring substantial energy inputs.

Strategic Importance for Energy Security

For the Philippines, domestic hydrogen resources could enhance energy security by reducing dependence on imported fuels whilst providing clean energy supporting decarbonisation objectives. The archipelagic nation currently imports substantial portions of its energy requirements, creating vulnerability to international price volatility and supply disruptions.

Commercial natural hydrogen discoveries would establish indigenous primary energy resources supporting domestic power generation, industrial applications, and potentially hydrogen export opportunities to regional markets pursuing decarbonisation pathways. The Central Luzon location provides proximity to major population centres and industrial areas, potentially facilitating resource development and utilisation.

For more information visit www.koloma.com

Liquin has reaffirmed its commitment to long-term collaboration by signing a three-year contract with ALFA Piping & Mechanical, its trusted maintenance partner across all three Liquin terminals. The partnership is built on shared values of safety, open communication, and a solution-driven approach.

Earlier this year, ALFA Piping & Mechanical played a key role in the successful upgrade of tank pit 18 at Liquin’s Botlek terminal. The project, which involved the installation of new steam and nitrogen systems, was completed within a challenging timeframe thanks to the coordinated efforts of ALFA and other contractors.

“ALFA Piping & Mechanical is a multi-skilled partner we can rely on for both day-to-day maintenance and large-scale projects,” said Marcel van Ginneken, Project Manager at Liquin. “They are always available, quick to grasp our requirements, and consistently deliver high-quality work that saves us valuable time.”

Through this partnership, Liquin and ALFA are continuing to ensure operational excellence and reliability across Liquin’s terminals, supporting long-term performance and sustainable growth.

For more information visit www.liquin.com

Equinor and its partners ExxonMobil Brasil, Petrogal Brasil (JV Galp|Sinopec) and Pré-sal Petróleo SA (PPSA) have commenced production from the Bacalhau field in Brazil. With recoverable reserves exceeding 1 billion barrels of oil equivalent (boe), Bacalhau is the largest international offshore field developed by Equinor to date.

“The safe start-up of Bacalhau marks an important step for Equinor. The field represents a new generation of developments that combine scale, cost-efficiency, and lower carbon intensity. This project strengthens the long-term foundation of our oil and gas portfolio and supports continued value creation for decades ahead,” said Anders Opedal, president and CEO of Equinor.

Anders Opedal (left), president and CEO of Equinor, Geir Tungesvik, executive vice president, Projects, Drilling and Procurement, and Philippe Mathieu, executive vice president for Exploration and Production International

Photos: Ole Jørgen Bratland / Equinor

Located in the pre-salt region of Brazil’s Santos Basin, Bacalhau lies in ultra-deep waters exceeding 2,000 metres. The field includes one of the world’s most advanced Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessels (FPSO), measuring 370 metres in length and 64 metres in width, with a production capacity of 220,000 barrels of oil per day.

Phase 1 of the development comprises 19 production and injection wells, which will be brought online in stages as output increases. Equinor expects to provide an operational update in 2026 during the ramp-up phase.

“Around 70 million hours of work have been completed with strong safety performance throughout the project. I want to thank our partners, suppliers and employees for their contribution in bringing Bacalhau into production. Given its scale, depth and low-carbon profile, Bacalhau demonstrates our technical strength and capability to deliver complex international projects,” said Geir Tungesvik, executive vice president, Projects, Drilling and Procurement.

The Bacalhau FPSO incorporates combined-cycle gas turbine (CCGT) technology to reduce carbon emissions. With an expected CO₂ intensity of around 9 kg per boe and advanced measures across flaring, processing, power generation and storage, the field establishes a new standard for efficient, lower-emission deepwater production.

“Brazil is a core region for Equinor, and Bacalhau will play a key role in helping us achieve more than 5 billion dollars in free cash flow by 2030 from our international portfolio. The development will also contribute to Brazil’s economy, supporting around 50,000 jobs over its 30-year lifespan,” said Philippe Mathieu, Executive Vice President for Exploration and Production International.

MODEC, the FPSO contractor, will operate the vessel during the initial phase. Equinor plans to assume operational responsibility for the Bacalhau facilities for the remainder of the licence period.

For more information visit www.equinor.com

BWC Terminals has demonstrated its commitment to transparency and improved resilience, efficiency, and performance by participating in the 2025 GRESB Infrastructure Assessment. The company achieved a 5-star GRESB rating for sustainability performance, a distinction awarded to only 20 percent of organisations participating in the annual benchmark review.

Assessment Coverage and Performance

The annual GRESB assessment provides insights into companies’ sustainability initiatives, covering critical areas including energy and water efficiency, carbon emissions, environmental management, stakeholder engagement, governance, and health and safety.

BWC excelled in several assessment areas, ranking first in overall management and management in energy resource storage. The company also received a near-perfect score for its environmental, social, and governance initiatives, demonstrating comprehensive performance across the evaluation framework.

Industry Context and Participation

The GRESB Assessments are guided by what investors and the industry consider the most material issues in asset investment performance, aligned with international reporting frameworks, goals, and emerging regulations. This year’s participation in GRESB Infrastructure Assessments remained stable and consistent with last year’s record levels, despite ongoing market uncertainty and geopolitical challenges. A total of 186 managers, including 19 new participants, completed 805 assessments across the Fund, Asset, and Development Asset categories.

Leadership Perspective

Adam Smith, CEO of BWC Terminals, expressed honour at receiving the GRESB 5-star rating in the 2025 Infrastructure Assessment. He stated that the achievement reflects the team’s dedication to transparency, strong governance, and operational excellence. Smith emphasised that the recognition demonstrates ongoing investments in sustainable practices and resilient infrastructure are making meaningful impact not only for the company but for customers, partners, key stakeholders, and the communities served.

Investor Utilisation and Market Impact

GRESB data is utilised by hundreds of capital providers and thousands of asset managers to benchmark investments across portfolios and better understand opportunities, risks, and choices shaping the market. The standardised assessment framework enables comparative evaluation of sustainability performance across infrastructure assets and operators globally.

Sebastien Roussotte, Chief Executive Officer of GRESB, stated that GRESB participants are demonstrating that responsible investing represents more than a mandate, constituting a measurable, data-driven pathway to long-term value and trust.

Strategic Significance for BWC Terminals

The 5-star rating validates BWC Terminals’ strategic approach to integrating sustainability considerations into business operations and decision-making processes. For infrastructure operators in the energy storage and terminal sectors, strong ESG performance increasingly influences investor appetite, cost of capital, and competitive positioning.

Terminal operators face expectations regarding environmental performance, including emissions management, energy efficiency, and environmental risk mitigation, alongside social responsibility dimensions encompassing health and safety, labour practices, and community engagement. Governance evaluation examines organisational structures, policies, transparency, and risk management frameworks supporting sustainable operations.

BWC’s top ranking in management categories indicates excellence in strategic planning, policy implementation, stakeholder engagement, and performance monitoring systems that drive continuous improvement across ESG dimensions. The near-perfect ESG score demonstrates comprehensive integration of sustainability principles throughout operations.

Terminal Sector Context

Energy resource storage terminals perform critical functions in supply chains for petroleum products, chemicals, gases, and renewable fuels. These facilities face growing scrutiny regarding environmental performance, safety management, and contribution to energy transition objectives as stakeholders increasingly evaluate infrastructure compatibility with decarbonisation pathways.

Terminal operators investing in emissions reduction technologies, energy efficiency improvements, safety enhancements, and operational transparency strengthen competitive positioning whilst addressing evolving stakeholder expectations. GRESB assessment participation provides a structured framework for measuring progress, identifying improvement opportunities, and communicating performance to investors and stakeholders.

For more information visit www.bwcterminals.com

Square Robot, Inc., a global leader in robotic tank inspections, developed its newest high temperature inspection robot, the SR-3HT, formally receiving the NEC/CEC Class I Division 2 (C1D2) certification. The SR-3HT is now commercially available and capable of inspecting aboveground storage tanks where the product storage temperatures range from -10℃ to 55℃ (14℉ to 131℉).

The C1D2 certification was issued by FM Approvals, a third-party Nationally Recognised Test Lab, confirming the system safe for use in hazardous locations. This certification and the expanded capabilities of the SR-3HT provides a solution to tank owners needing onstream robotic tank inspections for tanks with products stored at elevated temperatures sitting outside of Square Robot’s previous operating range: 0℃ to 40℃ (32℉ to 104℉).

“Our Engineering team developed the SR-3HT in response to significant client demand in both the US and international markets. We frequently encounter higher temperatures due to both elevated process temperatures and high ambient temperatures, especially in the hotter regions of the world, such as the Middle East. The SR-3HT employs both active and passive cooling technology, greatly expanding our operating envelope. A great job done (again!) by our Engineers delivering world leading technology in record time.” – David Lamont, chief executive officer

The SR-3HT builds on a growing portfolio of robotic excellence at Square Robot as the seventh certified model variant. Beginning with the C1D2 SR-1 inspection robot, followed by the SR-3 robot and the Side Launcher system – certified to C1D1 earlier this year, Square Robot is proud to continually expand its robotic fleet.

For more information visit www.squarerobot.com

UAB-Online, the industry-leading platform for maritime logistics that unifies stakeholders across the supply chain, has announced a new 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 — encompassing Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates — and aims to enhance efficiency and operational excellence within port logistics.

The partnership will combine the strengths of both organisations: UAB-Online’s proven SaaS platform for optimising port logistics, safety, and compliance, and DPA’s extensive regional presence, expertise in liquid bulk logistics, and established relationships throughout the GCC. Through this alliance, UAB-Online will gain access to DPA’s extensive network across the UAE and the wider Gulf region.

For UAB-Online, this partnership represents more than just geographical growth — it is a strategic move into one of the world’s most dynamic maritime and logistics markets. The GCC continues to invest heavily in port infrastructure, digitalisation, and logistics innovation. By collaborating with DPA, UAB-Online strengthens its ability to deliver locally tailored digital solutions while maintaining its global standards of quality, safety, and technological innovation.

“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 across 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 of UAB-Online in the GCC region, added: “There is enormous potential in combining our technical expertise with DPA’s understanding of the regional market. Together, we will ensure that GCC customers benefit from tailored solutions that support faster decision-making, greater efficiency, and more sustainable operations.”

The partnership between UAB-Online and DPA reinforces both organisations’ shared commitment to advancing digital transformation within the maritime sector and supporting the GCC’s broader ambitions for innovation and sustainability in port logistics.

For more information visit www.uab-online.com

JERA Co., Inc., Japan’s largest power producer, has announced the signing of a Strategic Partnering Agreement with the Office of the Governor of the State of Hawai’i to support Hawai’i’s decarbonisation goals and energy transition.

Agreement Structure and Objectives

The Strategic Partnering Agreement was signed on 6 October 2025 at JERA’s Tokyo headquarters by Governor Josh Green and JERA Global CEO Yukio Kani, marking a new phase in Hawai’i-Japan collaboration on energy partnership and future-orientated development. The agreement establishes a framework for long-term collaboration amongst JERA Co., Inc., its US subsidiary JERA Americas Inc., and the State of Hawai’i, focusing on fuel diversity and developing pathways towards decarbonisation.

Policy Context and Study Implementation

The partnership is designed to help realise the Hawai’i State Energy Office’s Alternative Fuels, Repowering and Energy Transition Study, published in January 2025. The study concluded that in the short term, the state should accelerate its shift away from oil by utilising affordable and reliable alternative fuels, including natural gas.

Leadership Perspectives

Governor Josh Green stated that the State of Hawai’i is committed to achieving a cleaner, more sustainable energy future for residents. He characterised collaboration with JERA—Japan’s largest power producer and recognised global leader in energy transition—as providing access to valuable expertise and experience that will help accelerate the state’s decarbonisation journey whilst improving reliability and affordability for residents.

Yukio Kani, Global CEO of JERA Co., Inc., expressed honour at partnering with the State of Hawai’i in advancing energy transition goals. He noted that as island communities, Japan and Hawai’i share similar challenges and opportunities in pursuing affordability, stability, and sustainability. Kani stated that through collaboration, the parties aim to develop practical, innovative solutions strengthening energy resilience and reducing costs for the people of Hawai’i.

JERA Capabilities and Commitments

JERA brings extensive experience in the development and operation of large-scale, reliable energy infrastructure worldwide, with a growing focus on low-carbon fuels, hydrogen, ammonia, and renewable energy integration. The company has committed to achieving net-zero CO₂ emissions from its domestic and international operations by 2050, as part of its mission to provide cutting-edge solutions to global energy challenges and ensure a sustainable and stable global energy supply.

Company Background

JERA is a global energy leader and Japan’s largest power generation company, focused on providing cutting-edge solutions to global energy issues. Established in 2015, the company produces one-third of Japan’s electricity and ranks as one of the world’s largest LNG buyers. JERA maintains global reach and strength throughout the energy supply chain, from participation in LNG upstream projects and fuel procurement through fuel transportation to power generation.

Strategic Alignment and Island Context

The partnership reflects shared challenges faced by island energy systems, including limited indigenous energy resources, dependence on imported fuels, geographic isolation from continental energy infrastructure, and vulnerability to supply disruptions. Both Hawai’i and Japan pursue energy security objectives whilst addressing decarbonisation commitments and maintaining affordability for consumers and businesses.

Hawai’i’s current heavy reliance on petroleum products for power generation creates cost pressures and carbon intensity challenges. Diversification to natural gas and other alternative fuels provides a transitional pathway reducing emissions and potentially lowering costs compared to petroleum whilst enabling integration of increasing renewable energy capacity.

Energy Transition Pathways

The Strategic Partnering Agreement framework enables exploration of multiple decarbonisation pathways appropriate to Hawai’i’s circumstances. JERA’s expertise in LNG infrastructure development, ammonia and hydrogen as potential future fuels, and integration of renewable energy with thermal generation addresses technical challenges in transitioning island power systems.

Natural gas infrastructure development in Hawai’i would require solutions for LNG import, storage, and distribution suited to island scale and geography. JERA’s experience with LNG projects globally, including smaller-scale infrastructure serving island and remote markets, provides relevant capabilities for Hawai’i’s requirements.

For more information visit www.jera.co.jp

Exolum, Europe’s leading energy logistics company, has announced a £4.5 million investment to create the UK’s first independent sustainable aviation fuel blending facility at Redcliffe Bay in south-west England, forming part of plans for a UK-wide network of SAF blending hubs.

Policy Context and Strategic Timing

The announcement coincides with the progress of the UK’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel Bill, which establishes new subsidies for SAF production, through its next parliamentary stage. SAF is a ‘drop-in’ biofuel blended with conventional aviation fuel and used in aircraft without modification to reduce carbon emissions from flying.

By blending customers’ SAF into Exolum’s national aviation fuel pipeline network, the investment will boost green aviation fuel supplies to airports across southern England and Wales, including Heathrow, Gatwick, Bristol, Exeter, and Cardiff.

SAF Superhighway Network

Exolum has announced that the Redcliffe Bay facility will serve as the first location in a planned UK-wide network of SAF blending hubs integrated within its 2,000-kilometre pipeline network, creating a SAF Superhighway. This infrastructure will provide SAF producers and importers with market access to jet fuel supply for 40% of flights departing UK airports.

Expected to become operational from 2026, the initial investment at Redcliffe Bay will support the greening of the equivalent of up to 64,741 flights annually from London to New York, reinforcing the UK’s position as a global leader in green aviation.

Infrastructure and Operations

Unblended SAF will initially be delivered by ships to Bristol’s Royal Portbury Dock before transportation to Exolum’s Redcliffe Bay site via pipeline. The fuel will be stored and blended on-site with conventional aviation fuel to create ready-to-use ‘drop-in’ fuel, subsequently distributed through Exolum’s national pipeline system.

The project encompasses several infrastructure upgrades to Exolum’s existing aviation fuel pipeline storage and pumping station at Redcliffe Bay, located on the banks of the Severn Estuary near Bristol. The plans include conversion of existing aviation fuel storage tanks to handle SAF before blending with conventional aviation fuel, installation of state-of-the-art SAF blending infrastructure within existing tanks ensuring correct technical standards, and modification of existing systems through installation of new pumps, filtration systems, and segregation valves to circulate SAF between storage tanks and pump into the pipeline network.

Market Access for Producers

The plans will enable long-term green investment in SAF production plants across the UK, particularly in south-west England and southern Wales, by providing a crucial independent route to market for when facilities become operational later this decade. This infrastructure development addresses a critical gap in the SAF supply chain, where production capacity must be matched with distribution capabilities.

Leadership Perspectives

Stephen Land, Exolum North West Europe Lead, stated that Exolum’s investment at Redcliffe Bay transforms UK ambitions for greener flights into reality whilst helping secure the country’s world-leading position at the forefront of global sustainable aviation. He noted that the UK’s twin commitments to airport expansion and increasing SAF supplies have proved crucial, expressing anticipation for supporting both greener aviation and growth of the UK’s sustainable fuels industry.

Keir Mather MP, UK Department for Transport Aviation Minister, expressed enthusiasm regarding the rollout of Exolum’s SAF network, characterising it as supporting regional jobs across the country and representing another major vote of confidence in government SAF policies, including the SAF Bill, which has returned to Parliament for a third reading. He noted that the government is investing £63 million to support homegrown SAF production, which, alongside the mandate to increase SAF supply in aviation fuel to UK flights, will drive demand for greener fuels and support UK employment.

Sadik Al Hassan MP, sustainable aviation champion and Member of Parliament for North Somerset, characterised Exolum’s £4.5 million investment as marking significant progress for North Somerset, supporting new technical jobs across the sustainable aviation supply chain in south-west England whilst advancing UK leadership in green aviation. He described the vision for a sustainable aviation fuel ‘superhighway’ linking delivery hubs to where green fuel is needed most across the country, making the region more attractive for green investment in sustainable fuel production and signalling that the green transition is actively occurring.

Dave Lees, CEO of Bristol Airport, expressed satisfaction with investment in the region, noting that blending facilities represent a vital component of the future SAF supply chain required to decarbonise aviation. He stated the airport’s commitment to working with airline customers to meet the UK’s SAF mandate as part of aims to achieve net zero status by 2050.

Industry Impact and Carbon Reduction

The facility addresses growing demand for SAF as aviation pursues decarbonisation objectives whilst maintaining operational growth. SAF offers carbon emission reductions compared to conventional jet fuel through the utilisation of renewable feedstocks, with lifecycle emissions reductions varying based on feedstock sources and production pathways.

The ‘drop-in’ nature of SAF enables use in existing aircraft and infrastructure without modifications, distinguishing it from alternative aviation fuels requiring dedicated aircraft designs or substantial infrastructure changes. This compatibility facilitates immediate deployment and scaling as production capacity expands.

Regional Economic Development

The investment supports the development of sustainable aviation fuel supply chains in southwest England and Wales, potentially attracting additional investment in SAF production facilities seeking access to distribution infrastructure. Regional economic benefits include construction employment during facility modifications, ongoing operational positions, and broader supply chain development as the SAF sector expands.

Exolum’s establishment of the UK’s first independent SAF blending facility positions the company as an infrastructure enabler for aviation decarbonisation whilst creating market access pathways for emerging SAF producers seeking to commercialise production capacity serving UK aviation demand.

For more information visit www.exolum.com

On 30 September 2025, Italian company Gerotto obtained IECEx international certification for its tank cleaning system. The company was accompanied throughout the process by Tuv Sud. IECEx is a voluntary certification scheme that aims to verify the conformity of equipment, services and personnel intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres (ATEX/Ex).

Gerotto has been designing, manufacturing and selling robotic solutions for industrial and tank cleaning worldwide for over 20 years, and this is an important milestone in the company’s engineering innovation journey. Gerotto products have been ATEX Zone 0 certified for many years, and the achievement of IECEX certification allows for an even stronger position in non-European markets and guarantees increasingly high safety standards for customers and asset owners.

‘IECEx certification,’ comments Alberto Feletto, the company’s technical and R&D manager, “is an important part of Gerotto’s industrial plan, which envisages a significant acceleration in certifications and patents for the product. For years, the company has focused on a rigorous approach to safety, aiming for certification of every component in its wide range of robotic solutions. We believe this is the right way to support our customers’ growth and increase safety in the sector.”

The certificate can be downloaded from the IECEX database, www.iecex.com

 For more information visit www.gerotto.it

OCI Global and VICTROL have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly develop a safe, scalable, and commercially viable supply chain for clean ammonia bunkering in the Netherlands and Belgium. The strategic partnership represents a significant milestone in advancing the decarbonisation of the maritime industry.

Under the terms of the collaboration, OCI’s subsidiary, OCI Ammonia Distribution B.V., will lead the sourcing and import of clean ammonia – both blue and green – from key global production hubs in the United States, the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia. The ammonia will be transported by sea-going vessels to OCI’s Terminal Europoort (OTE) in the Port of Rotterdam, where it will be safely stored, distributed, and made available as marine fuel.

From left to right Peter Maes (Victrol), Matthijs van Doorn (Port of Rotterdam) and Aviv Bar Tal (OCI)

OCI is simultaneously building partnerships with a growing network of shipowners and end-users who plan to adopt ammonia as a clean fuel for their fleets.

VICTROL will design, build, and operate a liquid ammonia bunker barge, which will load refrigerated ammonia at OCI’s terminal and deliver it directly to ships in port, as well as to inland industrial off-takers. With decades of experience in barging and bunkering operations, VICTROL will ensure safe and reliable last-mile delivery to vessels using ammonia as a low- or zero-carbon fuel.

Through OTE, OCI operates the only independent large-scale ammonia import terminal in the Port of Rotterdam. The port’s strategic location provides an essential link between overseas supply and European demand, helping to address the continent’s anticipated hydrogen shortfall. With permits secured to expand OTE’s storage capacity from 30,000 to 90,000 metric tonnes, and throughput of up to two million tonnes per year in line with rising market demand, OCI is positioning Rotterdam as Europe’s leading hub for clean ammonia distribution and storage.

Both companies are working closely with the Port of Rotterdam and relevant authorities to ensure that all necessary safety and regulatory frameworks are in place. The partnership builds upon the port’s first-ever successful ammonia ship-to-ship bunkering pilot, completed in April 2025 — a key milestone that advanced Rotterdam’s readiness for ammonia fuel to level seven under the International Port Readiness framework.

Aviv Bar Tal, global vice president at OCI

“Ammonia is essential to the energy transition – the most scalable, policy-backed, and commercially viable clean hydrogen solution available today. The unparalleled combination of OCI’s expansive sourcing network, proprietary import terminal and valuable end-user partnerships, with VICTROL’s unique expertise in bunkering infrastructure, is creating Europe’s first end-to-end ammonia fuel supply chain. Together, we are proud to be positioning Rotterdam as the leading global hub for clean ammonia and maritime decarbonization.”

Matthijs van Doorn, vice president commercial at Port of Rotterdam Authority

“The port of Rotterdam is preparing for a multi-fuel future to decarbonize global shipping, with ammonia as one of the future fuels. It is great to see this strategic partnership develop after the successful ammonia bunkering pilot in April 2025, where both OCI and Victrol also played an important role. Such collaborations are instrumental to create safe and sustainable supply chains and are key for Rotterdam to advance its preparedness for ammonia bunkering.”

Driving Europe’s clean energy transition
Ammonia is rapidly emerging as one of the most scalable and investable clean hydrogen carriers and maritime fuels. It has been safely produced, transported, and traded globally for decades, providing a strong foundation for its use in the energy transition. As new blue and green ammonia production capacity comes online, these low-carbon molecules can be integrated seamlessly into existing infrastructure and global supply chains, enabling their adoption as a clean fuel for the next generation of vessels.

Supported by regulatory momentum from FuelEU Maritime and the International Maritime Organization’s Net Zero targets, ammonia is set to play a central role in decarbonising the maritime sector and driving Europe’s clean energy future.

For more information visit www.oci-global.com

Gill Instruments, an award-winning designer and manufacturer of meteorological and environmental measurement equipment, has announced the launch of the MaxiMet GMX552, the first compact weather station to integrate a black globe sensor for heat stress monitoring, providing highly accurate real-time data.

Climate Context and Health Impact

Extreme heat events are becoming more frequent, longer-lasting, and more intense. The World Meteorological Organization notes that extreme heatwaves in 2003 and 2010 were responsible for 80 percent of weather-related deaths in Europe between 1970 and 2019, whilst its State of the Climate in Asia 2024 confirms the region is experiencing a warming trend almost double the global average.

Consequently, businesses and governments are increasingly implementing measures to protect citizens and workforces through legislation and health and safety programmes requiring reliable heat stress condition measurements.

Technical Specifications and Standards Compliance

Developed and built in accordance with ISO 7243:2017, the international heat stress measurement standard, the MaxiMet GMX552 measures black globe temperature, wind speed and direction, temperature, humidity, and pressure with optional GPS capability.

Notably, Gill’s compact weather station offers an optional wet bulb sensor, enabling highly accurate, real-time calculation of wet bulb globe temperature from direct measurement of environmental conditions.

Enhanced Heat Stress Assessment

Mathew Middleton, Product Manager at Gill Research & Development, commented that using only the heat index is often insufficient, as it doesn’t reflect the real impact heat has on workers or athletes. In comparison, WBGT represents a more reliable heat stress indicator, accounting for additional parameters including temperature, humidity, wind speed, sun angle, and solar radiation (cloud cover), providing a more accurate assessment.

Middleton explained that the MaxiMet GMX552 has been designed to address these challenges: by providing Wet Bulb Globe Temperature data accurately and in real time, organisations can take protective actions quickly, reducing risks of illness or fatal accidents whilst maintaining safety, performance, and productivity.

Design and Application Suitability

The MaxiMet GMX552 is characterised as a high-quality, extensively tested and certified solid-state sensor, easy to set up, install, and integrate with other systems. With robust, low-maintenance design and options for battery or solar power operation, Gill’s heat stress solution suits outdoor applications with potential extreme heat sources, including agriculture, construction sites, military training grounds, smart city developments, infrastructure and transport maintenance, or leisure and sport venues such as stadiums and Olympic parks.

Strategic Market Positioning

Luke Perkins, chief product officer, stated that with more frequent and intense heatwaves, proactive heat stress monitoring proves crucial for ensuring people’s safety across multiple sectors. He noted that the MaxiMet GMX552 provides an integrated solution for businesses, governments, and event organisers to accurately obtain WBGT data in real time, enabling rapid action to safeguard people whilst maximising productivity.

The launch addresses growing regulatory requirements and organisational policies mandating heat stress monitoring to protect workers and the public in environments where elevated temperatures pose health and safety risks. The integrated design simplifies deployment compared to systems requiring multiple separate sensors, whilst ISO standard compliance ensures measurement reliability for regulatory and safety management purposes.

For more information visit www.gill.group

Lutz-Jesco will present a comprehensive system solution for chlorination alongside advanced dosing equipment at Ecomondo 2025, taking place at the Rimini Expo Centre in Italy. The company will exhibit at Hall D7, stand 523, showcasing integrated safety systems for chlorine gas handling, microprocessor-controlled dosing pumps from the Memdos Smart series, and the EASYPRO water sampling station.

Integrated Chlorination System Solution

Chlorine gas serves as a central component in numerous industrial processes, including disinfection of process water, textile bleaching, and manufacturing of primary materials such as PVC. However, the chemical’s hazardous nature means even small quantities can cause irreversible health damage, making system compatibility and safety paramount.

Mahmoud Parsamanesh, project engineer at Lutz-Jesco, emphasised that the company represents one of few global providers in chlorination capable of supplying all system components from a single source. He stated that this single-source approach reduces project timelines, improves performance, and enhances safety by eliminating compatibility risks associated with combining components from different manufacturers.

Chlorine Wall Demonstration and Safety Features

At Ecomondo, Lutz-Jesco will demonstrate a chlorine wall system structure utilising a pressurised chlorine gas cylinder to introduce the dangerous gas into water under vacuum conditions, preventing gas escape following leakage. Ejectors operate according to the Venturi principle, generating fast water jets that create negative pressure, sucking chlorine gas from the cylinder and injecting it into water. A booster pump supplies motive water at constant pressure, ensuring process stability.

Gas flow control operates via the C7700 regulation valve, enabling automatic, demand-driven control through central PLC systems or the Topax controller installed in the EASYPRO water sampling station. The system can be supplemented by the CondiChlor, a chlorine gas filter and pressure-reducing valve with moisture eliminator. Parsamanesh explained that this prevents liquid chlorine condensation, protects against impurities, and increases operational safety.

Emergency Safety Systems

Multiple safety components ensure operational protection. The C2213 vacuum regulator maintains constant vacuum, prevents backflow into the chlorine cylinder, and protects the system. The Easycon gas warning device monitors ambient air, issuing acoustic alarms and flashing light signals when concentrations exceed predefined limits. The Chlor-Stop safety valve interrupts gas flow directly at the tank valve within fractions of a second. Emergency systems including sprinkler systems or gas scrubbers, can be activated automatically for additional accident protection.

Parsamanesh stated that the system provides solutions for safe storage, monitoring, and dosing of chlorine gas whilst facilitating maintenance of standard-compliant working procedures.

Memdos Smart Dosing Pump Technology

Lutz-Jesco will showcase the Memdos Smart, a diaphragm pump designed for precise and sustainable dosing of aggressive chemicals in industrial and water treatment applications. The pump’s distinguishing feature involves microprocessor operation permitting asynchronous motor function, enabling the diaphragm to rise at higher speed during suction and lower speed during ejection. This produces low-pulsation supply flow enabling precise dosing with even pressure and repeat accuracy of ±1%.

Many conventional diaphragm and piston dosing pumps cause errors through intermittent rather than even dosing. The Memdos Smart addresses this limitation through its microprocessor-controlled operation.

Performance Range and Material Options

The Memdos Smart is available in two sizes, covering a wide performance spectrum. The smaller version conveys between 2.6 and 30.7 litres per hour, whilst the larger handles 58.5 to 182 litres per hour. Both versions are available in different materials including PVC, PP, PVDF, and stainless steel, ensuring compatibility with chemicals such as fluoride, hydrofluoric acid, peracetic acid, and concentrated sulphuric acid.

Operation occurs via a 3.5-inch, intuitively operable full-colour touch display similar to smartphone interfaces. Accessory parts facilitate installation and commissioning, including connection sets with suction lines, injection nozzles, pulsation dampers, and back-pressure and pressure relief valves.

EASYPRO Water Sampling Station

The exhibition will feature the EASYPRO water sampling station, providing modular solutions for monitoring and controlling various water parameters, including chlorine, pH, and Redox in industrial, drinking water, wastewater, and pool applications. Parsamanesh noted that its precise measuring system enables optimal chemical usage and resource conservation whilst facilitating continual data capture, simple analysis, and long-term efficiency increases.

Market Applications and Resource Optimisation

The integrated systems address growing emphasis on chemical handling safety, operational efficiency, and resource optimisation in water treatment and industrial applications. Single-source system provision reduces integration complexity whilst ensuring component compatibility critical for hazardous chemical handling.

The microprocessor-controlled dosing technology enables precise chemical application, reducing waste and operational costs whilst improving process control. Combined with accurate water quality monitoring through the EASYPRO station, facilities can optimise chemical consumption based on actual demand rather than conservative dosing approaches that waste resources.

Lutz-Jesco’s exhibition at Ecomondo 2025 demonstrates the company’s comprehensive capabilities in providing integrated solutions for demanding chemical dosing and chlorination applications, emphasising safety, precision, and operational efficiency across water treatment and industrial sectors.

For more information visit www.lutz.group

The LNG industry is on track to add $1.3tn to US national GDP by 2040, creating 500,000 American jobs and enhancing energy security across the world. At the Americas LNG Summit & Exhibition – which returns to Lake Charles, Louisiana, on October 19-21, 2025 – energy executives from over 50 countries will share strategic insights on this rapid-growth industry. Now in its 21st year, the event is set to build on strong historical ties in the US Gulf Coast and shape the future of affordable and reliable energy.

Over two full days of thought leadership, strategic dialogues and executive networking opportunities, the 21st Americas LNG Summit & Exhibition will welcome over 2,000 attendees from 50+ countries, 100 regional and international exhibitors and 150 speakers.

Under the theme, “Building global energy security, fueling domestic growth”, the Americas LNG Summit & Exhibition 2025 features the Strategic Conference, the Technical Conference, the Americas LNG Awards Evening, the Leaders of Tomorrow Program and the international Exhibition, in addition to the newly added features, including the LNG Innovation Stage and the Americas LNG Golf Tournament.
The event will build on a long history of partnership with key local partners, including the City of Lake Charles; Visit Lake Charles; Port of Lake Charles; Cameron Parish Port, Harbor and Terminal District; SWLA Economic Development Alliance and Calcasieu Parish Police Jury.

The Strategic Conference Speakers include:

• Governor Jeff Landry, 57th Governor, State of Louisiana
• Honorable Mark Menezes, President & CEO, United States Energy Association
• Ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt, Senior Managing Director – Energy and Critical Minerals Practice, McLarty Associates
• Jean Froehly, Minister and Head of the Economic and Finance Department, German Embassy in Washington DC
• Representative Brett F. Geymann, Chair, Natural Resources and Environment Committee, Louisiana House of Representatives
• Representative Ryan Bourriaque, Chair, Transportation, Highways and Public Works Committee, Louisiana House of Representatives
• Senator Mark Abraham, Senate District 25, Louisiana State Senate
• Senator Bob Hensgens, Senate District 26, Louisiana State Senate
• Senator Jeremy Stine, Senate District 27, Louisiana State Senate
• Marshall Simien, Jr., Mayor, City of Lake Charles
• Jean P. Froehly, Minister and Head of the Economic and Finance Department, German Embassy in Washington DC
• Sarah Bairstow, President – Louisiana LNG, Woodside Energy
• Jaclyn Presnal, Vice President, New Energy Ventures, Williams
• David Lang, General Counsel & Chief Commercial Officer, Commonwealth LNG
• Marcel Steinbach, Senior Vice President Head of Group Regulatory Affairs, SEFE
• Joshua Gibbon, Senior Vice President – US Gas Commercial, TC Energy
• Masataka Yarita, Director – LNG and Methane Management Division, JOGMEC
• Pam Roche, Vice President, Project Management Group – Sustainable Technology Solutions, KBR

The exhibition will feature over 100 leading regional and international companies, providing a key platform for the supply chain to connect with existing and planned LNG and gas projects, alongside their EPC counterparts.

Sponsors of the event include Commonwealth LNG, TC Energy, Woodside Energy, KBR, Bechtel, CHART, Cheniere, Energos Infrastructure, Poten & Partners, SEFE, Sempra Infrastructure, Venture Global, Ebara Elliott Energy, Five-S Group, Flowserve, KWLA, Kodiak Workforce Solutions, Mustang Sampling, Worley and Performance Contractors.

For more information visit www.americaslngsummit.com

GF has introduced the Butterfly Valve 565 Big, a thermoplastic butterfly valve covering dimensions from DN350 to DN600. The valve is characterised as the strongest plastic butterfly valve with a short installation length, featuring a PN10 pressure rating. It is designed for durable and cost-effective operation in demanding water applications, including desalination and water distribution.

Product Development and Range Extension

GF’s thermoplastic Butterfly Valve 565 range has established itself as a flexible solution for water and water treatment applications through lug-style and wafer-style configurations spanning DN50 to DN300 dimensions. The range features corrosion-free materials and high-temperature and -pressure resistance, providing a lightweight and long-lasting alternative to metal valves. The new 565 Big extends this proven design approach to larger dimensions particularly suited for desalination and water distribution applications.

Construction and Performance Characteristics

The 565 Big shares construction features with the broader valve range. The valve housing utilises glass fibre-reinforced polypropylene, whilst the disc employs metal-reinforced polyethylene. This material combination results in a valve up to 20 percent lighter than metal alternatives. Despite lightweight construction and short installation length, the PN10 pressure rating establishes the 565 Big as the strongest thermoplastic butterfly valve with short installation length available in the market.

Automation and Digital Integration

For streamlined installation and enhanced customer flexibility, GF offers customised valve actuation through its network of Valve Automation Centres. Customers benefit from customised service solutions and assembly of complete systems according to their requirements, including integration of third-party components.

To meet current and future operational demands, the 565 Big incorporates a standard interface supporting simple automation and digitalisation of installations through optional modules. These include various actuators and the Double-Sensor Click-in with LED position feedback, described as a unique market solution that integrates directly into the housing.

Market Positioning and Applications

Jochen Hamburger, head of product management Valves at GF, commented that the 565 is built for the future through corrosion-free materials and digital interfaces ensuring long-lasting, reliable, and cost-effective operation. He stated that the introduction of the 565 Big extends the application scope with the toughest plastic butterfly valves on the market, with water distribution and desalination applications particularly benefiting from durability and high pressure rating whilst maintaining short installation length.

Product Availability

The new addition to GF’s butterfly valve range launched in DN350 and DN400 dimensions. Dimensions DN450 to DN600 will follow in the near future, providing complete coverage of large-diameter applications requiring thermoplastic valve solutions.

The 565 Big addresses market requirements for corrosion-resistant, lightweight valves capable of handling high pressures in large-diameter water infrastructure applications, where traditional metal valves face corrosion challenges and weight constraints affecting installation and maintenance activities.

For more information visit www.georgfischer.com

Fire tanks are more than just engineering achievements; they form part of the unseen safety infrastructure that protects lives in offices, data centres, factories, and public spaces. These tanks supply the sprinkler systems and emergency response measures that often make the difference between a contained incident and a major disaster. When the stakes are this high, regulation and certification are not bureaucratic exercises — they are essential, life-saving standards.

Unregulated means unsafe
Unregulated fire tanks cannot be relied upon to perform when it matters most. In the United Kingdom, the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) sets out strict requirements governing the design, manufacture, installation, and testing of fire tanks. The certification process begins at the factory, where critical components such as vortex inhibitors and other performance-related accessories are thoroughly inspected to ensure long-term reliability and safety.

Without these controls, tanks may still “hold water,” but they risk failure under wind loads, leakage over time, or poor performance in an emergency. In fire protection, “almost good enough” is simply not safe. LPCB certification ensures that tanks are built to stringent standards, can withstand extreme conditions, and remain dependable long after installation.

UK expertise with a global impact
Balmoral Tanks is one of only three cylindrical tank manufacturers in the world — and the only company producing both GRP and steel tanks — to hold both UK LPCB accreditation and the LPCB Export Certificate.

This global certification enables customers across regions including Benelux, the Middle East, and Asia to access British-engineered standards, providing consistency, quality assurance, and peace of mind in international markets.

In addition to LPCB accreditation, Balmoral offers a three-stage inspection process (pre-site, during installation, and post-installation), a dedicated inspection programme, and proprietary technologies such as its FireFlow™ anti-vortex system. The company is also the only UK tank manufacturer to hold the BSI Kitemark for customer service. Together, LPCB certification for product quality and the BSI Kitemark for service excellence demonstrate Balmoral’s commitment to both engineering integrity and exceptional customer support.

Safety without borders
For Balmoral, exporting is not simply about entering new markets — it is about extending its expertise, quality, and standards to customers around the world. In some regions, fire tanks are still evaluated primarily on their ability to store water rather than their performance in an emergency. Balmoral’s approach ensures that every customer, regardless of location, benefits from the same rigorous engineering, installation, and aftercare standards that define the UK market.

With the LPCB Export Certificate, Balmoral brings proven British expertise to the global stage. Consultants, developers, and building owners can specify Balmoral tanks with confidence, knowing they are manufactured to some of the most rigorous and independently verified standards — protecting assets and lives when it matters most.

For more information visit www.balmoraltanks.com

BW Energy has celebrated an important turning point in the Maromba development with a financial closure and renaming ceremony held in China, hosted together with COSCO SHIPPING, CEXIM (China Export-Import Bank), and SINOSURE (China Export & Credit Insurance Corporation). The event was attended by the Deputy Mayor of Dalian and the Norwegian Ambassador to China, highlighting the strong international collaboration underpinning the project.

Project Finance and FPSO Development

The ceremony celebrates the successful closing of a USD 365 million project finance facility for the refurbishment and redeployment of the Maromba FPSO (floating production, storage, and offloading vessel). This financing represents an important step in BW Energy’s development programme targeting 90,000 barrels per day of production by 2028.

Strategic Partnerships and International Collaboration

The participation of senior government representatives from both China and Norway underscores the international nature of the partnership, which combines Chinese shipyard and financing capabilities with Norwegian oil and gas development expertise. COSCO SHIPPING provides shipyard services for the FPSO refurbishment, whilst CEXIM and SINOSURE deliver project financing and credit insurance supporting the substantial capital investment.

BW Energy acknowledged partners and stakeholders for their continued support and confidence in the company’s capital-efficient development strategy. The Maromba project exemplifies BW Energy’s approach of optimising development costs through strategic partnerships, refurbishment of existing assets, and efficient project execution.

Maromba Field Context

The Maromba field, located offshore Brazil, represents a significant development opportunity for BW Energy. The company’s strategy involves refurbishing an existing FPSO vessel rather than constructing new infrastructure, reducing capital requirements and accelerating project timelines compared to newbuild alternatives.

The targeted production rate of 90,000 barrels per day by 2028 represents substantial output for an independent oil company, demonstrating the field’s resource potential and BW Energy’s capacity to execute large-scale offshore developments through strategic partnerships and capital-efficient approaches.

The financial closure milestone enables progression to FPSO refurbishment activities and subsequent deployment to the Maromba field, advancing the project toward production commencement and revenue generation supporting BW Energy’s growth objectives in Brazilian offshore oil production.

For more information visit www.bwenergy.no

Brenntag Energy Services will present innovative chemical solutions at ADIPEC, the world’s largest energy industry event, taking place from 3 to 6 November 2025 at the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The company will exhibit at stand 15 585 in Hall 15, where the Energy Services team will engage with industry stakeholders.

Solutions Portfolio and Sector Coverage

Brenntag Energy Services provides chemical solutions across multiple energy sectors, including drilling, cementing, stimulation, production, refinery operations, and renewables. The comprehensive portfolio addresses diverse technical requirements throughout the energy value chain, from upstream exploration and production through downstream refining and emerging renewable energy applications.

Strategic Focus and Industry Engagement

As energy continues driving the global economy, Brenntag’s mission centres on supporting sector transformation through innovative and sustainable solutions. At ADIPEC 2025, the Brenntag Energy Service team will engage with industry leaders to discuss how the company’s services can contribute to shaping a cleaner, more efficient future for the energy sector.

Jeroen Bakker, President of Focused Industries and Services for Brenntag Essentials EMEA, emphasised that Brenntag views innovation and collaboration as key to shaping energy’s future. He characterised ADIPEC as a vital platform for showcasing how the company’s chemical solutions support customers in navigating the energy transition safely, sustainably, and efficiently. Bakker expressed anticipation for meeting customers and supply partners in Abu Dhabi to explore collaborative approaches to driving progress.

Market Context and Energy Transition

ADIPEC serves as a major international gathering for energy industry participants, providing a platform for technology showcasing, business development, and strategic dialogue regarding sector trends and challenges. The event’s location in Abu Dhabi positions it within a major energy-producing region whilst attracting global participation from energy companies, service providers, technology developers, and government representatives.

Brenntag’s participation reflects the chemical distribution and solutions provider’s strategic focus on energy markets, where specialised chemicals perform critical functions in production processes, equipment protection, performance optimisation, and environmental compliance. As the energy sector pursues decarbonisation objectives whilst maintaining production efficiency, demand for innovative chemical solutions supporting both traditional and emerging energy technologies continues evolving.

The company’s emphasis on supporting the energy transition acknowledges industry trends toward lower-carbon operations, adoption of renewable energy technologies, and implementation of more sustainable practices throughout energy production and processing. Chemical solutions providers play enabling roles in these transformations through products and services supporting efficiency improvements, emissions reductions, and deployment of new technologies.

For more information visit www.Brenntag.com

Gizil, a German industrial engineering and digitalisation company, has been selected by Transportadora de Gas del Sur (TGS), Argentina’s largest natural gas transporter, to deliver Virtual Plant as a digital solution across its operations. This project marks a major milestone in both companies’ digital transformation journeys and underscores the growing importance of data-driven solutions for critical infrastructure.

TGS is pioneering a new approach by adopting Gizil’s Virtual Plant – an innovative alternative to conventional 3D model–based digital twins. Instead of relying solely on costly and time-intensive BIM/CAD modelling, Virtual Plant leverages reality capture and metadata integration to provide immediate value, flexibility, and scalability across complex energy facilities.

The initiative aligns with TGS’s broader digitalisation roadmap, which industry advisors such as KPMG have highlighted as key to improving efficiency, safety, and sustainability in Latin America’s energy infrastructure.

Strategic Relevance:

Scalable foundation: Virtual Plant will start with one of the compressor stations and expand across multiple compressor stations and facilities within TGS’s vast network.

Operational excellence: A browser-based, metadata-rich environment ensures seamless integration with maintenance, HSE, and asset management processes.

Future-proof innovation: By adopting disruptive digital twin technology, TGS positions itself at the forefront of the energy transition and infrastructure modernisation.

“TGS is setting a new benchmark for the Latin American energy sector by embracing Virtual Plant technology,” said Esma Gulten, managing director of Gizil GmbH. “This collaboration demonstrates not only the importance of digital transformation in critical infrastructure but also the willingness of industry leaders to adopt practical, scalable innovations that deliver measurable results.”

With this initiative, TGS strengthens its role as a regional pioneer in energy digitalisation, paving the way for wider adoption of virtual plant solutions across Latin America.

For more information visit www.gizil.de

What is the true cost of a rusty spare valve or pump in the oil and gas industry? It could be hundreds of thousands of dollars if the lack of a ready replacement part brings production to a standstill—even for a few hours. That is why Cortec® has repeatedly delivered corrosion solutions to help oil and gas facilities around the world reclaim thousands of dollars’ worth of warehoused assets from the grip of corrosion and keep spares at the ready. For those who are ready to scrap their rusted spares and start over, these strategies may prove to be the best kept secret they need to reclaim asset value and maximise uptime.

Corrosion Challenges for Warehoused Spares
At first glance, an oil and gas facility may appear well-equipped for emergency repairs, with hundreds or thousands of spares stored on warehouse shelves. A closer look may reveal that corrosion has formed over months or years of inadequate protection in a fluctuating warehouse climate of humidity and temperature swings. Worse yet, many facilities have run out of warehouse space and reverted to storing piping, pumps, pulleys, and other parts on outdoor racks exposed to rain and sea spray. If a key pump or valve fails in production, maintenance will find it difficult to replace with a spare whose integrity is in question due to rust. Without an immediate backup, the costs of lost production can add up quickly, with just one hour of unexpected downtime registering a loss as high as an estimated $200,000-600,000, depending on current market prices.

Reclaiming the Value of Rusted Spares
Fortunately, warehouses full of rusty spares can be reclaimed and kept in ready-to-use condition through the simple method of “Clean, Protect, Preserve” that Cortec® representatives have implemented around the globe. Hundreds of parts can be restored by setting up rust removal stations and following the same basic steps.

1.  Clean and degrease the part, if needed.
2. Immerse the part in a solution of VpCI®-422 and periodically check rust removal progress.
3. Rinse the parts in plain water to avoid contamination from one solution to another.
4. Neutralise/clean the parts in a solution of VpCI®-414 (or a similar alkaline cleaner).
5. Dry the parts and preserve them.

Smart Storage and Warehousing
Once the parts are cleaned and restored to usable condition, they can be preserved in ready-to-use condition using a variety of vapour phase corrosion inhibitor materials. Some of the basics include VpCI®-126 HP UV Shrink Film or MilCorr® VpCI® Shrink Film for wrapping small and large inventory, supplemented internally by VpCI® emitters or VpCI® fogging fluid as needed. The durability of these materials may even make it possible to turn outdoor storage racks into safe storage areas for spares, protecting them against both UV damage and corrosion. Each preservation process should be carefully documented for integrity insurance, allowing maintenance to go directly to the proper shelf with the confidence that the spare is ready to unwrap and immediately install for minimal downtime.

Take Advantage of This Warehousing ‘Best Kept Secret’!
The losses from one hour of unplanned downtime or scrapping an entire warehouse of corroded oil and gas spares are no joke. That’s why understanding the secret of a sound restoration preservation and warehousing plan can lend so much value to a facility’s bottom line. Contact Cortec® to learn more about implementing one of the best kept secrets for preserving asset worth and maximising oil and gas uptime through rust prevention on warehoused spares.

For more information visit www.cortecvci.com

FourPoint Resources, LLC has announced a strategic agreement with Energy Transfer LP to significantly expand the Price River Terminal in Wellington, Utah, doubling the facility’s export capacity and enhancing deliverability of American Premium Uinta crude oil to refineries throughout the Lower 48 states. The expansion strengthens transportation infrastructure and takeaway capacity from the Uinta Basin whilst unlocking greater market access for FourPoint to meet growing demand for this high-quality American crude.

Terminal Expansion Scope and Capabilities

The terminal expansion will feature a newly constructed continuous loop track to streamline rail logistics alongside a railcar load rack capable of loading 140,000 barrels of oil per day. Infrastructure enhancements include nine new rail loading arms, four additional truck offload lanes, and upgraded pump capacity to accelerate and improve truck offloading operations.

The project will add a new heated storage tank with approximately 140,000 barrels of shell capacity and two additional 6,000-foot storage unit tracks, significantly improving storage capacity at the terminal. Heated storage proves essential for handling waxy crude oils that require temperature maintenance to preserve fluidity and enable efficient pumping and transfer operations.

Project Timeline and Committed Capacity

Tripp Kerr, Vice President of Marketing at FourPoint, stated that with the expansion expected to achieve completion by the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to receipt of necessary third-party and government approvals, FourPoint will secure capacity totalling 50,000 barrels of oil per day at the Price River Terminal. He characterised Energy Transfer as an exceptional midstream company, noting that their commitment to the project and reliable flow assurance will prove critical to FourPoint’s growth strategy in the basin.

Crude Oil Rebranding and Product Characteristics

The expansion coincides with the official launch and rebranding of the crude previously known as Uinta Wax or Yellow Wax. FourPoint will market the crude as American Premium Uinta (APU), a name reflecting the quality of this unique resource possessing one of the highest paraffinic contents among crude oils produced in the United States.

APU is characterised as a premium, light-grade, paraffinic crude oil with low impurities including sulphur and metals, making it a cleaner, more efficient feedstock for refiners. Its unique refining characteristics enable more cost-effective processing compared to many other crudes whilst producing high-grade base oil products for lubricants manufacturing.

Strategic Market Development

George Solich, CEO and chairman of FourPoint, emphasised the company’s focus on developing a robust and consistent production base in the Uinta Basin coupled with supporting logistics enabling movement of significant, reliable volumes of American Premium Uinta to both traditional markets in Salt Lake City and new markets beyond the basin.

Solich noted that as volatility continues disrupting foreign crude imports, APU offers American refineries a premium domestic alternative. He stated that the terminal expansion strengthens FourPoint’s ability to deliver the product consistently and at scale, supporting energy independence and fuelling production of American-made goods with American crude.

Basin Development Potential

The Uinta Basin has emerged as one of the few regions in the Lower 48 states positioned for meaningful production growth. Unlike other major US basins facing declining output, the Uinta Basin represents a uniquely resource-rich region with a long runway of remaining tier-one drilling locations.

Eric Eichler, chief operating officer of FourPoint, stated that the Uinta Basin offers exceptional development potential, with strong well performance, multiple stacked horizontal targets, and competitive well costs—characteristics comparable to those observed in the Permian Basin. With a deep, high-quality inventory base and expansion into new markets, Eichler characterised the Uinta as primed for meaningful production growth.

The basin also holds significant potential for natural gas development, further enhancing its role as a strategic contributor to America’s energy future.

Infrastructure and Market Access

The agreement between FourPoint and Energy Transfer represents a major strategic advancement in building infrastructure needed to meet increasing demand and emerging market opportunities for American Premium Uinta crude. By expanding terminal capacity and optimising logistics across the supply chain, both companies position themselves to better serve refiners nationwide and support the next phase of growth in the Uinta Basin.

Rail transportation provides crucial market access for Uinta Basin crude production, enabling delivery to refineries beyond the reach of existing pipeline infrastructure. The Price River Terminal serves as a critical link connecting basin production to rail networks providing access to refineries throughout the United States.

The doubling of terminal export capacity addresses a fundamental constraint on basin development, as production growth requires corresponding expansion of takeaway infrastructure to move crude from producing wells to consuming refineries. Without adequate transportation capacity, production growth becomes economically constrained as local oversupply depresses wellhead prices.

Energy Independence and Domestic Supply

The expansion supports broader objectives of domestic energy security by enhancing the ability of American refineries to access domestically produced crude oil. As global crude markets experience volatility from geopolitical events, supply disruptions, and policy changes, reliable domestic crude sources provide refiners with supply security and reduce exposure to international market disruptions.

APU’s characteristics as a light, low-sulphur crude with high paraffinic content make it particularly valuable for certain refining applications, including production of high-quality lubricant base stocks that command premium pricing. This product differentiation enhances the value proposition of Uinta crude compared to generic light sweet crudes.

The strategic partnership between FourPoint Resources and Energy Transfer demonstrates industry commitment to developing Uinta Basin resources through coordinated investment in both upstream production capabilities and midstream transportation infrastructure, creating integrated value chains connecting basin resources to end-market demand.

For more information visit www.fourpointenergy.com

S&S Technical, Inc. of Alpharetta, GA is proud to announce a new distribution partnership with Guidant Measurement.  S&S Technical will be an authorised distributor for South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, bringing their reputation for delivering complete terminal site solutions.

As an authorised Guidant distributor, S&S Technical will provide customers across the region with access to Guidant Measurement’s full portfolio of meters, valves, controllers, additive injection, and automation technologies as well as in-house fabrication, automation expertise, field service, and repair support. This means customers in the Southeast can rely on S&S Technical not only for Guidant product availability but also for complete lifecycle solutions ensuring performance, compliance, and reliability at every stage.

With S&S Technical’s expertise and Guidant’s 90+ years of measurement experience, we are confident that our customers in these regions will enjoy the very best our industry has to offer. We look forward to serving you with expanded reach, faster response times, and the same precision-engineered solutions you expect from S&S Technical & Guidant Measurement.

For more information visit www.skidsolutions.com

Advario Singapore has marked its 35th anniversary, celebrating a milestone that reflects the company’s journey and the enduring partnerships established over more than three decades of operations. The anniversary event, held this week, recognised the trust, collaboration, and relationships built with partners, customers, and authorities since the company’s establishment.

Operational Heritage and Industry Contribution

For 35 years, Advario has operated facilities on Jurong Island, Singapore’s integrated petroleum and petrochemical hub, working collaboratively with industry partners, customers, and regulatory authorities to drive continuous improvement in Singapore’s energy sector. The company’s long-standing presence on Jurong Island positions it as an established participant in Singapore’s strategic energy infrastructure.

Jurong Island serves as Singapore’s primary location for refining, petrochemical manufacturing, and energy storage operations, hosting major international energy companies and supporting the nation’s position as a global energy trading and logistics hub. Advario’s terminal operations provide critical storage and handling infrastructure serving this industrial ecosystem.

Anniversary Celebration and Stakeholder Recognition

The 35th anniversary event provided an opportunity to celebrate the company’s history whilst reaffirming commitment to shaping a sustainable future for energy infrastructure and operations. Advario expressed gratitude to attendees and supporters from various locations, acknowledging that their presence, partnership, and encouragement have contributed to the company’s success.

The celebration recognised multiple stakeholder groups including employees, business partners, customers, and authorities whose collaboration has supported Advario’s operations and development throughout its 35-year history in Singapore.

Future Commitments and Strategic Direction

Looking ahead, Advario Singapore has expressed commitment to deepening partnerships, driving sustainable growth, and creating lasting impact through its operations and business relationships. This forward-looking perspective emphasises continuity of collaborative approaches that have characterised the company’s operational philosophy whilst incorporating sustainability objectives increasingly central to energy infrastructure development.

The emphasis on sustainable growth reflects broader industry trends toward reducing environmental impact of energy infrastructure operations, supporting energy transition objectives, and aligning business strategies with evolving stakeholder expectations regarding environmental, social, and governance performance.

Singapore Energy Sector Context

Singapore’s energy sector plays vital roles in regional and global energy markets, serving as a refining center, petrochemical production hub, energy trading marketplace, and marine fuel supply location. The nation’s strategic location, world-class infrastructure, stable regulatory environment, and business-friendly policies have established it as a preferred location for energy companies’ regional operations.

Terminal operators like Advario provide essential infrastructure enabling Singapore’s energy sector functions, offering storage capacity for crude oil, refined products, petrochemicals, and specialty products serving diverse customers including refiners, traders, shipping companies, and manufacturers.

Long-Term Partnerships and Operational Excellence

Advario’s 35-year operational record demonstrates sustained relationships with customers requiring reliable, long-term storage and handling solutions. Terminal operations demand continuous operational excellence, safety management, environmental compliance, and service quality to maintain customer relationships and regulatory standing over extended periods.

The company’s recognition of partnerships and collaboration reflects the interdependent nature of energy infrastructure operations, where terminal operators work closely with customers on operational coordination, safety protocols, environmental management, and service optimisation supporting mutual objectives.

Advario Singapore’s anniversary celebration recognised past achievements whilst positioning the company for continued contribution to Singapore’s energy sector through sustained operational excellence, deepened partnerships, and commitment to sustainable practices supporting the nation’s evolving energy landscape.

For more information visit www.advario.com

Fermi America, developer of what it characterises as the world’s largest behind-the-meter artificial intelligence private grid campus in partnership with the Texas Tech University System, has secured an agreement with Energy Transfer to deliver firm natural gas supply to Fermi’s HyperGrid campus located outside Amarillo, Texas. Energy Transfer operates approximately 140,000 miles of pipelines and associated energy infrastructure across 44 states, positioning it as one of the largest and most diversified midstream energy companies in North America.

Infrastructure Connection and Timeline

Under the agreement, Fermi America will connect to Energy Transfer’s pipeline infrastructure immediately south of the campus site, accessing natural gas supplies required for power generation serving artificial intelligence applications. The pipeline interconnection project is expected to enter service in the first quarter of 2026, requiring minimal capital expenditure by Fermi America.

Rendering of the Fermi America™ Private Grid Campus.

The proximity of existing Energy Transfer pipeline infrastructure to the Amarillo campus site provides advantageous conditions for establishing gas supply connectivity with limited infrastructure investment and a relatively short development timeline compared to scenarios requiring extensive new pipeline construction.

Strategic Positioning and Power Generation

Toby Neugebauer, co-founder and CEO of Fermi America, characterised the Amarillo campus as one of the premier sites nationally for clean energy sources, emphasising that this positioning derives initially from its qualities as an elite natural gas location. He stated that the Energy Transfer agreement secures a firm natural gas supply necessary to generate the first two gigawatts of clean, reliable power for AI data centre customers.

The emphasis on firm gas supply reflects requirements for reliable, dispatchable power generation serving data centres with continuous operating requirements and limited tolerance for power interruptions. Firm gas contracts provide supply assurance not subject to curtailment during periods of high demand or supply constraints that can affect interruptible gas supplies.

Campus Scale and Development

The HyperGrid campus encompasses 5,236 acres outside Amarillo in the Texas Panhandle region. The scale of the development reflects the substantial land, power, and infrastructure requirements of large artificial intelligence computing facilities, which consume significantly more power per unit area than traditional data centres due to the intensive computational requirements of AI model training and inference operations.

The behind-the-meter private grid structure indicates that Fermi America is developing dedicated power generation serving the campus rather than relying on electricity purchases from the public utility grid. This approach provides control over power supply reliability, pricing certainty, and potentially advantageous economics for extremely large power consumers.

Supply Chain and Execution Strategy

The Energy Transfer agreement advances Fermi’s objective of bringing online the balance of long-lead gas-fired generation supply chain assets secured earlier in 2025. This statement indicates that Fermi has previously secured commitments for power generation equipment, which typically involves substantial lead times for manufacturing and delivery of gas turbines, heat recovery steam generators, and associated equipment.

Neugebauer emphasised Fermi’s commitment to actionable timelines and velocity of execution, suggesting a focus on rapid project development compared to typical timelines for large-scale power generation and data centre projects. Speed of execution has become increasingly important as AI companies race to secure computing capacity supporting rapidly growing demand for AI model development and deployment.

AI Data Centre Power Requirements

Artificial intelligence workloads, particularly training of large language models and other advanced AI systems, require substantially more computing power and electrical energy than traditional data centre applications. Individual AI training clusters can consume tens or hundreds of megawatts, with the largest facilities potentially requiring gigawatts of power capacity.

This extraordinary power demand has created challenges for AI companies seeking to expand computing capacity, as the available power supply in traditional data centre markets has become constrained. Purpose-built facilities with dedicated power generation address this constraint by developing new power supply rather than competing for limited grid capacity in established markets.

Natural Gas and Clean Energy Positioning

Fermi America’s characterisation of natural gas-fired generation as providing “clean, reliable power” reflects the positioning of gas generation as lower carbon compared to coal whilst providing dispatchable generation complementing renewable energy sources. Modern combined-cycle gas turbine plants achieve higher efficiency and lower emissions than older generation technologies whilst providing flexibility to adjust output, responding to variable renewable generation or load requirements.

The Texas Panhandle region offers both natural gas supply access through pipeline infrastructure serving regional gas production and exceptional renewable energy resources, particularly wind generation. Neugebauer’s statement regarding clean energy sources suggests potential for the campus to incorporate renewable generation alongside gas-fired capacity, though the Energy Transfer agreement specifically addresses gas supply for thermal generation.

For more information visit www.FermiAmerica.com

Kiewit Corporation has announced that NextDecade has awarded its subsidiary TIC – The Industrial Company the engineering, procurement, construction, and startup and commissioning scope for the high-integrity pressure protection system on pipelines feeding the Rio Grande LNG facility. The award marks the transition of this project element from early front-end engineering design work into full EPCC execution.

HIPPS Technology and Safety Function

The high-integrity pressure protection system represents specialised safety technology designed to protect pipelines and facilities from over-pressurisation by shutting off flow when pressure thresholds are approached. At Rio Grande LNG, the HIPPS will perform vital functions in safeguarding both personnel and infrastructure from potential overpressure scenarios that could compromise system integrity.

HIPPS technology provides an alternative to traditional pressure relief systems by preventing overpressure conditions rather than relieving excess pressure after it occurs. The system employs redundant sensors, logic solvers, and isolation valves to detect rising pressure and automatically close feed isolation valves, preventing downstream equipment from experiencing pressures exceeding design limits.

Project Scope and EPCC Execution

TIC – The Industrial Company will execute comprehensive engineering, procurement, construction, and startup and commissioning activities for the HIPPS installation. This integrated scope encompasses detailed engineering of the protection system, procurement of specialised instrumentation and valve equipment, construction and installation of system components, and commissioning activities verifying proper operation before facility startup.

The transition from front-end engineering design to full EPCC execution indicates project progression from conceptual and preliminary engineering phases into detailed design and construction activities. FEED work establishes a technical basis, scope definition, cost estimates, and execution strategies that inform final investment decisions and detailed engineering.

Rio Grande LNG Project Context

Rio Grande LNG represents NextDecade’s liquefied natural gas export facility under development in Brownsville, Texas, on the southern Texas Gulf Coast. The project is designed to liquefy natural gas from US production basins for export to international markets, contributing to US LNG export capacity and global gas supply.

The facility’s location near the US-Mexico border provides access to abundant natural gas supplies from Texas-producing regions whilst offering Gulf of Mexico deepwater port access for LNG carrier vessels transporting products to global markets. The project represents substantial infrastructure investment supporting US energy exports and contributing to regional economic development.

Pipeline Feed System and Safety Requirements

Natural gas pipelines feeding LNG facilities transport large volumes at elevated pressures from regional pipeline networks or directly from producing fields. These feed pipelines must deliver gas meeting facility specifications regarding pressure, temperature, and composition to liquefaction trains that cool the gas to minus 162 degrees Celsius for conversion to a liquid state.

Protection of liquefaction equipment from overpressure scenarios is critical, as exceeding design pressure limits could cause equipment damage, unplanned shutdowns, or safety incidents. Traditional pressure relief systems vent excess pressure through relief valves, whilst HIPPS prevents overpressure by isolating the source, eliminating or minimising product venting whilst providing robust protection.

Regulatory and Industry Standards

HIPPS installations in LNG facilities must comply with industry standards and regulatory requirements governing safety instrumented systems, pressure equipment protection, and process safety management. Standards published by organisations including the International Electrotechnical Commission, International Society of Automation, and American Petroleum Institute establish requirements for HIPPS design, installation, testing, and operation.

Regulatory authorities, including the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, establish safety requirements for LNG facilities and associated pipeline infrastructure. HIPPS implementation contributes to satisfying regulatory safety requirements whilst providing operational flexibility.

TIC Capabilities and Industrial Expertise

TIC – The Industrial Company, operating as a Kiewit Corporation subsidiary, specialises in construction and maintenance services for industrial facilities, including oil and gas, petrochemical, power generation, and mining sectors. The company’s capabilities encompass construction management, specialised fabrication, mechanical installation, instrumentation and controls, and commissioning services for complex industrial projects.

Experience with safety instrumented systems, process equipment installation, and commissioning of sophisticated control systems positions TIC to execute HIPPS scope requiring integration of mechanical, instrumentation, and control system elements with stringent safety and reliability requirements.

Collaborative Project Delivery

Kiewit expressed commitment to continuing collaboration with NextDecade and driving successful outcomes for critical energy infrastructure. Effective partnership between owner and EPC contractor proves essential for complex projects where technical challenges, schedule pressures, and quality requirements demand coordinated problem-solving and decision-making.

Early involvement through FEED work provides TIC with project familiarity, technical understanding, and relationship foundations supporting efficient transition to detailed engineering and construction phases. This continuity reduces risks associated with contractor transitions and enables application of lessons learned during earlier project phases.

For more information visit www.kiewit.com

Global momentum behind CCS is accelerating, with over 500 projects now in development worldwide, up fivefold in just five years, according to the Global CCS Institute. Operational capacity has already passed 50 million tonnes per year and is projected to reach around 430 million tonnes by 2030, according to the International Energy Agency.

As industry investment ramps up, the ability to rapidly identify and mature viable storage sites has become a critical competitive advantage. To help meet this demand, Belltree, a leader in subsurface intelligence, and Earlsfield Energy, a fast-growing CCS and low-carbon energy developer, have formed a strategic partnership — formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding — aimed at combining Belltree’s technical evaluation strengths with Earlsfield’s development expertise to accelerate the screening of potential projects.

Combining Digital Intelligence with Development Expertise
This partnership brings together Belltree’s advanced digital evaluation technology and Earlsfield Energy’s project development and operational expertise. Earlsfield is committed to balancing economic and environmental goals, developing sustainable infrastructure, and achieving carbon-negative outcomes through scale, discipline, and reliability. Earlsfield brings end-to-end delivery capability, taking screened opportunities through permitting, development and long-term operations.

“Smart deployment of Belltree’s digital platform brings a new dimension to Earlsfield Energy’s strategy to acquire, build and operate assets in the gas production sector and the carbon storage space,” said Pierre Girard, CEO at Earlsfield Energy. “We are looking forward to a phase of co-creation of new products and workflows.”

“This agreement represents an important step for Belltree as we extend the reach of our digital evaluation platform,” said Grant Stewart, business development director at Belltree. “Our bMark™ CCS platform enables fast, data-driven assessment of storage potential. Combined with Earlsfield’s delivery expertise, we can progress high-quality opportunities through comprehensive technical evaluation to fully investable decisions.”
Supporting the Net Zero Agenda

At the centre of the collaboration is bMark™ CCS, Belltree’s benchmarking and screening tool designed to assess subsurface storage potential efficiently, systematically and with regulatory readiness in mind. Earlsfield will integrate this capability into its project screening process to strengthen portfolio growth, with a focus on technically grounded, low-emissions solutions.

The partnership will drive joint technical studies, digital product development and workflow innovation, with the aim of advancing selected opportunities to full technical and commercial readiness as investment-ready projects, supported by robust digital evaluation.

Belltree and Earlsfield Energy welcome collaboration with partners and investors seeking to accelerate CCS development, combining advanced digital screening with scalable workflows that can enable and de-risk future low-carbon investments.

For more information visit www.belltreegroup.co.uk

The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), the leading global authority in materials protection and performance, invites asset and facility owners, project managers, and decision-makers to attend a free, 60-minute webcast at 2 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, October 15, titled “Why QP is Valuable for Asset and Facility Owners.”

This educational session will explore how AMPP’s QP Program, a globally recognised accreditation for industrial coatings contractors and inspection companies, helps organisations prequalify contractors, reduce project risk, and improve confidence in their selection process.

Attendees will learn:

• The benefits of QP accreditation for asset owners
• How to include QP in the bid process
• Where to find QP Accredited contractors
• The origins and purpose of the QP Program

Featured AMPP Speakers:

• Nicole Iorfido, senior manager, QP Accreditation Program
• Michael Landers, senior technical auditor
• Silvia Palmieri, certification community development specialist

“AMPP’s QP accreditation gives asset owners peace of mind by ensuring the contractors they hire meet rigorous industry standards,” Iorfido said. “It’s more than a credential; it’s a safeguard for quality, safety, and performance that helps owners make confident, informed decisions.”

The AMPP QP Program is a vital resource for the industrial coatings industry, providing an added assurance that accredited contractors have demonstrated compliance with quality, safety, and performance requirements. For asset owners, this means stronger protection of infrastructure investments and improved project outcomes.

 Event Details:
? Date: Wednesday, October 15, 2025
? Time: 2:00 PM EDT
⏱️ Duration: 60 minutes
? Register: Why QP is Valuable for Asset and Facility Owners

For anyone responsible for selecting industrial coatings contractors or inspection companies, this webcast offers practical guidance to enhance project success.

Learn more about the QP program at QP Quick Links – AMPP.

ABB has announced an agreement to divest its Robotics division to SoftBank Group Corp. for an enterprise value of $5.375 billion, electing not to pursue its earlier intention to spin off the business as a separately listed company. The transaction, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, is expected to complete in mid-to-late 2026.

Strategic Rationale and Board Decision

Peter Voser, chairman of ABB, stated that SoftBank’s offer has been carefully evaluated by the board and executive committee and compared with the original spin-off intention. He characterised the transaction as reflecting the long-term strengths of the division, whilst the divestment will create immediate value for ABB shareholders. Voser confirmed that ABB will utilise proceeds from the transaction in accordance with its established capital allocation principles.

The chairman emphasised that ABB’s ambitions remain unchanged, with continued focus on long-term strategy building upon leading positions in electrification and automation. This statement signals that the Robotics divestment represents portfolio optimisation rather than fundamental strategic redirection.

Technology Integration and Future Development

Morten Wierod, CEO of ABB, expressed confidence that SoftBank will provide an excellent home for the business and its employees. He noted that ABB and SoftBank share perspectives that the world is entering a new era of AI-based robotics, with belief that the division and SoftBank’s robotics offerings can best shape this era through combination.

Wierod stated that ABB Robotics will benefit from combining its leading technology and deep industry expertise with SoftBank’s capabilities in artificial intelligence, robotics, and next-generation computing. This integration is expected to allow the business to strengthen and expand its position as a technology leader in its field.

SoftBank’s Strategic Vision

Masayoshi Son, chairman and CEO of SoftBank Group Corp., characterised Physical AI as SoftBank’s next frontier. He stated that together with ABB Robotics, SoftBank will unite world-class technology and talent under a shared vision to fuse artificial superintelligence and robotics, driving what he described as a groundbreaking evolution that will propel humanity forward.

This positioning reflects SoftBank’s broader investment thesis regarding the convergence of artificial intelligence and robotics, with ABB Robotics representing a substantial acquisition supporting this strategic direction.

Financial Terms and Accounting Treatment

The $5.375 billion enterprise value will translate to expected net cash proceeds of approximately $5.3 billion after transaction costs. Upon closing, the divestment will result in a non-operational pre-tax book gain of approximately $2.4 billion, reflecting the difference between enterprise value and net book value of the divested business.

Expected separation costs related to the divestment total approximately $200 million, with about half already included in ABB’s 2025 guidance. ABB’s current estimate of transaction-related cash tax outflows relating to local business carve-out arrangements ranges between $400 million and $500 million.

Organizational Restructuring

Following the agreement signing, ABB will adjust its reporting structure, moving to three business areas. From the fourth quarter of 2025, the Robotics division will be reported as discontinued operations. Simultaneously, the Machine Automation division, which currently forms part of the Robotics & Discrete Automation business area alongside ABB Robotics, will transfer to the Process Automation business area.

This restructuring reflects ABB’s strategic focus on its core electrification and automation businesses following the separation of the Robotics division.

Business Profile and Market Position

ABB Robotics is positioned as a leader in its industry, operating at the core of secular automation trends. As previously communicated by ABB, limited business and technology synergies exist between ABB Robotics and the remainder of ABB’s businesses, with different demand and market characteristics supporting the separation logic.

The division employs approximately 7,000 personnel globally. In 2024, ABB Robotics generated revenues of $2.3 billion, representing approximately 7 percent of ABB Group revenues, with an operational EBITA margin of 12.1%.

Market Context and Industry Dynamics

The industrial robotics sector is experiencing transformation driven by advancing artificial intelligence capabilities, improved sensor technologies, enhanced computing power, and expanding applications beyond traditional automotive and electronics manufacturing. The integration of AI technologies enables more autonomous operation, adaptive behaviour, and simplified programming, potentially accelerating robotics adoption across diverse industries.

SoftBank’s acquisition reflects conviction that the convergence of advanced AI with robotics hardware and control systems will create substantial value and market opportunities. The company’s investment strategy emphasises technologies positioned to benefit from long-term secular trends, with robotics representing a core focus area.

Strategic Alternatives Assessment

ABB’s decision to divest rather than pursue the previously announced spin-off reflects an assessment that the SoftBank offer delivers superior value realisation for shareholders compared with establishing an independent listed company. Spin-off transactions create value through improved strategic focus and operational autonomy but may require time for independent entities to establish market valuations reflecting underlying business quality.

The divestment provides immediate cash proceeds that ABB can deploy according to capital allocation priorities, which may include organic investment, strategic acquisitions in core businesses, debt reduction, or shareholder returns through dividends and share repurchases.

For more information visit www.abb.com

Viva Energy Australia has officially launched a purpose-built lubricants facility in Karratha, Western Australia, designed to revolutionise the delivery of critical lubricants and greases to mining, oil and gas, construction, and industrial businesses throughout the Pilbara region. The facility was officially opened on Monday before more than 30 guests from industry and the local community.

Official Opening and Leadership Participation

Scott Wyatt, CEO of Viva Energy, and Robyn Smart, Western Australia and Northern Territory Operations Manager, jointly performed the ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the commencement of operations at the strategically located facility. The attendance of representatives from industry and local community organisations underscored the facility’s significance for regional industrial operations.

Facility Specifications and Capabilities

The new installation provides more than 2.4 million litres of on-site storage capacity alongside a purpose-built grease manufacturing and blending facility, all designed to address the specific requirements of Pilbara-based industrial operations. This substantial storage capacity enables bulk inventory management, ensuring reliable product availability for customers operating in the resource-rich but geographically remote region.

The grease facility represents specialised infrastructure for producing and handling these critical lubricants, which perform essential functions in heavy machinery and equipment operating in demanding mining, construction, and industrial applications characteristic of the Pilbara’s economic activities.

Supply Chain Optimization and Environmental Benefits

The Karratha facility fundamentally restructures the lubricants supply chain for the Pilbara region by positioning substantial storage and blending capacity close to end users. Previously, lubricants serving the region typically originated from facilities in Perth or eastern Australian states, requiring long-distance road freight transportation covering thousands of kilometres.

By streamlining the supply chain and eliminating thousands of kilometres from traditional transport routes, the facility delivers dual benefits of enhanced operational efficiency and substantially reduced carbon emissions. Viva Energy estimates that road freight alone will experience a reduction of more than 450,000 kilometres travelled annually, representing significant environmental and economic advantages.

This reduction in transport distances translates to lower logistics costs, reduced delivery lead times, enhanced supply security, and diminished environmental impact through decreased fuel consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions from heavy vehicle transportation.

Strategic Investment and Regional Commitment

The facility represents an investment exceeding $25 million, demonstrating Viva Energy’s substantial commitment to the Pilbara region and to providing sustainable, reliable solutions for customers operating in this critical resource province. The capital deployment reflects confidence in the region’s long-term industrial activity and the strategic value of proximate supply infrastructure.

The investment encompasses land acquisition or lease, construction of storage tanks and associated infrastructure, installation of specialised grease blending equipment, implementation of safety and environmental management systems, and establishment of operational facilities necessary to support ongoing activities.

Market Context and Industrial Demand

The Pilbara region hosts some of Australia’s most significant mining operations, producing substantial volumes of iron ore alongside other minerals that underpin the nation’s resource exports. These mining operations, along with supporting oil and gas facilities, construction activities, and industrial businesses, consume large quantities of lubricants and greases essential for maintaining equipment reliability and operational continuity.

Mining equipment, including haul trucks, excavators, loaders, and processing machinery, requires regular lubrication using products specifically formulated for demanding operating conditions, including high loads, elevated temperatures, dusty environments, and extended service intervals. Reliable lubricant supply directly affects equipment availability, maintenance costs, and operational efficiency for resource companies whose production schedules depend on maximising equipment utilisation.

Supply Security and Service Enhancement

Positioning substantial lubricant storage and blending capacity within the Pilbara enhances supply security for regional customers by reducing dependence on long supply chains vulnerable to disruptions from weather events, transport constraints, or other factors affecting product availability. Local storage provides buffer inventory, enabling rapid response to customer requirements and emergency situations.

The facility’s capabilities potentially include customised blending services, enabling production of specialised lubricant formulations tailored to specific customer applications or equipment requirements. This flexibility adds value beyond commodity product distribution, supporting optimisation of lubrication programmes for enhanced equipment performance and reduced total cost of ownership.

Operational Efficiency for Regional Partners

Viva Energy has characterised the facility as inaugurating a new era of confidence and efficiency for regional industrial partners. Reduced lead times between order placement and product delivery enable more responsive inventory management by customers, potentially reducing their own storage requirements and associated capital tied up in lubricant stocks.

Enhanced service levels support operational planning and maintenance scheduling, reducing uncertainty regarding product availability that could otherwise necessitate conservative inventory policies or scheduling buffers. Reliable, proximate supply enables lean inventory approaches that reduce costs whilst maintaining operational readiness.

Sustainability Alignment

The facility’s environmental benefits through transport reduction align with growing emphasis on supply chain sustainability across industrial sectors. Mining companies and other major lubricant consumers increasingly assess suppliers based on environmental performance, including the carbon footprint of product supply chains.

By substantially reducing transport distances, Viva Energy enhances its value proposition to customers pursuing Scope 3 emissions reductions in their supply chains. The 450,000-kilometre annual reduction in road freight represents quantifiable environmental performance improvement that customers can incorporate into their own sustainability reporting and carbon accounting.

Regional Economic Contribution

The facility’s establishment creates employment opportunities in Karratha, both during construction and through ongoing operational requirements. Local employment, procurement of services from regional suppliers, and payment of rates and taxes contribute to the economic development of Karratha and surrounding communities.

The presence of advanced industrial infrastructure supports the region’s long-term economic sustainability by diversifying beyond mining activities alone, establishing capabilities that serve multiple industrial sectors and enhancing the region’s attractiveness for future industrial investment.

The Karratha lubricants facility strengthens Viva Energy’s position as a comprehensive supplier to Australia’s resource sector whilst delivering tangible environmental benefits through supply chain optimisation and demonstrating commercial commitment to regional industrial communities that underpin the nation’s resource economy.

For more information visit www.vivaenergy.com.au

Exolum has obtained the maximum score of 100 out of 100 points in the GRESB Infrastructure Asset Benchmark Report 2025, consolidating its position as a sustainability leader in the energy and water resources sector in Europe. The report positions Exolum above the sector average across every dimension evaluated.

Recognition and Sector Leadership

The achievement reaffirms Exolum’s position as an international leader in sustainable management of energy infrastructure, underscoring the company’s leadership in innovation, operational efficiency, and contribution to sector decarbonisation. GRESB (Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark) serves as the principal international standard for evaluating sustainability performance of assets and infrastructure, assessing environmental, social, and governance aspects at global level.

Strategic Integration of Sustainability

Cristina Jaraba, global people lead at Exolum, characterised the result as recognition for the integration of sustainability into the company’s global strategy and the robustness of Exolum’s ESG management model. She stated that obtaining the maximum GRESB score cements the company’s position as an international sustainability leader, demonstrating that governance, responsible resource management, and positive environmental impact constitute central pillars of Exolum’s business operations.

Comprehensive ESG Performance

Achieving the maximum score across all evaluated dimensions indicates excellence spanning environmental management, social responsibility, and governance structures. Environmental performance encompasses carbon emissions management, resource efficiency, environmental risk mitigation, and contribution to climate objectives. Social dimensions include health and safety performance, labour practices, community engagement, and stakeholder relationships, whilst governance evaluation examines organisational structures, policies, transparency, and risk management frameworks.

Infrastructure Operations and Decarbonisation

Exolum operates energy infrastructure including pipeline systems, storage terminals, and logistics facilities handling petroleum products and alternative fuels. The company’s infrastructure performs critical functions in energy supply chains whilst presenting opportunities for contributing to sector decarbonisation through operational efficiency, emissions reduction, and enabling deployment of lower-carbon fuels.

The recognition for operational efficiency and innovation reflects implementation of advanced practices, technologies, and management systems that optimise resource utilisation whilst minimising environmental impact. Innovation encompasses adoption of technologies for asset monitoring, predictive maintenance, emissions detection, and process optimisation.

Market Positioning and Stakeholder Value

Perfect GRESB scores hold significance for infrastructure investors who increasingly integrate ESG considerations into investment decisions and portfolio management. Superior GRESB performance influences cost of capital, investor appetite, and valuation as ESG considerations become more central to investment frameworks. For Exolum, the maximum score strengthens positioning with investors whilst validating management approaches to sustainability.

Exolum’s positioning above sector averages across all dimensions indicates outperformance relative to peers operating in similar regulatory and market contexts within Europe’s stringent environmental framework. The achievement provides market differentiation in competing for contracts, partnerships, and investments where sustainability credentials influence selection decisions.

For more information visit www.exolum.com

Global engineering and energy services consultancy Penspen has announced record-breaking performance in the Middle East & Africa, securing project management consultancy and engineering contracts worth more than $400 million so far this year. The business has delivered around 25 percent annual growth, fuelled by a deliberate strategic focus on the Middle East and growing momentum across Africa.

The latest contract awards – spanning upstream and midstream oil & gas, greenfield developments, brownfield redevelopments – underline strong regional demand for Penspen’s engineering, project management, and asset integrity expertise. While the vast majority of individual client names remain confidential, the scope includes major national oil companies (NOCs) in the Middle East, with projects covering both onshore and offshore energy infrastructure.

Beyond its core services, Penspen is also expanding in two fast-growing areas:

• In aviation infrastructure, the company is delivering critical fuel systems – from fuel farms and storage facilities to hydrant networks – at airports in Kuwait, Qatar, and Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport, with additional projects under way in Ethiopia and Poland, and a joint bid with Dar Al-Handasah Consultants (Shair and Partners) for the redevelopment of Damascus International Airport.
• At the same time, Penspen is building a strong track record in energy transition, with contract awards for infrastructure repurposing for hydrogen integration, a long-range CO₂ pipeline linked to the Hail and Ghasha development, and a corrosion assessment for MASDAR’s battery energy storage system in Saudi Arabia. A team of subject matter experts (SMEs) in Abu Dhabi provides local capability, and forms part of Penspen’s global Centre for Engineering Excellence, which shares expertise from landmark hydrogen, CO₂ and green ammonia projects in Europe.

Emirati Graduate Training Programme: Investing in Emirati talent

Alongside commercial growth, Penspen is also reinforcing its commitment to local talent development with the relaunch of its Emirati Graduate Training Programme in the UAE.

Originally launched nearly five years ago, the programme has evolved from a short-term placement scheme into a career development and retention pathway for Emirati engineers. The programme now supports 40+ graduates, with a target of 50+ by year-end, across key engineering and functional disciplines.

To lead the initiative, Dr. Sameer Jalan, a recognised expert in graduate development, has been appointed as Engineering Graduate Development Manager. The 12-month programme is receiving strong client feedback for the calibre of local engineers being developed.

Record year for regional expansion

Penspen’s UAE office is now its largest worldwide, with more than 850 people – 22 percent growth in the last year alone. Meanwhile, its Al Khobar and Al Khafji project offices in Saudi Arabia have surpassed 130 staff since opening in 2023. Across Africa, activity has also accelerated with upstream, midstream, downstream, and new energy projects awarded over the past three years.

Neale Carter, Penspen’s executive vice president for Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, said: “Our incredible growth story is a testament to the dedication and focus of our talented employees, who ensure we deliver upon our commitments to our valued clients.

“Key to this acceleration has also been collaboration with our fellow Sidara company, Dar Al-Handasah Consultants (Shair and Partners), one of the region’s longest-established engineering consultancies. Dar’s reach and relationships across the region complement our technical capabilities, and together we can deliver best-in-class service for clients. It’s a win-win for both us and the wider Sidara collaborative.”

Penspen’s long-term growth strategy has a strong focus on the MEA, focusing on digital technology, energy transition, and talent development.

Carter concluded: “Looking forward, we see huge opportunity in applying digital tools to engineering and project management – improving quality, reducing costs, and raising standards across the board. Combined with our experience in energy transition, and our investment in local talent, Penspen is well placed to continue supporting the region’s energy security and sustainability goals for decades to come.

“Our strength lies in combining deep regional presence with global expertise. The work we’ve done in Europe – developing and repurposing assets for hydrogen and CO₂ transport – is exactly the type of capability we expect to be in demand across the Middle East and Africa. We are building a bridge between proven heritage and the future of energy.”

For more information visit www.penspen.com