Honeywell Process Solutions unveiled its Channel Partner award winners, recognising the performance of its top Channel Partners in the Asia Pacific region. The winners were announced at Tuesday’s awards ceremony as part of Honeywell’s Asia Pacific Channel Partner Conference held in Bangkok, Thailand.

The awards recognised eight partner companies, which are distributing and integrating Honeywell industrial automation solutions across the Asia Pacific region, for commercial excellence, and delivering exceptional customer service. Honorees surpassed their annual business goals by providing superior value to their customers.

“The product lines available to our global partner network continue to grow and now includes instrumentation, gas/liquid measurement, control platforms, thermal solutions, software, cyber security and smart energy metering.” said Dana Manners, director of channel excellence, performance materials technologies. “Our partners in the Asia Pacific region are embracing the exciting opportunities presented by our expanding Channel Ready product portfolio and it’s important to us to recognise their dedication, contributions and results.”

Winners of the Honeywell Asia Pacific Channel Partner Awards include:

• Honeywell Channel Partner of the Year, APAC – Artee Flow Controls
• Honeywell Channel Partner of the Year, China – Jinan HuaHui Science and Technology
• Honeywell Channel Partner of the Year, India – Emecon Controls
• Honeywell Channel Partner of the Year, RoAP – Global Engineering
• Honeywell Channel Partner of the Year, Field & Process Instrumentation – Hangzhou Zhongrui Automation
• Honeywell Channel Partner of the Year, Modular Systems –– Ditap-V Automation
• Honeywell Channel Partner of the Year, Gas Solutions – Sejong-AMC Corporation
• Honeywell Channel Partner of the Year, Terminals – Ningbo Chemray Petroleum Chemical Equipment

Honeywell hosted more than 280 channel partners, representing 141 channel partner companies from across 14 countries in the Asia Pacific region at the conference. The HPS Channel Programme enables partners to deliver value-added services and solutions across many industries and have the expertise to address today’s challenges backed by world-class technology.

For more information visit www.pmt.honeywell.com/us/en

U.S. Venture, Inc., a leader in the energy sector, has introduced an innovative solution for reducing volatile organic compound emissions in gasoline storage tanks. Their standard for new construction involves a floating roof with a primary “shoe” seal and a secondary wiper seal design, which is recognised as one of the most efficient configurations available.

These floating roofs are designed to sit on top of the stored liquid and rise and fall with the liquid level. This unique design eliminates the vapour space above the product, effectively curbing vaporisation and greatly reducing the release of VOC and hazardous air pollutant emissions.

By adopting this floating roof design with primary “shoe” seals and secondary wiper seals, U.S. Venture, Inc. is taking a significant step towards sustainable practices in the energy industry. Their commitment to reducing emissions and promoting environmental responsibility is evident in their efforts to develop innovative technologies for a cleaner and more sustainable future.

To gain further insight into U.S. Venture, Inc.’s sustainability initiatives, interested individuals can refer to their most recent Sustainability Report. This report provides a comprehensive overview of the company’s dedication to sustainability and showcases their pioneering efforts to minimise environmental impact.

U.S. Venture, Inc. continues to set the standard for gasoline storage tank construction, prioritising emissions reduction and environmental stewardship. Through their floating roof design and commitment to sustainability, they are driving positive change in the industry and paving the way for a greener future.

To view the U.S. Energy Sustainability report please visit www.usventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/USV-Sustainability-Report-2022.pdf

For more information visit www.us-energy.com

In a remarkable display of engineering and logistics, Stolthaven Terminals recently captured the attention of onlookers and local media in New Zealand as it floated two enormous tanks down the coast of the North Island. The tanks, measuring an impressive 25 metres in diameter and 16 metres in height, embarked on a five-day, 290-nautical-mile sea voyage from Whangarei to the storage terminal at Mount Manganui.

Manufactured by Culham Engineering in the far north-east of the North Island, these empty tanks, weighing a staggering 225 metric tonnes each, were certainly hard to miss. Despite a 48-hour stopover along the way due to adverse weather conditions, the journey went smoothly, and the tanks arrived safely at their destination.

Brent Metson, the general manager of Stolthaven Mount Maunganui, emphasised the need for stable weather conditions during the barge journey and unloading process. To ensure a successful operation, precautions were taken, including conducting the land transportation and heavy lifting operations overnight, which required road closures. Metson expressed his satisfaction, stating that everything went smoothly, and the tanks are now securely positioned on-site.

These impressive tanks, each with a capacity of 8,100m3, were commissioned by Stolthaven Terminals to store very low sulphur fuel oil for one of its valued customers. VLSFO is in compliance with IMO 2020 regulations set by the International Maritime Organisation, which aim to reduce sulphur oxides emissions in the maritime industry. The customer plans to utilise the VLSFO stored at the terminal to replace heavy fuel oil for ships at the nearby Port of Tauranga.

Metson highlighted the strategic location of the Mount Maunganui terminal, perfectly positioned to serve the port’s needs. The final preparations for the two tanks, including insulation and tank pit wall enhancements, are currently underway. These tanks will take up most of the remaining land at the terminal and significantly increase Stolthaven’s operating income. Soon, they will be ready for the customer to utilise, further solidifying Stolthaven Terminals’ commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the industry.

This captivating story of Stolthaven Terminals’ tank storage expansion showcases their dedication to innovation, expansion, and service excellence. As a leading name in the industry, Stolthaven continues to provide top-notch storage solutions that meet the highest industry standards.

For more information visit www.stolt-nielsen.com

Nordweld are pleased to announce that another joint endeavor by TLC and Nordweld in Finland will commence in January 2024.

As a result of their combined efforts, a phosphoric acid tank measuring 19 metres in width and 18 metres in height, with a weight of 158 tonnes, will be created. Nordweld will be responsible for the tank’s construction, while TLC will supply stairs and platforms. Nordweld will embark on its inaugural project in this part of Scandinavia.

This marks another significant achievement for Nordweld, and you will be able to follow their progress on their social media platforms.

For more information visit www.nordweld.eu

Trelleborg, a leading provider of LNG ship-to-ship transfer systems, will be showcasing its complete range of integrated systems at Gastech 2023 in Singapore.

Visitors to the event will have the opportunity to see the Trelleborg KLAW LNG CryoFCv, which can significantly reduce LNG transfer connection times. This system enables greater transfer availability and operating windows in variable weather conditions. Trelleborg’s stand will also feature other market and technological products, including KLAW LNG transfer systems, Gutteling LNG composite hoses, KLAW breakaway couplings, Vee Bee filtration, and Cryoline LNG floating hoses.

These solutions offer end-to-end solutions for maximising LNG availability and operational flexibility. In addition to the exhibition, Trelleborg will be hosting daily presentations on the latest technologies and sustainability solutions in gas transfer. Andrew Stafford, Trelleborg marine and infrastructure technical director, will also be presenting a paper on the changing landscape of LNG supply chains and the integration of new technologies into ship-to-shore and ship-to-ship link systems. Gastech is the world’s largest meeting place for the natural gas, LNG, hydrogen, low-carbon solutions, and climate technologies industries.

For more information visit www.trelleborg.com/en

Climate technologies are driving down emissions, safeguarding future energy supplies, and advancing the cause of a just energy transition in the developing world. According to estimates from Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University, they could reduce global CO₂ emissions by 40 percent.

Climate technology is a critical component of the world’s decarbonisation efforts and, in recognition of this, Gastech 2023 has expanded to include a dedicated Climatetech exhibition and conference programme, which will bring together established energy players, policy analysts, investors, and Big Tech.

As investor enthusiasm for climate technologies remains strong, and the wave of policy incentivisation continues, Gastech 2023’s Climatetech zone – hosted by ENGIE and ExxonMobil – will seek to accelerate the deployment of new climate technology solutions across the entire energy value chain.

Within the Climatetech zone, Gastech 2023 will also – for the first time – host a European Pavilion, organised by the European Innovation Council of the European Commission. The pavilion, which will host 17 companies, will promote the innovation and ingenuity of European companies in natural gas, LNG, hydrogen, low-carbon solutions, and climate technologies, as well as the wider energy value chain.

Championing collaboration and convening a global network of experts, Gastech will provide the strategic direction, leadership, and vision that are required to make much needed breakthroughs on climate technology and bring about next-generation energy solutions.

The transition to net zero emissions opens an investment opportunity of almost $7 trillion a year – a considerable proportion of which will be spent on climate technologies such as AI, carbon capture, electrification, and agri-tech.

As the world’s largest global exhibition and conference of its kind, Gastech will offer attendees unparalleled insights into climate-focused innovation and technologies, as well as access to the knowledge required to understand how best to harness the opportunities that they present.

The Climatetech strategic conference agenda will invite global business leaders from companies including Baker Hughes, Petrobras, Technip Energies, and Linde to share their insights on the future of the sector and discuss credible, tech-enabled routes to net zero. The curated programme will cover cutting edge, future-forward emissions reduction solutions, and enable attendees to build the knowledge and contextual awareness of the role that climate technologies have to play in transforming the entire energy value chain. The Climatetech technical conference will provide delegates with a forum to discuss and showcase key technologies, innovations and solutions in carbon capture, utilisation, and storage, power grid, electrification and digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence.

Taking place in Singapore, Gastech 2023 will also advance understanding of the role that Asia – a region with rising prominence in the Climatetech landscape – has to play in the global energy transition.

Since 2013, 26.2 percent of global Climatetech funding has gone to startups in Asia, and between 2016 and 2020, 40 percent of average annual energy investment in Southeast Asia went to new energy technologies.

In this dynamic industry, Gastech will support the creation of an integrated, collaborative, and competitive climate technology value chain, in Asia, and across the world.

Anne-Sophie Corbeau, global research scholar, Columbia Centre for Global Energy Policy and Co-chair of Gastech 2023 Governing Body, said: “Gastech has evolved from a conference about gas, to a conference about gases. The range of topics now covers the full span of lower-carbon energy solutions; the launch of the Climatetech programme, a new addition for 2023, is especially timely. Over the course of the past 15 months, energy has moved to the very forefront of the global geostrategic agenda, and minds have been refocused on the combined challenges of energy security, affordability and climate change.”

Alessandro Romagnoli, co-director of the SJ-NTU Corporate Lab and Gastech 2023 Governing Body Member, said: “The main goal for all the stakeholders taking part in Gastech is that of decarbonising the entire energy value chain. For this, we need to expand the talent pool and foster innovation, the creation of new startups and ventures, and create adequate policies and investment enabling a rapid deployment and scaling up of zero carbon energy solutions.”

For more information visit www.gastechevent.com

Matrix Service Company, a leading provider of engineering and construction services to the energy and industrial markets, has announced the receipt of $464 million in awards during the fiscal fourth quarter. This brings the company’s ending backlog to $1.1 billion as of June 30, 2023, marking the largest backlog since June 30, 2018. Additionally, the total awards for fiscal 2023 exceeded $1.3 billion, the highest annual total in five years.

According to Matrix Service Company president and CEO John R. Hewitt, the substantial backlog is a result of the company’s strategic focus on core markets that align with their skills, expertise, and strong brand. Hewitt believes that this backlog will support long-term sustainable revenue and improved earnings as the company enters fiscal year 2024. He also notes that the reshaping of global energy markets, the push towards lower carbon activity, and industrial reshoring offer long-term opportunities that are expected to drive further backlog growth.

Hewitt attributes the company’s strong business prospects to the dedication and hard work of their teams in transforming the organisation. This transformation has enabled Matrix Service Company to execute projects safely, improve cost structures, optimise operating processes, and maintain best-in-class quality for their customers.

The company has set the dates for the release of their fourth quarter and fiscal 2023 financial results, as well as a related conference call. The results will be announced after the market closes on Monday, September 11, 2023. Matrix Service Company expects the results to be in line with consensus. On Tuesday, September 12, 2023, Matrix Service Company president and CEO John R. Hewitt, along with chief financial officer Kevin S. Cavanah, will host a conference call at 10:30 a.m. Eastern time/9:30 a.m. Central time to present and discuss the company’s full year-end financial results and provide a forward outlook.

With a strong backlog and positive business prospects, Matrix Service Company is well-positioned to capitalise on the long-term opportunities in the energy and industrial markets. As they continue to focus on their core markets and leverage their expertise, the company is confident in its ability to drive further growth and deliver value to its customers and shareholders.

For more information visit www.matrixservicecompany.com

Fujairah Oil Terminal FZC is celebrating a remarkable achievement of reaching 4 million safe man-hours without any workplace accidents or incidents. This milestone is a testament to the company’s unwavering commitment to prioritise health, safety, and well-being, as well as its dedication to fostering a culture of safety, responsibility, and accountability.

The accomplishment of such a significant milestone underscores the efforts and diligence of the entire team at Fujairah Oil Terminal FZC. Their consistent adherence to safety protocols, rigorous training, and proactive approach have played a crucial role in maintaining a safe working environment.

Health and safety are of paramount importance in any workplace, particularly in industries such as oil terminals where potential risks and hazards exist. By achieving 4 million safe man-hours, Fujairah Oil Terminal FZC has demonstrated its commitment to protecting the well-being of its employees and contractors.

This accomplishment is a result of a comprehensive and robust safety management system that encompasses various aspects, including risk assessment, hazard identification, regular safety audits, and continuous training programmes. The employees and contractors at Fujairah Oil Terminal FZC have embraced these practices and actively contribute to maintaining a safe and secure working environment.

The achievement of 4 million safe man-hours not only reflects the company’s dedication to its workforce but also highlights its commitment to the local community and the environment. By operating with a focus on safety, Fujairah Oil Terminal FZC minimises the potential impact of accidents or incidents on the surrounding areas.

Fujairah Oil Terminal FZC has set a commendable example for the industry, and their achievement serves as an inspiration to other organisations to prioritise safety and well-being. The company’s success in maintaining a safe workplace can be attributed to its strong leadership, effective communication, and engagement with employees at all levels.

As Fujairah Oil Terminal FZC continues its operations, it will undoubtedly build upon this remarkable achievement and strive for even higher safety standards. The company will continue to invest in training and development programmes, implement best practices, and foster a safety-conscious culture to ensure that every employee returns home safely at the end of each day.

Fujairah Oil Terminal FZC’s milestone of 4 million safe man-hours is a significant accomplishment that should be celebrated. It serves as a reminder that the collective efforts of employees and contractors can create a workplace where safety is paramount. As the company moves forward, it will undoubtedly continue to prioritise health, safety, and well-being, setting an example for the industry and contributing to a safer working environment for all.

For more information visit www.fot.ae

Stolthaven Terminals is pleased to announce that their terminal in Dagenham, UK, has successfully achieved the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification. This certification, recognised worldwide in the biofuels and energy industry, serves as proof that the fuel, bio-based feedstocks, and renewables stored on site meet the defined sustainability criteria.

The attainment of the ISCC certification demonstrates Stolthaven Dagenham’s commitment to biofuels and sustainability, which has become increasingly important to their customers who require storage for bio-based products. It also reinforces their dedication, both locally in Dagenham and as a global business, to operating in the most sustainable manner possible.

Stolthaven Terminals is renowned for continuously striving to enhance the sustainability of their operations and reduce their environmental impact. Their global initiatives showcase their ongoing efforts in this regard. For more details about their sustainability initiatives, please visit: www.stolt-nielsen.com/sustainability/

This achievement marks a significant milestone for Stolthaven Terminals in their journey towards a more sustainable future. Join them in celebrating this accomplishment and supporting their commitment to sustainable supply chains and storage terminals.

For more information visit www.stolt-nielsen.com/our-businesses/stolthaven-terminals/

Exolum, a company committed to sustainability and environmental care, is further strengthening its commitment to the environment through various projects focused on decarbonisation, water conservation, and biodiversity protection.

The company has made significant progress in improving its energy efficiency, with 32 percent of its energy needs in Spain being met through renewable energy sources. This achievement is a result of Exolum’s investment in constructing photovoltaic plants for its own energy consumption. The company has already implemented this initiative in various locations and is currently building three more plants in Huelva, Poblete, and Arahal.

Additionally, Exolum has entered into long-term power purchase agreements to ensure a constant supply of 100 percent renewable energy. These measures have contributed to renewable energy consumption in Spain reaching 32 percent of total electricity consumption in 2022.

Exolum is continuously exploring new ways to reduce emissions, such as incorporating technological developments and pipeline scheduling systems, using drag reducing agents and algorithms for additive dosing in pipeline transport, and replacing equipment with more energy-efficient alternatives.

Water conservation is another area where Exolum is actively engaged. The company strives to minimise water consumption and identify the best available techniques for water reuse. It has initiated a pilot project at the Gerona Facility to recover water from the effluent system, aiming to reduce water consumption by reusing wastewater for other purposes.

Exolum is also committed to biodiversity protection and conducts biodiversity studies in the areas surrounding its facilities. In 2022, studies were carried out at facilities in Cartagena, Santurce, and Ziérbena – Bilbao Port. The company prioritises proposals resulting from these studies and assesses their implementation.

To protect biodiversity, Exolum has identified high consequence areas where potential incidents in the pipeline could have significant consequences for the environment. The company updated these areas based on environmental sensitivity and the risk of climate change. It also collaborates with organisations like GREFA to preserve biodiversity and fauna through various projects, including the conservation of species like the Montagu’s harrier and the lesser kestrel.

Exolum actively participates in the Phy2Climate project, funded by the European Commission, which focuses on applying phytoremediation methods in land cleanup and analysing the generation of biofuel from crops grown on the reclaimed land.

The company is committed to implementing sustainable methods in land remediation and has conducted studies comparing different methodologies. One study conducted at the Tarragona facility compared bioremediation through bioaugmentation and biostimulation methods, both of which yielded positive results.

Javier Alonso, Exolum’s Global HSSE & Technology Lead, emphasises the company’s strategy of reducing its carbon footprint and preserving the environment. Exolum is committed to promoting the conservation of flora, fauna, and water resources and exploring new energy vectors like green hydrogen and biofuels.

Exolum’s commitment to decarbonisation, water conservation, and biodiversity protection demonstrates its dedication to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. By implementing these initiatives, the company is actively contributing to a greener and more sustainable future.

For more information visit www.exolum.com

Energy Transfer LP and Crestwood Equity Partners LP have announced that the parties have entered into a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which Energy Transfer will acquire Crestwood in an all-equity transaction valued at approximately $7.1 billion, including the assumption of $3.3 billion of debt, based on the closing price on August 15, 2023.

Under the terms of the agreement, Crestwood common unitholders will receive 2.07 Energy Transfer common units for each Crestwood common unit. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2023, subject to the approval of Crestwood’s unitholders, regulatory approvals, and other customary closing conditions. Upon closing, Crestwood common unitholders are expected to own approximately 6.5 percent of Energy Transfer’s outstanding common units.

Complementary Assets

Crestwood’s system includes gathering and processing assets located in the Williston, Delaware and Powder River basins, including approximately 2.0 billion cubic feet per day of gas gathering capacity, 1.4 billion cubic feet per day of gas processing capacity and 340 thousand barrels per day of crude gathering capacity. If consummated, this transaction would extend Energy Transfer’s position in the value chain deeper into the Williston and Delaware basins while also providing entry into the Powder River basin. These assets are expected to complement Energy Transfer’s downstream fractionation capacity at Mont Belvieu, as well as its hydrocarbon export capabilities from both its Nederland Terminal in Texas and the Marcus Hook Terminal in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

This transaction is also expected to provide benefits to Energy Transfer’s NGL & Refined Products and Crude Oil businesses with the addition of strategically located storage and terminal assets, including approximately 10 million barrels of storage capacity, as well as trucking and rail terminals. These systems are anchored by predominantly investment-grade producer customers with firm, long-term contracts, and significant acreage dedications.

Positive Financial Impact

The transaction is expected to be immediately accretive to distributable cash flow per unit as well as neutral to Energy Transfer’s leverage metrics upon closing. Similar to Energy Transfer, Crestwood’s cash flows are supported by primarily fee-based revenues from long-term contracts with investment-grade counterparties. In addition, with the increased scale and strengthened balance sheet, Energy Transfer expects to be able to improve on the current cost of financing for the acquired debt securities. Structured as a 100 percent unit-for-unit exchange, the transaction is tax-efficient to Crestwood unitholders and is anticipated to position both partnerships for long-term value upside through the combination.

Energy Transfer also expects to achieve at least $40 million of annual run-rate cost synergies before additional benefits of financial and commercial opportunities.

Compelling Value Creation for Crestwood Unitholders

Energy Transfer’s premier business model, strong balance sheet and backlog of growth opportunities supports the potential for significant additional value creation over time. The tax-efficient transaction is expected to provide Crestwood unitholders a benefit to distributions per unit and an opportunity to participate in Energy Transfer’s targeted annual distribution per unit growth rate of 3-5 percent.

For more information visit www.energytransfer.com

Gate terminal, in collaboration with its shareholders Gasunie and Vopak, has announced the commencement of construction for its fourth LNG tank at the Port of Rotterdam. This expansion project is a significant milestone in the tank storage industry, as it aims to enhance the storage and regasification capacity of Gate terminal.

The expansion includes the construction of a new LNG storage tank with a capacity of 180,000 cubic metres. In addition, the project will add 4 billion cubic metres per year of regasification capacity. These new facilities have already been rented out under long-term commercial agreements and are expected to be operational by the second half of 2026.

Gate terminal, founded and owned by Vopak and Gasunie since 2011, plays a crucial role in ensuring the supply and availability of gas in the Netherlands and neighboring countries. Upon completion of all planned projects, the terminal’s total regasification capacity will reach an impressive 20 billion cubic metres per year.

Hans Coenen, speaking on behalf of the Board of Directors of Gasunie, highlighted the importance of this investment in increasing LNG import capacity in the Netherlands. He emphasised that it is necessary to compensate for the loss of Russian natural gas and to alleviate the scarcity of natural gas on the European gas market. Gasunie is committed to accelerating the energy transition and is involved in various initiatives such as the construction of a national hydrogen network and the conversion of import terminals. The company also prioritises green gas, heat transportation, and CO2 capture and storage.

Dick Richelle, the CEO of Vopak, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with Gasunie and the opportunity to expand LNG infrastructure. This investment aligns with Vopak’s strategy to grow in this sector and underscores their commitment to developing and operating reliable and open access infrastructure. Such infrastructure plays a critical role in ensuring the security of energy supply.

Jarmo Stoopman, the managing director at Gate terminal, expressed his delight at the commencement of construction for this significant expansion project. With all the necessary elements in place, the team looks forward to collaborating with contractors to ensure the safe and timely completion of the fourth tank.

The construction of the fourth LNG tank at Gate terminal marks an important step in meeting the growing demand for natural gas in the region. It will bolster the storage and regasification capacity, ensuring a consistent and reliable supply of energy. This expansion project not only addresses the current challenges but also aligns with the broader goals of energy transition and sustainability. With the commitment of Gasunie, Vopak, and Gate terminal, the Netherlands is well-positioned to meet its energy needs and contribute to a greener future.

For more information visit www.vopak.com

ExxonMobil Fife Ethylene Plant has formally brought its new Enclosed Ground Flare into operation.

The design of the new unit differs from the existing elevated flares at Mossmorran in that the flame itself is enclosed and will not be visible.

The unit is designed to operate completely smokeless without the need for high volumes of steam. Combined, these technologies significantly reduce the light, noise, and vibration sometimes associated with the current flares.

Representing a multi-million-pound investment by ExxonMobil the installation of the EGF is a direct commitment to reduce the potential community disturbance that can be experienced through elevated flaring.

‘’While we never want to flare, on those occasions when we need to, we are following a safe and approved process.’’ said Toby Hamblin, manager of Fife Ethylene Plant. ‘’What the EGF does is ensure we minimise any potential disturbance to our host communities, with at least 98 percent of any required flaring safely contained in the new unit.’’

Toby continued: ‘’We are committed to being a good neighbour to our host communities. Recent major investments have significantly improved our operational reliability and reduced flaring events, with the introduction of the EGF further underlining our commitment.’’

Should the EGF be required to manage an operational issue, a few seconds of flaring will first be required in the existing elevated flare until the gas is safely directed to the EGF.

Enclosed Ground Flare Key Facts:

• 98 percent reduction in elevated flaring
• Quieter than a petrol lawnmower
• Invisible when operating on a clear day or night
• Completely smokeless
• No vibration
• Reduced emissions

For more information visit www.zeeco.com

This case study highlights the successful implementation of Platform8 and their partners Smartflow’s digital solution for ship-to-shore ISGOTT (International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers and Terminals) at NSW Ports. As an international standard, ISGOTT ensures safe and efficient operations within the maritime industry.

The adoption of Platform8’s solution presents a transformative opportunity for all ports and terminal operators across Australia and New Zealand to streamline their processes and achieve a rapid return on investment.

The Problem: Inefficiencies and Compliance Challenges

The existing bespoke legacy tech solution for ship-to-shore ISGOTT processes at NSW Ports relied on outdated communication methods, such as email and PDF document sharing. This resulted in inefficiencies, coordination challenges, and a lack of real-time visibility into operations. Moreover, compliance with ISGOTT guidelines became increasingly demanding, necessitating a more robust and efficient solution.

The Solution: Digital ISGOTT Compliances

Platform8’s digital platform provides an innovative solution for ensuring ISGOTT compliance and streamlining ship-to-shore processes. By leveraging partner Smartflow Document Flow, the platform offers a centralised view of operations and facilitates efficient communication among key stakeholders, including vessels, port authorities, ports, and terminals. This transformative solution not only enhances safety and operational efficiency but also simplifies compliance with the international ISGOTT standard.

“Working with Platform8 and Smartflow has been a seamless experience. Their solutions have proven to be efficient and reliable. We are impressed with the ease of implementation and the value they bring to our operations. We are excited to explore more of their solutions across our platform.” Josh Davidson head of technology, NSW Ports.

The implementation at NSW Ports presents a model that all ports and terminal operators across ANZ should consider adopting.

The Benefits: Fast ROI and Scalable Adoption

The benefits of this solution include:

Rapid Return on Investment: By streamlining ship-to-shore ISGOTT processes, Platform8’s solution reduces manual effort, improves coordination, and enhances operational efficiency. These efficiencies translate into cost savings and faster turnaround times, resulting in a rapid ROI.

Improved Safety and Compliance: Platform8’s digital platform ensures compliance with the internationally recognised ISGOTT standard. By automating processes, providing real-time visibility, and enabling risk and exception reporting, the solution significantly enhances safety and helps mitigate compliance risks.

Scalable Adoption and Collaboration: Platform8’s solution enables seamless collaboration and data sharing among ports and terminal operators across ANZ. This promotes industry-wide standardisation and fosters a collaborative approach to enhancing operational excellence.

“Platform8’s solution has delivered immediate returns on our processes. It is a simple yet highly effective solution that has streamlined our operations. I am pleased to endorse Platform8 and support their mission to bring this innovative solution to terminals across ANZ. Working with Platform8 and Smartflow has been a great experience, and their collaboration has been invaluable.” Wayne Ashton, NSW Port operations manager

The Future: Expanding Implementation and Industry Leadership

The successful implementation of Platform8’s ISGOTT solution at Port Botany showcases its potential for wider adoption across the maritime industry. As more ports and terminal operators embrace this solution, they can achieve consistent ISGOTT compliance, improved safety measures, and significant operational efficiencies. The scalability and flexibility of Platform8’s platform allow for seamless expansion to other ports and terminals, ensuring a standardised and interconnected approach to maritime operations.

By harnessing Platform8’s expertise and digital solutions, ports and terminal operators can position themselves as industry leaders, setting new benchmarks for operational excellence, safety, and compliance.

Platform8’s digital solution for ship-to-shore ISGOTT processes at NSW Ports highlights the transformative impact of streamlining operations and enhancing safety within the maritime industry. This solution serves as a powerful example for all ports and terminal operators across ANZ, showcasing the advantages of adopting a standardised and efficient platform. By leveraging Platform8’s expertise and embracing this digital transformation, the industry can achieve fast ROI, ensure ISGOTT compliance, and lead the way in maritime operational excellence.

For more information visit www.platform8.io

Marathon Petroleum’s former refinery in Martinez, California has been transformed into the Martinez Renewable Fuels Facility, which produces renewable diesel in collaboration with Neste. The facility, which operates with a current capacity of 260 million gallons per year, utilises Topsoe’s HydroFlexTM technology to convert bio-feedstock into renewable diesel.

Topsoe, a leading provider of carbon emission reduction technologies, was selected by Marathon Petroleum as the technology provider for renewable fuels production at the Martinez facility. This partnership builds upon the success of their collaboration at Marathon’s Dickinson facility in North Dakota, which also uses Topsoe’s HydroFlexTM technology and achieved its design capacity in Q2 2021.

Henrik Rasmussen, managing director of The Americas at Topsoe, expressed his satisfaction with the collaboration and their efforts to bring more renewable fuels to the American market. Jeff Sexton, refining technology director at Marathon, highlighted the importance of their renewable fuels production facilities in Dickinson and Martinez in their pursuit of sustainable energy.

Renewable fuels are low-carbon alternatives to traditional petroleum diesel or jet fuel. They are chemically identical to their petroleum counterparts but are made from renewable sources. These fuels emit fewer greenhouse gases while performing at the same level as conventional fuels. One of the advantages of renewable fuels is that they can be used as drop-in replacements without requiring modifications to engines or infrastructure. They can be derived from various sources such as waste, animal fats, used cooking oils, and organic materials like soybean oils.

For more information visit www.decarbonize.topsoe.com

In a strategic move that underscores its remarkable growth and enduring commitment to the energy sector, Producers Supply Company, a prominent player in the oil and gas supply distribution, has recently unveiled its new corporate headquarters in Southpointe, a widely recognised hub for the industry. This pivotal development signifies the company’s success and highlights its dedication to serving its customers with unparalleled efficiency and innovation.

Founded 32 years ago, PSC began as a small-scale distributor catering to local oil and gas companies. Over the years, the company’s relentless pursuit of excellence, commitment to quality, and exceptional customer service led to rapid growth and market recognition. With a solid foundation of integrity and a comprehensive understanding of industry dynamics, the company outgrew its initial operations, expanding its reach beyond local borders and tapping into regional and national markets.

The selection of Southpointe as the site for PSC’s corporate headquarters is a masterstroke. Southpointe has emerged as a thriving oil and gas industry epicentre, boasting a remarkable concentration of major players. By situating its headquarters in this strategic location, PSC gains proximity to both existing and potential customers, partners, and collaborators, fostering an environment ripe for growth.

The new headquarters is more than just a symbol of PSC’s success; it serves as a beacon of innovation and progress in the oil and gas supply distribution sector.

For more information visit www.p-s-c.com

Trelleborg Marine and Infrastructure partnered with Höegh LNG to supply its industry-leading SafePilot Offshore solutions for a first-of-its-kind Floating Storage and Regasification Unit Liquefied Natural Gas terminal in Wilhelmshaven, Germany. The terminal, officially commissioned week commencing December 17, 2022, took ten months to construct.

Trelleborg’s products for this project include its field-proven CAT MAX Portable Pilot Units and SafePilot Control Unit, which combines the functions of both a Vessel Positioning System & Berthing Aid System.

Richard Hepworth, president of Trelleborg Marine and Infrastructure, said: “It is an honour to be a part of this groundbreaking project with our long-term partner, Höegh LNG. Our SafePilot Offshore solutions are modular in design, so transitioning to these systems is extremely easy and seamless. SafePilot software configurations are also modified according to our client’s specific requirements, making them highly reliable and effective. In the long run, these offerings are crucial to ensuring port operations are safe, efficient, and sustainable.”

As part of this project, Trelleborg’s VPS will deploy on board the FSRU. In combination with the CAT MAX PPU on LNG carriers and support vessels, the system will provide 360-degree visibility and 6-axis monitoring of all floating assets, in addition, the system will serve as a unified monitoring system for pilots, tugs, and FSRU.

Hepworth continues: “In our role as Höegh LNG’s trusted partner, we’ve thoroughly enjoyed evaluating their operational and technical requirements and providing comprehensive solutions. As the safest and most accurate berthing aid and navigational support system available in the market today, our SafePilot Offshore solution sets the standard in confined water navigation.”

Trelleborg’s SafePilot Offshore provides operators with 360-degree visibility of all critical offshore operations, including loading and unloading, single and multiple buoy mooring, dual berth transfer, and FPSO drift monitoring – all with real-time updates.

It allows operators to analyse the approach, drift, alignment, and distance between assets during critical berthing, ship-to-ship transfers, and buoy loading and unloading, so they can adjust positioning as needed to optimise operations.

For more information visit www.trelleborg.com/en

ADNOC and the National Central Cooling Company PJSC, have announced a breakthrough in the first project in the gulf region to harness geothermal energy following the conclusion of testing on two geothermal wells at Masdar City in Abu Dhabi.

The landmark project is set to decarbonise the cooling of buildings in Masdar City, further diversify the UAE’s energy mix and support the UAE National Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to grow renewable energy capacity to 14 GW by 2030. The project is enabled by ADNOC’s initial $15 billion allocation towards low carbon solutions and will support its decarbonisation plan and net zero by 2045 ambition as well as the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy and UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative.

The wells produced hot water at temperatures exceeding 90 degrees celsius (oC) and flow rates of approximately 100 litres per second (l/s). The hot water generated by the heat from the wells will now pass through an absorption cooling system to produce chilled water, which will then be supplied to Tabreed’s district cooling network at Masdar City, accounting for 10 percent of its cooling needs.

Musabbeh Al Kaabi, ADNOC executive director for Low Carbon Solutions and International Growth, said: “Across ADNOC, we are developing and deploying innovative climate technologies and low carbon solutions to deliver on our accelerated decarbonisation plan and net zero by 2045 ambition. Geothermal heat is a clean and renewable source of energy abundantly available in the UAE and capable of providing base load electricity. However, until now, it has remained an untapped source of energy. By leveraging technological advances, for the first time ADNOC and Tabreed have unlocked this clean energy source to decarbonise one of the most energy intensive sectors in the country.”

Currently, the cooling of buildings accounts for the majority of the UAE’s electricity consumption. District cooling offers a sustainable alternative to traditional cooling methods as it is around 50 percent more energy efficient in its standard operations. Leveraging geothermal heat for district cooling operations has the potential to significantly reduce electricity demand for cooling from the grid, helping to decarbonise one of the most energy intensive sectors in the region.

Khalid Al Marzooqi, CEO, Tabreed, said: “The integration of geothermal energy with district cooling operations represents a significant advancement in the UAE’s journey towards diversifying its energy mix and achieving net zero by 2050. We are proud of our collaboration with ADNOC to accelerate our decarbonisation efforts in the lead-up to COP28, which also underscores our commitment to exploring the latest technologies and harnessing the power of renewables to meet the rising demand for sustainable cooling.”

ADNOC is pioneering the development of geothermal energy in the UAE, which can provide a supply of clean base load energy for electricity generation. Building on the success of the project, ADNOC is also working with several companies to maximise the contribution of geothermal energy in the UAE using the latest drilling and power generation technologies.

For more information visit www.adnoc.ae

Within normal distribution activities, diesel and jet fuel quality procedures require fuel to be settled for at least three hours per metre height or 24 hours (whichever is less). This requirement is intended to prevent the shipment of product containing dirt and water that would settle out in a 24-hour period. However, free water and particulate often settle in less than 24 hours, furthermore, some sites may be constrained in the volume of tankage available to store product meaning that settling periods impact upon the operation or further storage tanks are required to be constructed.

Aramco conducted a trial using particle counting technology and water content test methods to establish a procedure that identifies the exact time frame where a tank can be released from settling. Utilising this procedure will ensure that settling time is dictated by actual particulate and water test results rather than an estimated time.

The proposed procedures are as follows:

For both direct and indirect airport jet fuel delivery tanks, a reduced settling time may be applied, as a minimum this shall include the following tests/results:

An Upper, Middle and Lower sample from the tank, each being tested to confirm water and particulate content requirements are met as follows:

• A total water limit of 100 ppm using ASTM D6304 Karl Fischer, or

• A free water limit of 30 ppm max using a Chemical Water Detector, and

• ASTM D5452 Gravimetric with a limit of 1.0 mg/l, or

• Automatic particle Counting ISO Code of: – 19 Max for 4 micron channel count

– 17 Max for 6 micron channel count

– 14 Max for 14 micron channel count

– 13 Max for 30 micron channel count

For diesel fuel delivery tanks, a reduced settling time may apply, as a minimum this shall include the following tests/results: Automatic particle counting ISO Code of: – 19 Max for 4 micron channel count – 21 Max for 6 micron channel count – 18 Max for 14 micron channel count

The above proposed procedure has been field tested in the multiple distribution facilities and has proven to reduce settling periods significantly, as such there is a very significant cost saving associated with adopting the technology and procedure within Aramco operations, while ensuring that quality product is maintained. Below is a demonstration of the successful trial.

Tank A1 Results (Diesel – 150,000 bbl)

Tank A1 produced a required settling period of 12 hours – medium settling time reduction achieved

Results at Tank A1 showed possible reduction of settling periods ranging from 6 – 18 hours.

Utilising the particle counting technology and water content test methods to establish a procedure that identifies the exact time frame where a tank can be released from settling has been carried out. Utilising this procedure will ensure that settling time is dictated by actual particulate and water test results rather than an estimated time.

The trial results and procedure are further supported by recent industry operating standards changes in the aviation fuel environment, namely the EI 1530 standard which allows use of this exact procedure/protocol.

The above proposed procedure has been field tested in the Distribution Facilities and has proven to reduce settling periods significantly, as such there is a very significant cost saving associated with adopting the technology and procedure within Aramco operations, while ensuring that quality product is maintained.

Potential Cost Avoidance

• Assumption of 57 tanks impacted

• Conservative estimate of reducing the settling time of a single tank by 10 percent (2.5 hour reduction) using this technology will increase its throughput by 10 percent

• 10 percent throughput increase per year = +/- $1 MM cost avoidance per tank per year

Particle counters can provide a rapid quantitative analysis of fuel samples that allows monitoring of fuel cleanliness within a distribution system, utilising this technology in the area of tank settling periods allows the time period required to be significantly reduced. The associated protocol allows a quantitative result to be obtained that can be measured against a specification limit to allow a correct decision to be made in releasing a tank, this method compared with the current method time based (24 hours) offers a significant improvement on current procedures and practices.

Figure 2. Stanhope-Seta AvCount Lite Particle Counter

For more information visit www.aramco.com

The Board of Directors at North Ammonia has appointed Mikkel Tørud as the Company’s new chief executive officer. Tørud will replace Vidar Lundberg who becomes chair of the Board.

“Mikkel has a solid and relevant background with international management experience from project development, capital markets, renewable energy and hydrogen projects. The Board is pleased to bring him to North Ammonia and is confident he is the right person to lead the company forward. We are also happy that Vidar will continue to be closely involved in the development of North Ammonia in his new role as chair of the Board, says outgoing Chair Nicolai Grieg.”

Tørud comes from the Oslo stock exchange listed renewable energy company Scatec ASA where he has had several management positions, including chief financial officer and most recently executive vice president Green Hydrogen & MENA. He has also been part of the group management in REC (Renewable Energy Corporation) ASA as SVP business development and investor relations, and previously worked in BP and PA Consulting Group. Tørud holds a Master of Science in Industrial Economics and Technology.

“I am thrilled to join North Ammonia as CEO and to further develop the company together with a talented team, solid partners and dedicated industrial owners. North Ammonia is well positioned to pioneer the green fuels segment with strong roots in both the maritime sector and renewable power in Norway”, says Mikkel Tørud.

Tørud will take on the role of CEO from October this year, replacing Vidar Lundberg, who will become the new chair of the Board.

The North Ammonia Board of Directors now consists of:

Vidar Lundberg, chair of the Board (Grieg Edge/Grieg Maritime Group), Merete Lie Holen, member of the Board (Vergia/Arendals Fossekompani), Karoline Glad, member of the Board (Vergia/Arendals Fossekompani) and Nicolai Grieg, member of the Board (Grieg Edge/Grieg Maritime Group).

For more information visit www.northammonia.com

Congratulations to the Gasrec team on their expansion and growth! With their plans reaching new levels and their network expanding month-on-month, it’s impressive to see the company’s logistics operation stepping up to meet the ever-growing demand.

Acquiring seven new delivery trailers this year is a significant achievement, bringing the total number of delivery trucks to 16. This expansion will undoubtedly enhance the company’s capability to serve its customers efficiently and effectively.

Furthermore, diversifying the fuel supply by drawing from multiple locations in Europe, in addition to the UK’s largest LNG terminal at the Isle of Grain in Kent, showcases a proactive approach to ensuring a constant and steady fuel supply for customers.

It’s evident that the Gasrec logistics team has done an excellent job in managing the company’s expansion and ensuring customer satisfaction. Their hard work and dedication are commendable, and their efforts play a vital role in keeping customers happy.

Congratulations to the entire Gasrec logistics team on their accomplishments and for contributing to the company’s continued success.

For more information visit www.gasrec.co.uk

Air Liquide will be a key technology partner for a carbon capture demonstration project and front-end engineering design study funded by the US Department of Energy’s Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations. OCED’s Carbon Capture Demonstration Projects Programme seeks to address the urgent need to deploy carbon management technologies. The goal of the Carbon Capture Demonstration Projects Programme is to accelerate the implementation of integrated carbon capture and storage technologies and catalyse significant follow-on investments from the private sector to mitigate carbon emissions sources in industries across America.

Air Liquide’s CryocapTM FG carbon capture technology has been selected by the Southern States Energy Board for a demonstration at the Ash Grove Foreman Cement Plant, in Foreman, Arkansas. The technology will capture and purify up to 95 percent of the carbon dioxide generated by the cement plant. This project, one of eight selected by the DOE to receive funding, aims to decarbonise cement manufacturing, an industrial process traditionally considered as hard to abate. In focusing on cement production decarbonisation, Air Liquide adds to its industrial carbon capture project pipeline. In 2022, Air Liquide was awarded 4 other carbon capture FEED studies for projects across the US.

Decarbonising industrial processes and providing sustainable technology solutions is integral to Air Liquide’s strategic mission. Among Air Liquide’s portfolio of sustainable solutions is CryocapTM, a suite of carbon capture solutions. CryocapTM product range uses a cryogenic process combined with proprietary membrane separation and/or pressure-swing adsorption technologies, and can be adapted to specific industrial applications such as cement manufacturing, hydrogen production, refinery, steel, and power generation.

Air Liquide is committed to driving a more sustainable industry through the utilisation of innovative, sustainable technologies that reduce CO2 emissions in industrial processes, like cement manufacturing. As the clean energy economy of the future is developing, carbon capture technology offers one of the pathways today towards greater decarbonisation for industry.

For more information visit www.usa.airliquide.com

The fuel security of Western Australia is set to receive a significant boost with the introduction of the new 120ML Strategic Diesel Fuel Tankage project. Supported by a Federal Government Grant under the Boosting Australia’s Diesel Storage Programme, this initiative aims to establish Coogee as an independent major ground and aviation fuels terminal storage and services provider at Kwinana.

The project, proudly built by CB&I, is a crucial step towards ensuring long-term fuel security for the region. With a storage capacity of 120 million litres, the new facility will play a vital role in meeting the growing demand for diesel fuel in Western Australia.

The Federal Government Grant, awarded as part of the Boosting Australia’s Diesel Storage Programme, has been instrumental in making this project a reality. This programme aims to enhance fuel security across the country by supporting the construction of new storage facilities for critical fuel types. By providing financial assistance to projects like the 120ML Strategic Diesel Fuel Tankage, the government is actively working towards safeguarding Australia’s fuel supply.

Coogee, as the independent major ground and aviation fuels terminal storage and services provider at Kwinana, will offer a comprehensive range of services and capabilities. The facility will not only store diesel fuel but also provide crucial services like blending, testing, and distribution. This will establish Coogee as a key player in the fuel storage and services industry, contributing to the overall growth and development of this sector in Western Australia.

The long-term benefits of the 120ML Strategic Diesel Fuel Tankage project are manifold. Firstly, it will significantly enhance fuel supply reliability in Western Australia. With a large capacity for fuel storage, the region will be better equipped to handle fluctuations in demand and ensure a steady supply of diesel fuel for various sectors including transportation, agriculture, and mining.

Moreover, the project will have a positive economic impact by creating job opportunities during the construction phase and subsequently through ongoing operations and maintenance. The facility will also attract investment and business opportunities in the region, further stimulating economic growth.

In addition to fuel security and economic benefits, the project also prioritises environmental sustainability. The new storage facility will adhere to stringent environmental standards and incorporate measures to minimise any potential impact on the environment. This commitment to sustainability aligns with the broader goals of the Australian government to reduce emissions and promote a greener future.

Overall, the introduction of the 120ML Strategic Diesel Fuel Tankage project, supported by a Federal Government Grant, is a significant milestone for Western Australia. It not only bolsters fuel security in the region but also establishes Coogee as a major player in the fuel storage and services industry. With its comprehensive range of services and commitment to environmental sustainability, the project promises long-term.

For more information visit www.coogee.com.au

Vopak are thrilled to announce a significant milestone for Vopak Eurotank Terminal in Antwerp, Belgium. Thanks to the relentless efforts and collaboration of their dedicated team, alongside the unwavering support of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, they are proud to offer their valued customers the full draft of 14 metres at their terminal. This achievement represents a monumental leap forward in enhancing their service capabilities and solidifying their position as a global leader in storage and handling solutions.

A Shared Vision, a Shared Success:

Vopak extend their deepest gratitude to the Port of Antwerp-Bruges for their unwavering commitment to growth and development. Their invaluable support and collaboration throughout this endeavor have been instrumental in making this vision a reality. Together, they have proven that when industry leaders come together with a shared vision, remarkable things can be achieved.

Unlocking New Opportunities:

By expanding their draft capabilities to 14 metres, they have opened up a world of possibilities for their customers. Larger vessels can now access their terminal, providing enhanced flexibility and efficiency for their logistical needs. This expansion not only benefits their existing clients but also attracts new businesses seeking expanded options and improved global connectivity. Together, they are forging a path towards increased trade, economic growth, and prosperity.

A Journey of Dedication and Determination:

The realisation of their increased draft was not without its challenges. Countless hours of meticulous planning, engineering expertise, and infrastructure development were required to overcome technical complexities and logistical hurdles. Their dedicated team, alongside skilled workers, put their heart and soul into making this dream a reality. Their unwavering determination and commitment to excellence deserve their utmost appreciation.

Celebrating Success:

The day has finally arrived, marking a historic moment for Vopak Eurotank Terminal in Antwerp. With immense pride and joy, they celebrate the successful expansion of their draft capabilities. The news of this achievement has reverberated throughout the global business community, attracting companies from far and wide to leverage the expanded opportunities at their terminal. They are grateful for the trust and confidence their customers place in them and are committed to delivering the highest level of service and innovation.

A Catalyst for Competitiveness:

The increased draft at Vopak Eurotank Terminal not only elevates their own capabilities but also strengthens the global competitiveness of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges. As a vital gateway to international trade, Antwerp solidifies its position as a key player in the global supply chain network. This achievement is a testament to the collective efforts of all stakeholders involved, demonstrating the power of collaboration and the pursuit of excellence.

Looking Ahead:

As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, they remain committed to continuous improvement and innovation. They will continue to invest in their infrastructure, technologies, and human capital to meet the evolving needs of their customers and exceed their expectations. Together with the Port of Antwerp-Bruges and their valued partners, they will shape a brighter future for businesses, economies, and societies worldwide.

Conclusion:

The expanion of Vopak Eurotank Terminal’s draft to 14 metres is a testament to the power of collaboration, dedication, and unwavering determination. Vopak extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Port of Antwerp-Bruges and all those who played a part in making this achievement possible. Together, they have unlocked new opportunities.

For more information visit www.vopak.com

With a heritage spanning 150+ years, Sprague proudly announces its latest step in meeting customer demands for lower carbon fuels. Consistently at the forefront of introducing new products, programmes, and services to cater to evolving energy needs, Sprague now offers renewable diesel for both delivery and transport rack loading at their Bronx terminal, New York City’s largest storage and rack loading facility.

Sprague has championed advancements in transportation and heating fuels to reduce environmental footprints for its customers. As a natural progression, RD emerges as the next step in reducing emissions and embracing renewable energy without the need for costly investments in new infrastructure.

“We’ve always been committed to finding the best solutions for our customers. Renewable diesel aligns perfectly with our mission of providing cleaner, more sustainable energy options,” says David Glendon, president & CEO at Sprague.

Given its wide-ranging customer base, there is palpable enthusiasm surrounding the opportunity to diminish environmental impacts through the adoption of RD.

“In the motion picture industry, renewable diesel has been successfully used on the west coast for years. Now, with Sprague being the first to offer it on the east coast, our members would have the opportunity to operate their vehicles with a lowered emissions rate of up to 85 percent. This is a huge step not only for the motion picture industry, but also the entire trucking industry toward achieving New York State’s climate goals,” shared Thomas J. O’Donnell, president of Theatrical Teamsters Local 817.

Sprague RD will enable customers to immediately reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet their sustainability goals. “The New York League of Conservation Voters applauds Sprague for bringing renewable diesel to their Bronx terminal,” stated Julie Tighe, president of the NYLCV. “As the climate crisis grows more urgent by the day, it is increasingly important that we reduce our carbon emissions wherever and whenever possible and since fuels are an important part of that mix, renewable diesel has an important role to play.”

Unlike some transition fuels that require extensive equipment and fueling infrastructure changes, RD is a drop-in solution. “The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has a longstanding commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and has taken concrete steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across its facilities. As we explore and implement best practices to achieve this goal, the use of renewable diesel has supported this effort with no operational impact,” said James Hineson, sustainability coordinator with the Port Authority.

Furthermore, RD’s versatility and efficiency make it suitable for a range of applications, meeting both environmental and operational needs. It meets the American Society of Testing Materials D – 975 specifications.

Sprague’s dedication to progress and sustainability is evident in its collaborations with other key partners like the Trucking Association of New York and Empire Clean Cities.

“We congratulate Sprague for proactively taking this step toward a more sustainable future,” said Kendra Hems, president of the Trucking Association of New York. “It is an important steppingstone toward reaching New York’s goal of reducing transportation related greenhouse gas emissions and supports the trucking industry’s commitment to reducing our carbon footprint.”

Joy Gardner, executive director Empire Clean Cities, shared a similar outlook. “New York City and Lower Hudson Valley’s Empire Clean Cities salutes Sprague on its continuing efforts to invest and supply lower carbon fuels to the region. Making renewable diesel readily available will allow fleets an opportunity to significantly reduce GHG emissions of legacy diesel vehicles and will have an immediate impact on the air we breathe.”

While RD is currently available at the Bronx terminal, Sprague plans to expand its availability to other terminals as demand for RD increases.

For more information visit www.spragueenergy.com

Cummins Inc. and Chevron U.S.A. Inc., a subsidiary of Chevron Corporation, announced a memorandum of understanding to leverage complementary positioning in hydrogen, natural gas, and other lower carbon fuel value chains. The announcement expands the two companies’ previous strategic collaboration on hydrogen and renewable natural gas and is expected to encompass other liquid renewable fuels, such as renewable gasoline blends, biodiesel and renewable diesel. This collaboration is intended to encourage commercial and industrial adoption in North America.

“At Cummins, we are working to bring our Destination Zero strategy to life, and we recognise we can’t do this alone,” explained Jennifer Rumsey, president and CEO, Cummins Inc. “Through Accelera by Cummins we have leading zero-emissions technologies for commercial and industrial applications, and we continue to offer a broad portfolio of engine-based solutions that reduce greenhouse gas and other emissions today. By collaborating strategically with Chevron, we plan to improve access to fuel and infrastructure for our customers, helping grow the availability of alternative and renewable fuels while reducing emissions.”

“Achieving a lower carbon future that serves all people requires ambitious innovations and pragmatic solutions that deliver measurable results,” said Chevron’s president of Americas Products Andy Walz. “Collaborations like this one with Cummins are intended to make energy and global supply chains more affordable and reliable while helping commercial fleets who use our products and Cummins’ equipment to advance a lower carbon world. No one company or industry can go at it alone – together with Cummins, we aim to deliver progress today.”

Cummins and Chevron each have contributed to the research, development and global deployment of alternative fuels innovation, systems and technologies and will work together on enabling the commercial development at scale of alternative fuels production, transportation and delivery systems for industrial and commercial markets, with target consumption by transportation vehicles of the type manufactured by Cummins. Workstreams in the new collaboration focus on hydrogen, natural gas, and other alternative lower carbon intensity fuels such as renewable gasoline blend, biodiesel, renewable diesel, compressed natural gas, and other liquid renewables to expand commercial adoption.

For more information visit www.chevron.com

Blackmer®, a brand of PSG®, a Dover company, and a global leader in rotating pumps and reciprocating compressor technologies, announces the opening of its expanded headquarters at the PSG Grand Rapids Rotating Centre of Excellence in Grand Rapids, MI.

The grand opening caps off a nearly two-year-long construction and renovation project that added 56,000 square feet of new manufacturing, office, and R&D space. The new building and renovated facility also feature energy-efficient lighting, heating, air conditioning and manufacturing systems.

“Blackmer has been manufacturing at this location on Century Avenue in Grand Rapids since 1925,” said Lara Kauchak, general manager for PSG Grand Rapids. “Having outgrown our space for machining and assembly, this expansion helps us support our customers in industrial, defense and energy markets, and creates more jobs for our community.”

The expansion of the PSG Grand Rapids facility was aimed at improving manufacturing capacity, scaling into new markets and bringing additional product lines to Grand Rapids. The company also wanted to upgrade employee facilities and amenities, including locker rooms, bathrooms, break rooms and parking.

“These changes have helped PSG Grand Rapids improve operations and optimise manufacturing,” Kauchak said. “We look forward to this next chapter with enhanced efficiency and room to grow, which will enable us to continue providing exceptional pump and compressor products and services for our customers for many years to come.”

For more information visit www.psgdover.com/blackmer/

Ondas Holdings Inc., a leading provider of private industrial wireless networks and commercial drone and automated data solutions, and Saudi Excellence Holding Company, a holding company affiliated with the Al-Ramez International Group, have announced the signing of a Strategic Alliance Agreement between Saudi Excellence and Ondas’ subsidiary Airobotics Ltd. Saudi Excellence and Airobotics plan to jointly establish a local office in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to localise Airobotics autonomous drone systems and solutions and provide aerial data solutions to local governmental and commercial entities. The companies will work together to develop and foster an ecosystem of technology and service providers across the KSA by employing local staff and working closely with local partners.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zaid Al-Meleihi president of the Saudi Excellence Holding Company, said, “With this partnership, we plan to provide sophisticated autonomous drone platforms to government and commercial customers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. There are significant projects in the Saudi market and as the economy expands and diversifies, demand for next-generation technologies is growing. Together with Airobotics, we will provide high value technical solutions while also training Saudi cadres to work in this field. This initiative aims to support the vision of Saudi 2030, following the guidance and support of his Royal Highness, the Crown Prince.”

“We are honoured to expand our business in the region to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and to be recognised and chosen by Saudi Excellence as the leading provider of drone infrastructure,” said Meir Kliner CEO of Airobotics, “Saudi Vision 2030 and the economic transformation of the country is creating significant opportunities for Airobotics in defense and civil markets. Together with the Saudi Excellence company, we look forward to implementing our state-of-the-art autonomous drone technologies across the KSA and to localise these efforts for the mutual benefit of our companies and society.”

Saudi Excellence Holding Company is one of the leading companies in the Gulf region bringing next-generation security and defense technologies to Saudi government and enterprises across the KSA. Saudi Excellence has been an active corporate participant in national activities related to the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and is engaged in National Transformation Programme which aims to develop the necessary infrastructure and create an environment that enables the public, private and non-profit sectors to achieve Vision 2030. Saudi Excellence has invested and developed core expertise focused on AI, cybersecurity, data mining, data analytics, intelligence, and more. The alliance with Airobotics was developed and advanced by Mr. Ion Braun, the general manager of DoverTower DMCC, a United Arab Emirates company that specialises in large-scale tech partnerships in the region and Mr. Bruce Gurfein an international business development executive for Saudi Excellence.

Saudi Vision 2030 is a significant government initiative launched by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Its primary objective is to achieve increased economic, social, and cultural diversification in alignment with the vision of the Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. The programme was officially announced on April 25, 2016 by the Saudi government. The Council of Economic and Development Affairs has been entrusted by the Council of Ministers to identify and oversee the crucial mechanisms and measures necessary for the successful implementation of “Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.”

Airobotics is providing autonomous Unmanned Aircraft deployed as mission-critical, strategic aerial drone infrastructures for government and commercial entities globally. Airobotics’ systems enable end-users to operate drones in real-time, anywhere, for data capture and analysis, aerial delivery, and hostile drone interception. Together with customised data analysis platforms, the systems enable faster, more effective, and more efficient operations and better mission-critical decision making. Airobotics UAs are used for smart city, defence, homeland security, and industrial services, providing various automated aerial missions 24/7 without human intervention. Airobotics combines expertise in aerospace hardware design, robust electronic systems, cutting edge software engineering, and years of experience in commercial drone operations across a variety of environments.

For more information visit www.ondas.com

Technology group Wärtsilä will provide the front-end engineering design for the liquefaction and storage of liquefied synthetic methane. The plant is to be built by Koppö Energia Oy, a joint venture company between Germany’s Prime Green Energy Infrastructure Fund and CPC Finland Oy, in Kristinestad, Finland. The FEED will be booked by Wärtsilä in Q3, 2023.

The Power-to-X plant represents a leading Finnish sustainable energy transition project. It will have a capacity of 200 MW and will convert green electricity into hydrogen and sustainable LSM. Up to 500 MW of wind and 100 MW of photovoltaic power will be developed under the Koppö Energy Cluster to supply the plant with completely emission-free renewable energy.

“We conducted a diligent selection process before awarding the FEED agreements for our energy transition project. Wärtsilä Gas Solutions is globally recognised as a leader in advanced liquefaction and storage solutions, and their expertise in this field will be an important contribution to the success of the project,” said Thomas Zirngibl, Board Member, Koppö Energia.

“Wärtsilä is committed to decarbonising energy production, so we are naturally proud and pleased to have been selected to participate in this important project. As the energy transition progresses, we expect green hydrogen to play an increasingly relevant part. Our company is also heavily involved in the research and development of alternative sustainable fuels, and we see Power-to-X technologies playing a growing role in the energy transition towards a future where renewable energy becomes increasingly important,” says Trond Inge Flønes, sales and business development manager, Wärtsilä Gas Solutions.

The green hydrogen produced in Kristinestad will be converted into LSM to be used as a sustainable fuel for heavy transport. The investment decision for the plant is expected to be made in the beginning of 2024.

Earlier this year, the project was awarded the Power-to-X Innovation Award at the Tamarindo Global Wind Investment Awards ceremony.

Wärtsilä Gas Solutions is a market leader with innovative systems and lifecycle solutions for the gas value chain. Their main focus areas are the handling of gas in seaborne transport (storage, fuel, transfer and BOG management), gas to power, liquefaction and biogas solutions. They help their customers on their journey towards a sustainable future through a focus on lifecycle performance, innovation and digitalisation.

For more information visit www.wartsila.com

AkzoNobel has completed the acquisition of the Chinese Decorative Paints business of Sherwin-Williams. The acquisition will further boost the company’s position in China and will allow us further market segmentation and reinforce our position outside of the premium segment.

The business has an annual revenue of approximately €100 million and employs around 300 people. The transaction includes the renowned Huarun decorative paints brand, which has a long history and is well recognised in China.

News of the intended acquisition was first announced in April 2023.

For more information visit www.akzonobel.com

Form Energy have announced that it has been awarded a $12 million grant from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to accelerate the deployment of a 10 megawatt / 1000 megawatt-hour iron-air battery system in New York State. Expected to come online by 2026, the project will demonstrate the value of multi-day energy storage in helping the State achieve its aggressive decarbonisation goals, while advancing grid reliability and resiliency. This will be Form Energy’s first demonstration project in New York, and the only multi-day energy storage project in the State to date.

Form Energy received the award through NYSERDA’s long-duration energy storage grant programme, a $17 million fund intended to expedite commercialisation of promising technologies offering 10 to 100+ hours of energy storage.

Doreen M. Harris, president and CEO of NYSERDA, said, “NYSERDA is pleased to support Form Energy’s demonstration of a multi-day battery system here in New York that could help advance our progress in achieving the State’s climate and clean energy goals. Through projects like this, we are advancing the necessary technology to ensure clean renewable energy can be safely stored and fed to the grid when needed as we transition to a zero-emission future.”

New York State has one of the most ambitious climate plans in the country, with targets to deploy 70 percent renewable energy, three gigawatts of energy storage on the grid by 2030, and 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2040. As renewable power becomes a larger part of New York’s energy mix, long-duration and multi-day storage technologies will be needed to ensure grid reliability during extreme weather events, lulls in renewable energy generation, and periods of severe transmission congestion. According to NYISO’s 2022 Power Trends report, 10 percent of New York’s 2040 energy supply will need to come from “long-duration, dispatchable, and emission-free resources.”

This finding is supported by Form Energy’s recent, independent analysis of the NYISO market using Formware™, the company’s grid modeling and portfolio planning tool. Form’s analysis found that a least-cost, decarbonised portfolio for New York in 2040 included 35 GW of multi-day and long-duration storage and could result in nearly 30 percent system cost savings. To read Form Energy’s whitepaper, “Modeling Multi-Day Energy Storage in New York”, detailing these findings, click here.

Mateo Jaramillo, Co-Founder and CEO of Form Energy, remarked, “We are very pleased to have been selected for NYSERDA’s long-duration energy storage award. Our analysis indicates that multi-day storage has significant potential to help New York meet its decarbonisation and grid reliability goals. This grant allows us to accelerate deployment of our first multi-day battery system in New York and sets the path for us to deliver further multi-day storage projects in the State in the future.”

For more information visit www.formenergy.com

In response to customer feedback, this month APM Terminals rolled out a new API which enables customers to track the schedules and key milestones for all vessels calling at a specific terminal. Furthermore, real-time API data connectivity was made available for an additional three terminals.

APM Terminals has offered a Vessel Schedule API for some years, however this was more suited to customers looking to track a specific vessel calling a terminal. The new Terminal Vessel Schedule enables customers to track all vessels calling a terminal, for up to one week in the past and two weeks ahead.

The Terminal Vessels Schedule provides customers with, among other things, real-time and reliable terminal estimated time of arrival/departure, earliest receiving date, cut-off times for different cargo types, vessel details and more.

Why use APIs?

APM Terminals’ innovative, industry-leading range of seven APIs enables customers to pull real-time container status, truck appointment and vessel data from its Terminal Operating Systems, into their own internal systems, such as a Logistics or Transport Management System. Developed in line with industry standards, they offer self-service, straight forward, one-time-only implementation.

Real-time data feeds remove the need to look up information manually via our existing Track & Trace channels, making this the ideal solution for shipping lines, inland transporters, cargo owners and managers, and data aggregators who process higher volumes.

The pricing structure of the new Terminal Vessel Schedule is particularly interesting for larger customers tracking a number of vessels as unlike the existing Vessel Schedule API, pricing is not per vessel called via the API, but for unlimited calls for a period of 30 days, for a specific terminal. As with the company’s existing range of APIs, API calls are purchased using API credits which can be bought in bundles. The larger the bundle, the lower the price per credit.

New Terminals

API connectivity was added for the company’s two Ports in India, APM Terminals Mumbai and APM Terminal Pipavav, as well as the Suez Canal Container Terminal in Egypt. SCCT support data for Vessel Schedules, Import Containers and Export Containers. The Indian terminals support data for Vessel Schedules, Import Containers, Container Event History and Empty Container Returns.

With these additional Terminals, APM Terminals now offer’s API connectivity for 22 of its terminals, with an additional five planned to be added this year.

For more information visit www.apmterminals.com

Bloom Energy has installed the first phase of a 10 megawatt solid oxide fuel cell contract with Unimicron Technology Corp., a chip substrate and printed circuit board maker in Taiwan. The space-saving Energy Server™ installation was delivered within five months from order and commissioned within three weeks from delivery, demonstrating Bloom Energy’s ability to quickly dispatch power.

The first 600 kilowatt Energy Server was installed at a Unimicron plant on a platform over existing scooter and motor bike parking, with minimal disruption. It provides clean, reliable power to Unimicron’s clean rooms and mission-critical operations.

“Bloom Energy is excited to have our first system operating in Taiwan,” said Tim Schweikert, head of global sales, Bloom Energy. “The project demonstrates our ability to quickly deliver power solutions to customers that need immediate power.”

Taiwan’s energy landscape is undergoing a rapid transition. Centralised coal and nuclear power facilities are being retired, creating strong demand for on-site, clean, reliable power generation. Bloom fuel cells generate electricity from a variety of fuels without combustion and reduce CO2 emissions by 30 percent with no nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides or particulate matter. Bloom’s deployment will support the Taiwanese economy in other ways as well as Taiwanese companies manufacture a number of key components for Bloom. Taiwan is the fourth Asian country to deploy Bloom fuel cell systems.

Bloom’s energy platform can be configured to create a microgrid that can operate alongside an electricity grid, or independently. The modular, space saving design allows for scalability as customer operations grow and require more power. When powered by a fuel source with an underground pipeline system, such as natural gas, they are less susceptible to the impacts of extreme weather, enabling safe, continuous operation and avoiding the costly consequences of unplanned downtime. Bloom’s technology also enables customers to plan against price volatility by locking in a large portion of their electricity cost, with multiple financing options and flexible term lengths.

“The installation of Bloom Energy’s 600 kilowatt solid oxide fuel cell power generation system went very smoothly,” said Dave Yang, senior vice president, Unimicron Technology. “The spirit of the contract has been 100 percent achieved in terms of project management, power generation efficiency, equipment availability and safety. We are very satisfied, and in fact we have begun the installation of two larger-capacity Bloom fuel cell systems at other Unimicron plants. I believe these systems will be completed before the end of this year, which aligns with Unimicron’s consistent commitment to the social responsibility of energy conservation and emissions reduction.”

For more information visit www.bloomenergy.com

Vontier Corporation, a leading global provider of critical technologies and solutions to connect, manage and scale the mobility ecosystem, and Veeder-Root, a subsidiary of Vontier and worldwide leader in fuel management and environmental technology, have announced that the California Air Resources Board has approved the In-Station Diagnostics certification for Veeder-Root’s TLS-450PLUS Automatic Tank Gauge. The certification took effect on July 28, 2023.

Under CARB regulations, California gas stations with an annual throughput of more than 600,000 gallons must be equipped with an approved In-Station Diagnostic system. The approval of the TLS-450PLUS positions Veeder-Root’s ISD as the only certified solution that supports all vapour processor configurations and all certified vapour recovery nozzles. California fuel retailers now have the opportunity to upgrade their ATG systems to the latest technology the industry has to offer, while staying compliant with all ISD performance requirements as defined by CP-201.

“Vontier is committed to supporting our customers as they adapt to evolving regulatory requirements and industry trends by leveraging our broad portfolio of market-leading solutions,” said Mark Morelli, president & CEO of Vontier. “Sustainability is key to our strategy as we pave the way to a cleaner, more secure, and more connected mobility ecosystem. At the same time, delivering differentiated solutions that increase our customers’ productivity is equally as critical, and the TLS-450PLUS enables both.”

The TLS-450PLUS platform brings retailers additional capabilities that improve operational efficiency, including remote monitoring and management, enhance network security, and lower cost of ownership while still providing the same reliability of the TLS-350 system they know so well. The TLS-450PLUS also provides extended record retention, role-based access management, and an intuitive user interface via the integral touch screen or a web browser.

“We’re excited to bring the TLS-450PLUS to this important market,” said Dave Coombe, president of Gilbarco Veeder-Root, fuelling solutions. “This certification is the result of close coordination and collaboration between our engineering team and CARB. We’re proud to continue our 150-year legacy of providing innovative, expandable solutions and look forward to supporting our California customers with the TLS-450PLUS for years to come.”

For more information visit www.veeder.com/us/