Registration is now open for StocExpo 2024, the internationally recognised meeting-place for 3,700+ tank storage and energy infrastructure professionals.

In partnership with the Federation of European Tank Storage Associations (FETSA), the conference & exhibition will feature two conference theatres, a terminal tour, the Global Tank Storage Awards ceremony and a packed exhibition floor full of the latest storage innovations.

Once a year the industry comes together in Rotterdam to learn new approaches to improve operations, discover innovative solutions to make storage infrastructure safer, and to network with leading industry professionals.

Margaret Dunn, Portfolio Director at StocExpo, says, “We’re always excited at this time of year, when the countdown to StocExpo begins. It’s the single most important event for the tank storage industry, where ideas are shared, deals are brokered, and decisions are made which influence the future of the sector.”

With the energy transition well underway, StocExpo aims to address the industry’s ongoing challenge to develop safe and cost-effective future fuels storage infrastructure.

This year’s conference programme will feature a range of expert speakers including Bowen Xu, Director of Corporate Development & Investments at OCI, Tamme Wekkes, Business Development Director for Koole Terminals, Aivars Starikovs, Member of the Board for European Hydrogen Council, Bruni Hayem, CEO of Rubis Terminal and many more.

Topics covered include tackling the energy trilemma, what the energy transition looks like in Asia and the Middle East and the impact of the evolving geopolitical landscape on the storage sector.

A second conference theatre geared towards asset and maintenance managers will feature engaging speakers covering a variety of topics including safety best practices, digitilisation and how to future-proof your terminal.

“The floorplan is packed with disruptive technologies as well as equipment that is essential to every terminal operator,” Dunn adds. “With late-night networking opportunities, the Global Tank Storage Awards ceremony and the iTanks pitch lunch, there are countless opportunities to network and celebrate excellence in our industry. We can’t wait to see you there.”

For more information visit www.stocexpo.com/en/

The Prax Group has announced that it has successfully completed the strategic acquisition of OIL! Tankstellen Gmbh, following the earlier announcement of an agreement in October 2023 to purchase the petrol retail business from Mabanaft Gmbh & Co KG. The acquisition of the Hamburg-based business marks the Prax Group’s entrance into four new retail markets, that include Germany, Austria, Denmark and Switzerland.

With a proven track record of integrating acquisitions and managing strategically important assets across the oil value chain, from upstream to downstream, the Prax Group is currently the fifth largest independent forecourt retailer in the United Kingdom selling fuel and non-fuel convenience products and services. The acquisition of OIL! expands the Group’s petrol retail portfolio to approximately 540 sites in Europe.

Sanjeev Kumar Soosaipillai, chairman and CEO of the Prax Group, said: “This acquisition marks our latest expansion into the European market and signals the Group’s intent to further advance its plans as a leading, sustainable and geographically diverse integrated energy business. The strategic acquisition of OIL! Tankstellen will unlock new opportunities, while reaffirming our ongoing commitment to building a solid and transformative supply chain to meet the needs of our customers for many years to come, as we continue our growth trajectory as a fully integrated global energy provider.”

For more information visit www.prax.com

Colonial Terminals, Inc., a division of Savannah-based Colonial Group, Inc., acquired a bulk liquid terminal owned and operated by Buckeye Terminals, LLC. The terminal is located on the Cape Fear River and has approximately 550,000 barrels of storage capacity. This facility is adjacent to an existing bulk terminal owned and operated by CTI. The combined terminal complex will have over one million barrels of bulk liquid storage and offer marine, rail, and truck access into the fast-growing Southeastern United States.

“Colonial Terminals is committed to growth in markets that support our team’s ability to deliver the highest levels of service to customers who value supply chain dependability and efficiency,” said Ryan Chandler, president of Colonial Terminals. “This adjacent facility adds a new berth and substantial river frontage to our already large footprint on the Cape Fear River, and we’re eager to offer new capabilities for existing customers as well as attract new customers and products to the market.”

The acquisition increases CTI’s storage infrastructure in Wilmington to more than one million barrels, 70 acres, and over a half mile of river frontage. Products stored at these facilities include industrial chemicals, specialty chemicals, petroleum, and others. CTI will retain all local employees who currently operate the acquired facility.

“Wilmington is a gateway to the growing Southeastern US market, and we believe this acquisition strongly positions our team to support current and new customer growth far into the future,” said Chandler.

With the addition of the new facility, CTI now operates seven terminals, five in Georgia and two in Wilmington, with a total liquid capacity of approximately eight million barrels and a total dry capacity of approximately 200,000 tonnes of vertical storage, 400,000 square feet of covered flat storage, and significant outside storage acreage. Each terminal is strategically located in close proximity to a world-class container port and provides access to ocean and landside (road and rail) logistics networks, as well as global and regional sourcing and distribution pathways.

For more information visit www.colonialterminals.com

ERGIL, a leading process and static equipment manufacturer, has recently achieved a significant milestone by successfully completing the storage tank project for The Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant in Mersin, Türkiye. This project involved the design, engineering, and prefabrication of six 14-meter diameter storage tanks, which are crucial components for Türkiye’s first and only nuclear plant.

ERGIL’s completion of this project showcases their dedication to excellence and precision in fabricating critical infrastructure components. The storage tanks were designed in strict accordance with the stringent standards set by API 650, reflecting ERGIL’s commitment to upholding the highest quality and safety measures in the nuclear plant environment.

Recognising the unique challenges of the nuclear industry, ERGIL meticulously designed the storage tanks to meet the specific conditions and requirements of The Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant. The adherence to API 650 standards demonstrates ERGIL’s commitment to maintaining industry benchmarks for the project. Additionally, the storage tanks were strategically designed to address critical aspects of environmental resilience, such as collecting drain water and efficiently gathering excess rainwater, thereby fortifying the overall infrastructure of The Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant.

One of the key features of ERGIL’s storage tanks is their ability to withstand strong shaking during a design basis earthquake, making them critical equipment for seismic resilience within nuclear power plants. ERGIL’s engineers conducted comprehensive modal and time history analyses, using both 2D and 3D models, to predict the dynamic behavior of the condensate storage tanks (CSTs) under varying ground motion intensities. This thorough analysis, which considered fluid-structure interaction (FSI) and coupling issues, is a testament to ERGIL’s commitment to safety and excellence.

Mr. Daniil Bezborodov, technical sales specialist in the nuclear division at ERGIL, expressed pride in the successful completion of the Storage Tank Project, emphasising ERGIL’s commitment to quality, safety, and innovation.

ERGIL aims to continue collaborating with Türkiye’s energy sector and play a crucial role in shaping the future of the country’s energy landscape. The successful completion of The Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant Storage Tank Project solidifies ERGIL’s position as a key player in providing state-of-the-art solutions for critical infrastructure projects.

For more information visit www.ergil.com

Vopak has provided an update on its portfolio, highlighting the successful completion of the 50 percent acquisition of Eems Energy Terminal and the sale of three chemical terminals in Rotterdam. The acquisition of  Eems Energy Terminal, an LNG import terminal, makes Vopak a 50 percent shareholder in the facility, which has a capacity of 8 billion cubic meters per year. Vopak plans to work with Gasunie to increase the terminal’s capacity to 10 billion cubic meters per year and develop it further to facilitate the import of green hydrogen.

The total investment by Vopak for the acquisition of Eems Energy Terminal is just above EUR 80 million, with cash out in two installments in Q4 2023 and Q2 2024. This acquisition will have a positive impact on Vopak’s operating cash return for the remainder of the year and will not significantly affect the company’s full-year 2023 EBITDA outlook.

Additionally, Vopak has completed the sale of its three chemical terminals in Rotterdam (Botlek, TTR, and Chemiehaven) to Infracapital for a total purchase price of EUR 407 million. The combined operational capacity of these terminals is 1.4 million cubic meters. The sale follows Vopak’s strategic review and agreement for sale announced earlier this year.

According to Dick Richelle, CEO of Vopak, these transactions support the company’s strategic goals, improve financial performance, and position the portfolio for higher and long-term cash returns. Vopak’s global portfolio and partnerships position the company to capitalise on market opportunities and contribute to the energy transition. The company aims to provide essential infrastructure solutions that support the global economy and people’s daily lives.

For more information visit www.vopak.com

Hawk Measurement Systems, the world leader in level, positioning, asset monitoring, and fiber optic sensing systems, is thrilled to announce the launch of its new fiber optic sensing website, HawkFiber.com.

With unwavering commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements, Hawk Measurement has designed HawkFiber.com to elevate the user experience and provide an educational platform for their fiber optic sensing systems. The new website features a comprehensive product showcase, allowing visitors to learn about the diverse range of cutting-edge fiber optic sensing solutions HAWK has to offer. From customer testimonials to detailed descriptions, customers can now make informed decisions and learn about this revolutionary technology that is changing the market for asset measurement.

Jack Evans, global president of HAWK, stated, “We take great care in designing and developing technologies to solve customer needs. Fiber optic sensing is another example of adapting technology to meet and exceed our customers’ requirements for improve safety, increased efficiencies, and reduced downtime. Our website was developed to make it even easier to access information on-line for this exciting technology.”

Fiber optic sensing is a relatively new facet of industrial instrumentation that allows for real-time measurements of long assets such as pipelines, conveyors, and perimeters. HAWK’s praetorian fiber optic sensing system is the only system on the market that offers a single interrogator that measures distributed acoustic sensing, distributed temperature sensing, and distributed strain sensing all in a single enclosure.

This revolutionary technology has the ability to protect assets, equipment, and perimeters. HAWK’s fiber optic system is modular in design, monitors 24/7 in real-time, and can range in measurement from 10km to 150km. This type of intelligent monitoring is critical to operating efficiently and protecting valuable assets.

For more information visit www.hawkfiber.com

Today an international group of women leaders at Vopak opened the Amsterdam stock exchange with the traditional Gong ceremony.

Vopak has a clear ambition to increase diversity both in terms of gender and origin within its senior management to further foster empowerment and inclusivity.

A big thank you to Euronext to give us this opportunity to raise awareness for diversity.

For more information visit www.vopak.com

For the second time, OCENSA, the hydrocarbon transporter with the most extensive linear infrastructure in Colombia, has awarded ROSEN Group in the Technology and Innovation category at the Supply Award 2023.

This prestigious award highlights ROSEN’s outstanding contribution to the implementation of innovative technologies for pipeline integrity management. The innovation presented by ROSEN specifically addresses the identification of circumferential cracks in pipelines caused by external factors, such as underwater currents and ground movement. This solution has emerged in response to the need to manage threats to the integrity of OCENSA’s hydrocarbon transportation system.

For over two decades, OCENSA has relied on ROSEN as its strategic partner in integrity. Throughout this collaboration, both companies have worked on various projects ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the pipeline.

Leonardo Mendoza, ROSEN South America’s director of execution, emphasised the strategic vision behind implementing crack detection technology using angular ultrasound: “This technology was incorporated into instrumented tools for in-line inspection, developing a customised bidirectional design that considers the unique characteristics of OCENSAs’ underwater pipeline.

“This has been possible thanks to our innovative culture that constantly challenges us to think outside the box, develop our technical expertise, and understand the needs of our clients and the market. Thank you, OCENSA, for this recognition of the entire ROSEN team.”

The recognised innovation has had a positive impact on OCENSA by reducing costs, improving defect detection, maintaining cost-effectiveness and contributing to the protection of the environment as well as of people.

OCENSA’s goal with the Supply Award 2023: On this occasion, OCENSA recognises and celebrates the outstanding contribution of its allies to sustainability, value generation with stakeholders and organisational adaptation.

For more information visit www.rosen-group.com

The AMPP EMERG Student Outreach Programme, a leading programme for students in primary and secondary schools, students in high schools, community colleges, and universities, as well as veterans and adults transitioning into industries served by the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), announces its inaugural Giving Tuesday Campaign on November 28th. This campaign is designed to raise funds to empower and support various programmes, including scholarships, workforce development programmes, and educational resources.

How it Works: Choose Your Impact

One distinctive feature of EMERG’s Giving Tuesday Campaign is the flexibility it offers to donors. Supporters can make an unrestricted gift, allowing EMERG to allocate funds where they are most needed, or they can choose to specify their donation towards a particular cause such as scholarships, diversity and inclusion grants, the travel assistance programme, Corrosion Toolkits (cKits) and more.

“AMPP scholarships provided me networking exposure and opportunities to get involved and maintain a deep connection with AMPP through the start of my career,” said Nicholas D’Angelo, Jr. EIT, chair, EMERG Program Committee, 2015, 2016, & 2017 Scholarship Recipient and 2018 Outstanding Student Award Recipient. “These early experiences paved the way for my AMPP certification and continued membership. I have gone from receiving scholarships to co-chairing our college student section to co-chairing and now chairing an entire AMPP programme committee.”

Experiences like these aren’t possible without ongoing support. The EMERG Student Outreach Programme strives to raise $5,000 with this Giving Tuesday initiative.

How to Participate:

Visit www.ampp.org/about/emerg-student-outreach/giving-tuesday between now and November 28th to make a donation.

“At EMERG, we believe in the transformative power of education and the potential within every student to contribute to the materials protection industry,” said Heather Lowry, manager, EMERG Student Outreach Programme. “Our Giving Tuesday Campaign reflects our commitment to providing opportunities for students at every stage of their learning path, ensuring that the materials protection industry continues to thrive with diverse and skilled professionals.”

EMERG is a life cycle programme meant to engage, magnetise, educate, raise, and guide students in the materials protection industry at all levels and stages of their educational journey.

For more information visit www.ampp.org/about/emerg-student-outreach/giving-tuesday

Neste has signed a purchase agreement for solar power supply to its Porvoo refinery in Finland with the renewable energy company CPC Finland Oy.

Solar power supply from the Lakari solar plant in Rauma, Finland is expected to start in spring 2024. Once ready, the plant will be the largest operating solar plant in Finland. The total annual volume of the agreement is approximately 24 GWh, which represents 75 percent of the annual capacity of the Lakari solar plant in Rauma.

“Neste’s agreement on solar power is a valuable addition to our existing wind power and hydropower agreements. The agreed annual volume corresponds to some 2 percent of the annual electricity consumption at our Porvoo refinery,” summarises Markku Korvenranta, executive vice president for Oil Products business unit at Neste.

Porvoo refinery has used 100 percent renewable electricity since the beginning of 2022. Due to the planned development at Neste’s refinery in Porvoo, the use of electricity is expected to increase over the coming years. With the new agreement on the supply of solar power, Neste aims to ensure that its electricity will continue to be derived from renewable resources.

Neste is committed to combating climate change and reducing climate emissions both globally and locally. To support these aims, the company has set ambitious climate targets: The signed solar power agreement supports Neste’s commitment to reduce the carbon footprint of its production, helping the company work towards reaching carbon neutral production by 2035. Neste is additionally committed to reducing customers’ greenhouse gas emissions with its renewable and circular solutions by at least 20 million tons CO2eq annually by 2030 and the use phase emission intensity of sold products by 50 percent by 2040, as well as working with their suppliers and partners to reduce emissions across the entire value chain.

For more information visit www.neste.com

A new report shows that deliveries to exploration, operation and modification of Equinor-operated fields and onshore plants in Norway exceeded 93 billion NOK in 2022, an increase of approximately 13 percent from the previous year. Over 90 percent went to Norwegian suppliers.

The report was presented at Equinor’s autumn conference by the company’s executive vice president for Exploration and Production Norway (EPN), Kjetil Hove, together with the five trade unions in Equinor: Industri Energi, SAFE, the Norwegian union of managers and executives (Lederne), NITO and Tekna.

“Our activities create substantial national and local ripple effects. Equinor’s exploration, operations and maintenance activities generated 63,000 person-years of employment last year across the country. More than 1700 Norwegian enterprises invoiced a total of 87 billion NOK in these segments. Norwegian suppliers accounting for more than 90 percent demonstrates the capacity, competence and competitiveness of the Norwegian oil and gas hub,” says Hove.

The report is done by Bodø Science Park (KPB) through analyses of supplier lists and actual purchases of goods and services for Equinor-operated fields and onshore plants operated by Equinor, from Hammerfest LNG in the north to the Sleipner field in the south.

This is the first time exploration activities are included, and the second time KPB has delivered this report.

“This report demonstrates what the oil and gas industry means for Norwegian employment. Substantial value is created, and many people are involved in the work. The industry employs people, develops expertise and maintains activity across the country, and we want this to continue. We must keep exploring and producing oil and gas on the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS). At the same time, we will cut emissions and develop new value chains on the shoulders of the oil and gas industry,” says Per Steinar Stamnes of Industri Energi on behalf of the five trade unions in Equinor.

Equinor bought goods and services from the Norwegian supplier industry for operation of NCS fields for 70.6 billion NOK in 2022. Exploration activities generated Norwegian supplies worth 6.1 billion NOK.

Supplies from the Norwegian supplier industry to onshore plants operated by Equinor amounted to 10.2 billion NOK. International supplies to NCS fields and onshore plants totalled 6.5 billion NOK.

The petroleum sector’s supply industry is Norway’s second largest industry in terms of turnover, after the oil and gas operators, and is therefore of significant importance to the Norwegian economy.

According to Statistics Norway, the national turnover of the industry supplying the petroleum sector was 293.8 billion NOK for 2022, an increase of 11 percent from the previous year. We have reason to believe that much of this increase is due to a rise in prices, but also higher activity. Suppliers with direct deliveries to Equinor-operated fields, onshore plants and exploration activities account for around 30 percent of this turnover.

Equinor’s operations and exploration activity has strong ripple effects. A total of 63,000 person-years of employment are associated with this activity, either by Equinor employment (9,800), jobs in Norwegian supplier companies (20,900), or as a result of sub-supplies and consumer effects (32,300).

The report is limited to ripple effects of exploration, operation and modification of Equinor-operated fields and onshore plants in Norway. The total societal ripple effects and value created by Equinor’s Norwegian activities are even higher.

The value realised for owners and society when field products are sold, as well as tax payments, are not included. This year Equinor stands to pay more than 280 billion NOK in tax to the Norwegian state. Environmental and property taxes are not included in the report. The strong ripple effects of field developments in Norway are also excluded.

For more information visit www.equinor.com

BlastOne is pleased to announce the acquisition of VertiDrive B.V. located in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

BlastOne, is a leading global provider of blasting and painting equipment and supplies, and has been acting as a sales partner for VertiDrive, for more than five years.

The acquisition of Vertidrive will enable BlastOne to improve support for customers and provide innovative solutions for automating their blasting and painting processes.

The addition of VertiDrive’s robotics technology will enhance BlastOne’s ability to serve a wide range of industries, including shipbuilding, ship refurbishment, chemical industries, heavy fabrication and infrastructure.

BlastOne’s industry leading experience and Vertidrive’s superior technology are a natural fit and complement the Superior Performance customers have come to expect from BlastOne solutions.

“We are excited to welcome VertiDrive to the BlastOne family. Their cutting-edge robotics technology is a perfect complement to our existing product line, and we believe it will be a valuable asset as we continue to grow and serve our customers.” – Matthew Rowland, CEO of BlastOne.

“We are thrilled to join forces with BlastOne and bring our robotics technology to a larger audience. We believe this partnership will allow us to accelerate the development and deployment of our robots, and we are looking forward to working with the talented team at BlastOne.” – Stefan van Diessen, managing director of VertiDrive

For more information visit www.blastone.com/vertidrive-magnetic-abrasive-blasting-robot/

Seros is excited to introduce their latest division, signalling their entry into Directional Drilling Operations within the Oil & Gas sector. The company’s dedication to innovation is evident in their equipment, which is specifically designed to achieve exceptional accuracy across a range of lithologies, ensuring reliable performance even in the face of pressure surges.

By harnessing cutting-edge technology, Seros has developed positive MUD PULSE MWD tools, seamlessly integrated with SEPL. This integration enables the tools to operate efficiently at low pump rates, delivering remarkable precision in various lithologies while remaining resilient against pressure surges.

Seros is eagerly anticipating the journey ahead as they redefine drilling operations through their inventive solutions, ultimately establishing new industry standards within the Oil & Gas sector.

For more information visit www.seros.in

Impala Terminals Group, a global infrastructure and logistics company, has announced its acquisition of the HES Hartel Tank Terminal through an auction process. The terminal will be renamed ‘Impala Energy Infrastructure Netherlands’. As part of the purchase agreement, Impala will invest between 90 and 100 million euros over the next two years to complete the construction of the terminal. The transaction is expected to be finalised in the coming days.

The HES Hartel Tank Terminal, now under Impala’s ownership, offers approximately 1.3 million cubic meters of storage capacity for bulk liquid energy products. Once operations commence, the terminal is projected to create around 70 full-time local jobs.

The facility will include over 50 tanks, berths capable of accommodating VLCC-size vessels, and nine barge jetties. With its high-grade specifications and connectivity, the terminal will provide maximum flexibility for users. Notably, it will have the capacity to store various biofuel products, contributing to the region’s energy transition.

The construction of the terminal had been put on hold in December 2022 due to multiple setbacks, including the COVID-19 pandemic, delays, and additional costs. Following the insolvency of project owner HES Hartel Tank Terminal B.V. in January, an auction process took place.

Impala’s successful acquisition of the terminal asset marks a positive outcome for all parties involved. In particular, Impala will invest the necessary resources to complete and commission the terminal, further strengthening its presence in the Port of Rotterdam.

Sjoerd Bazen, CEO of Impala Energy Infrastructure, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, as it will provide strategic customers with a robust and sustainable asset in the Port of Rotterdam, a pivotal trading hub in the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp region. Impala looks forward to collaborating with various stakeholders, particularly the Port of Rotterdam Authority, to develop its business in the area.

Boudewijn Siemons, interim CEO and COO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority, congratulated Impala on its acquisition of this significant facility for essential commodities in the port. Siemons emphasised the importance of completing the construction work, stating that it represents a lasting commitment to the port and adds a new facility for storing various bulk liquid energy products. This acquisition paves the way for a new future for the terminal following a challenging bankruptcy process, benefiting all parties involved, especially the employees.

For more information visit www.portofrotterdam.com/en

Doornbos has recently announced that they will be serving as the official KOKS dealer for the UK market starting January 2024. This collaboration is a significant milestone for both companies as they aim to enhance their services and improve customer satisfaction.

Doornbos is thrilled to introduce the highly anticipated KOKS EcoVac vacuum truck in their signature green colors. This impressive unit is equipped with a powerful liquid ring pump, boasting a capacity of over 3,000 m3/h and the ability to operate in an 85 percent deep vacuum. It’s a perfect blend of innovation and efficiency.

The partnership between Doornbos and KOKS is built on a strong commitment to delivering exceptional service. By expanding their service points, Doornbos aims to provide fast and reliable support to their valued customers in the UK market. They are confident that this collaboration will result in an even better customer experience.

For more information visit www.koks.com/en

EEMUA is pleased to announce that the winner of its Early Years Industry Award 2023 is Rana Abdalla, an electrical engineer at BP. The award recognises the efforts of new starters within the engineering field in EEMUA member companies, demonstrating their communication skills, engineering application and leadership in their specific specialism.

The EEMUA Awards Committee were extremely impressed with Rana’s application, particularly her involvement and achievement in the Net Zero Teesside project, overcoming significant challenges to successfully conduct a Reliability, Availability and Maintenance (RAM) study that addresses failure faults and unavailability scenarios that relate to the power and electrical power distribution system. The Committee were impressed to see that Rana’s work will be used as an example of good practice in low carbon and renewable energy projects within BP’s global electrical forum.

On receiving the award, Rana said: “I am excited about the path ahead, and I am committed to making a positive impact. I am eager to continue learning, collaborating, and contributing to the growth and advancement of the new energy and low carbon industry.”

In recognition of the high quality of entries this year, a ‘runners-up’ prize was presented to Cameron Millar, a mechanical engineer at INEOS O&P UK. The judges were impressed with Cameron’s achievement in implementing a sustainable and cost efficient methodology of inspecting buried pipework which ended up reducing the cost by over 70 percent. They commended Cameron’s knowledge, competence and leadership throughout this complex project, maintaining excellent communication with vendors as well as involving senior management where necessary. Also shortlisted for the award were Daniel Phillips of SSE, Hannah Mohsen of Solutia UK, and Heather Legan of BP.

EEMUA is also pleased to announce that the recipient of this year’s Stuart Turner Award is Huw Jones, Regional Electrical Engineering SME at Dow Silicones UK.Established to honour the memory of Stuart Turner, an enthusiastic advocate for all things EEMUA, the award recognises an employee of a member organisation who has made a significant contribution to the work EEMUA does.

Huw impressed the Awards Committee with his involvement in EEMUA activities and the invaluable contributions he has provided over many years. This has included being an active chair for the EEMUA Electrical Committee for 11 years and being involved as a working group member contributing to key projects, including revision of the leading guidance on potentially explosive atmospheres, EEMUA 186. Also shortlisted for the award were Katherine Asvegren of SSE and Matthijs Kock of Vopak.

The achievements of all the nominees and winners were celebrated at the EEMUA Awards Dinner held in Macclesfield on 15 November.

For more information visit www.eemua.org

Suncor Energy have announced it has closed the transaction to purchase TotalEnergies EP Canada Ltd., which includes the remaining 31.23 percent working interest in the Fort Hills Project.

The $1.468 billion purchase price is subject to closing adjustments typical of transactions of this nature and is based on an effective date April 1, 2023.

As a result of this transaction, Suncor wholly owns the Fort Hills Project, which is located in Alberta’s Athabasca region, 90 kilometres north of Fort McMurray.

Suncor Energy is Canada’s leading integrated energy company. Suncor’s operations include oil sands development, production and upgrading; offshore oil and gas; petroleum refining in Canada and the US; and the company’s Petro-Canada™ retail and wholesale distribution networks (including Canada’s Electric Highway™, a coast-to-coast network of fast-charging electric vehicle stations). Suncor is developing petroleum resources while advancing the transition to a low-emissions future through investment in power and renewable fuels. Suncor also conducts energy trading activities focused principally on the marketing and trading of crude oil, natural gas, byproducts, refined products and power. Suncor has been recognised for its performance and transparent reporting on the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index, FTSE4Good Index and CDP. Suncor’s common shares (symbol: SU) are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange.

For more information visit www.suncor.com

EPCM Holdings has recently embarked on an exciting project. The company is working on the development of a new fuel storage facility in South Africa, catering to the needs of a confidential client.

The primary objective of this project is to strengthen the national fuel infrastructure by establishing a reliable source of fuel supply for the client for a period of 60 days. The facility will have a massive storage capacity of 80 million litres of fuel, with 40 million litres dedicated to unleaded petrol and another 40 million litres for diesel.

By creating this strategic asset, EPCM Holdings aims to enhance energy security in the region and bolster its resilience. The substantial fuel reserve provided by this facility will ensure a stable supply, contributing to the overall stability of the energy sector.

EPCM Holdings is honoured to be a part of this critical African infrastructure project and is committed to its successful execution.

For more information visit www.epcmholdings.com

Skytanking Australia Pty Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of PrimeFlight Aviation Services, Inc., has acquired Rivet Energy Aviation. Rivet Energy Aviation provides into plane fuelling at Melbourne and Adelaide airports as well as tank farm operations at Melbourne Airport.

“We are excited to continue expanding our footprint in Australia,” Amir Ibrahim, EVP for Skytanking, explained. “This acquisition will allow us to better serve our customers’ growing needs throughout Australia.”

Skytanking currently provides into plane fuelling at Sydney and Melbourne airports as well as managing the tank farms at Sydney and Adelaide airports. Following the acquisition, Skytanking will add O&M services on behalf of their customer in tank farm management at Melbourne Airport as well as into plane fuelling services at Adelaide Airport.

For more information visit www.skytanking.com

OCI Global, the strategic partnership between ADNOC and OCI Global, has announced that it has completed the first shipment of the world’s first internationally recognised renewable ammonia with ISCC PLUS certification. The renewable ammonia was produced at the company’s facilities in Egypt using green hydrogen from the Egypt Green Hydrogen electrolyzer and will go into the production of near-zero emissions synthetic soda ash – a key ingredient in laundry powder – for Unilever.

This world-first shipment, facilitated by OCI Global, demonstrates Fertiglobe’s commitment to decarbonising industries, delivering on its sustainability agenda and supporting the global energy transition. The shipment was sent to Tuticorin Alkali Chemicals and Fertilisers Limited who will produce the soda ash for Unilever’s India business, Hindustan Unilever.

Ahmed El-Hoshy, CEO of Fertiglobe and OCI Global, commented: “This shipment is an important milestone for Fertiglobe, a breakthrough in producing and supplying renewable ammonia to the world, and for the ongoing execution of our hydrogen roadmap. As a pioneer in renewable ammonia, we see immense potential in its ability to decarbonise industries and drive the global energy transition. Looking ahead, we are committed to leveraging our state-of-the-art ammonia facilities and global distribution infrastructure to expand our low-carbon ammonia capacity to meet growing demand and further reduce the carbon footprint of our business.”

Fertiglobe is pursuing several sustainability projects, notably the Egypt Green Hydrogen project in partnership with Scatec, Orascom Construction, the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company, and the Sovereign Fund of Egypt. Once completed, this project will have the capacity to produce up to 15,000 tonnes per annum of green hydrogen, serving as feedstock for producing up to 90,000 tpa of renewable ammonia at Fertiglobe’s facilities located in the Suez Canal Economic Zone in Egypt. Other Fertiglobe initiatives include the Ta’ziz 1 million tpa low-carbon ammonia project, the low-carbon ammonia pilot in the UAE at Fertil and the green hydrogen project in the UAE.

For more information visit www.oci-global.com

IHI Corporation and Royal Vopak have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to embark on a joint study regarding the development and operation of efficient, high value-added ammonia terminals in Japan. The collaboration also includes an assessment of potential opportunities for collaboration outside of Japan.

The primary focus of this collaboration is on the establishment of large-scale ammonia storage terminals that are strategically positioned to facilitate the economical distribution of ammonia. Ammonia has gained significant importance as a fuel for reducing carbon emissions from thermal power generation and as a hydrogen carrier, both in Japan and internationally. The study will also explore the possibility of streamlining the operation of ammonia terminals to enhance price competitiveness, as well as the conversion and supply of various hydrogen derivatives.

IHI Corporation is actively working towards the realisation of a decarbonised society by developing integrated technologies spanning from upstream to downstream processes, including fuel ammonia production, storage, and utilization. With a strong presence in the ammonia storage tank industry in Japan, IHI has designed and constructed approximately 70 percent of all ammonia storage tanks in the country. Currently, IHI is also focusing on the development of comprehensive technology for large-scale ammonia receiving terminals, leveraging their experience in LNG storage tank technology.

Royal Vopak, with over 20 years of experience in ammonia storage, possesses extensive knowledge in the safe handling and storage of ammonia. Their expertise will be instrumental in facilitating the development of large-scale ammonia import, storage, and distribution infrastructures. Vopak currently operates ammonia storage facilities in China, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Malaysia, and the United States. They are actively involved in a pre-FEED collaboration with global partners for a large-scale, low-carbon ammonia production and export project on the Houston Ship Channel in the US.

Both companies are enthusiastic about the joint discussions and are committed to working together towards a low-carbon future. Recognising the growing demand for ammonia, there is a shared understanding of the need to rationalise terminal operations and enhance price competitiveness to meet this demand. By leveraging the strengths of both companies, they aim to establish a robust supply chain and develop a terminal that can be effectively utilised in the future.

In summary, the collaboration between IHI Corporation and Royal Vopak holds the potential to create innovative solutions and accelerate the development of new supply chains for the energy and feedstocks of the future, aligning with their shared commitment to a low-carbon future.

For more information visit www.vopak.com

Ergon Refining Inc. has announced the finalisation of an agreement to purchase a fuels terminal in Vicksburg, Mississippi, from CITGO Petroleum Corporation. The facility will offer a full slate of gasoline and diesel fuel products beginning mid-September 2023.

“We are very excited about the opportunity to serve the wholesale fuels market in western Mississippi and eastern Louisiana,” commented Kirk Latson, senior vice president of Fuels marketing for Ergon.

For more information visit www.ergon.com

Getech, a world-leading locator of subsurface resources, has signed an agreement with LIAG (Leibniz Institute for Applied Geophysics), a partner in the HyAfrica consortium, to accelerate the exploration and development of natural hydrogen resources in Africa.

The project aims to discover viable natural hydrogen (also called white and geological hydrogen) deposits in Morocco, Mozambique, South Africa and Togo while assessing their economic and social impact. These findings will shape strategic plans for harnessing hydrogen as a sustainable energy source.

Getech will contribute its best-in-class potential fields data, machine learning capabilities and geoscience expertise to support the consortium’s research efforts, bolstering the project’s ability to identify promising hydrogen resources.

The 3-year HyAfrica project is already underway, with Getech joining the geophysical research to contribute its unique and market-leading subsurface resource prediction capabilities in the search for natural hydrogen. The long-term nature of this collaboration not only enables Getech to broaden its understanding of natural hydrogen but also strengthens the company’s position as a key player in this emerging low carbon energy source.

Max Brouwers, Getech chief business development officer, commented:

“Natural hydrogen is an emerging clean energy resource with immense potential to contribute to the global climate challenge, offering clean power and only water as a byproduct. We’re excited to work with highly respected academic institutions on this important research with the aim of combining our unique data and expertise with the latest artificial intelligence techniques to discover commercial accumulations of natural hydrogen to help drive the energy transition.”

Dr. Rodolfo Christiansen, project scientist at LIAG, said:

“Getech’s unparalleled subsurface databases and expertise combined with LIAG’s knowledge in geophysical exploration enable us to take a more precise approach in identifying viable hydrogen resources, aligning well with our commitment to renewable energy research across Africa.”

For more information visit www.leap-re.eu/hyafrica/

LBC Tank Terminals, a global operator of bulk liquid storage facilities, recently announced its associate membership with Chemical Recycling Europe. CRE is an industry association focused on promoting and advancing the concept of chemical recycling in Europe, with a particular emphasis on closing the loop for plastics through collaborative efforts and sustainable technologies.

Rene Loozen, the business and market intelligence manager at LBC Tank Terminals, expressed confidence in the benefits of their newly acquired membership. Loozen stated, “We are confident that our membership will provide us with invaluable insights and will facilitate the development of a robust network within this emerging value chain.” LBC Tank Terminals is eager to contribute to the ongoing progress by sharing their expertise in safe and sustainable storage solutions.

By becoming an associate member of CRE, LBC Tank Terminals is actively aligning itself with the goals and vision of the association. This partnership signifies their commitment to promoting a circular economy and finding innovative ways to tackle the challenges of plastic waste. Through collaboration and knowledge sharing, LBC Tank Terminals aims to play a significant role in advancing chemical recycling within the industry.

As an influential player in the storage solutions sector, LBC Tank Terminals’ membership in CRE will undoubtedly contribute to the association’s mission of driving positive change in the chemical recycling landscape.

For more information visit www.lbctt.com

OCI Global, the world’s third largest nitrogen fertiliser and ammonia producer, is supplying Röhm, a leading manufacturer of methacrylates, with bio-ammonia for the production of methyl methacrylate, an important precursor for PLEXIGLAS® – the world’s most popular brand of acrylic glass.

This week, OCI Global delivered a shipment of bio-ammonia to Röhm in a pioneering step to help reduce the carbon footprint of essential and everyday products that rely on MMA, including compounds for cars, airplane windows, building, glazing and dental products. The partnership demonstrates the viability of lower carbon ammonia in industrial processes, supporting downstream decarbonization to other industries and ultimately end consumers.

The delivery of OCI Global’s bio-ammonia to Röhm was witnessed by His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands as part his tour of hydrogen projects in the region, demonstrating the hydrogen corridor connecting Port of Rotterdam to other regions and inland ports, such as duisport, to supply hydrogen products into Europe.

OCI Global is the only producer of ISCC PLUS certified bio-ammonia in Europe and the US today. OCI’s bio-ammonia uses biomethane from waste and residues of biological origin as well as biodegradable fraction of industrial and municipal waste as feedstock. The result is a GHG reduction of 70 percent compared to conventional grey ammonia production, which uses a fossil-based feedstock (benchmark considers an ammonia carbon footprint of 2.66 kgCO2e/kg).

Ahmed El-Hoshy, CEO, OCI Global said:

“OCI is already leading the industry in scaling up the supply of renewable and lower carbon ammonia and methanol at our nine facilities globally, in the US and Europe and, through Fertiglobe, our strategic partnership with ADNOC, the MENA region. This delivery of our bio-ammonia shows our pivotal role in developing the hydrogen corridor to enable the supply of lower carbon ammonia across Europe, from the Port of Rotterdam. Through partnerships with other industry leaders like Röhm, we’re able to continue to make first-moves and prove the case for lower carbon products in existing value chains, and we’re excited about the opportunity we have ahead of us to work with other industrial customers to do this. The industrial sector represents around 20 percent of the global ammonia market today. By converting this sector to lower carbon ammonia, we can help to create a future that allows for the continued production of essential downstream products in a sustainable way.”

Hans-Peter Hauck, COO at Röhm said:

“Röhm as a global manufacturer of methylmethacrylate products such as PLEXIGLAS® is committed to its ambitious climate agenda and targets to achieve a GHG reduction of 30 percent by 2030. Ammonia is a central feedstock for the manufacture of these methacrylic products such as Plexiglas, Degalan and Degaroute roadmarkings. We therefore are excited to join this partnership and take a significant step towards the decarbonisation of our processes and products. A low carbon alternative of ammonia made from biogas allows us to manufacture in our ISCC PLUS certified plants Methacrylate based monomers, molding compounds and resins, in order to deliver sustainable products and solutions for our customers in the industries we serve. We are committed to driving the sustainable transformation forward and are convinced that this change can only be successfully accomplished by partnerships and close cooperation along the value chain.”

OCI and Röhm have shared values around sustainability and breaking new ground in their respective sectors. Earlier this year, OCI Global announced it had begun supplying bio-ammonia in the food and drinks sector, supporting the production of lower carbon wheat and barley malt. OCI is also tripling capacity at its ammonia import terminal in Rotterdam in readiness for increased demand for lower carbon ammonia to support new markets, such as use as a shipping fuel and in the power sector.

Röhm produces MMA at its European sites in Worms and Wesseling as well as in the USA and China. At its Bay City site in Texas, the company is currently building a MMA plant, where it will introduce its new production technology LiMA that will enable the manufacture of methacrylate monomers with a significantly lower product carbon footprint and improved environmental impact. In addition to new production technologies, Röhm also introduced an environmentally-friendly product range “pro Terra” that is based on recycled high-performance materials with a reduced carbon footprint.

For more information visit www.oci-global.com

Vallourec, a world leader in premium steel tubular solutions, announces that it has won orders for premium oil country tubular goods (OCTG) from Aramco.

These orders total more than three hundred million dollars and supplement Vallourec’s recent successes in the region. They cover the supply of proprietary steel grade casing and tubing for high-pressure environments, threaded with premium VAM^® connections. These orders are incremental to the volumes to be delivered under the company’s 10-year long-term agreement with Aramco.

Vallourec will handle production at several of its plants, drawing on its global industrial footprint and full range of expertise. Deliveries will take place during 2024.

Philippe Guillemot, Vallourec’s chairman and CEO, commented: “These orders speak to Vallourec’s deep relationship with Aramco and our strong brand recognition in the Kingdom. The company has been present in Saudi Arabia for over 10 years and is growing its domestic presence to meet strong local demand. We look forward to further strengthening our relationship in the years ahead.”

For more information visit www.vallourec.com

Horisont Energi and Koole Terminals B.V have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding to continue their collaboration to explore the potential development of a European carbon capture and storage value chain. It is the intention of the parties to develop and market Gismarvik, Norway’s largest planned CO2 import terminal, with volumes anticipated to flow from a new CO2 export terminal which Koole Terminals is exploring in Rotterdam and various other countries.

The MoU sets out the intention of the parties to develop CO2 import and export terminals in continental Europe, including a potential Koole Terminals CO2 terminal in Rotterdam as a part of a larger logistics solution for CO2 and clean ammonia. Koole Terminals is one of the leading operators in storage, processing, and logistics in Rotterdam and other European ports.

The potential new to be developed Koole Terminals CO2 terminal in the Port of Rotterdam would be connected to the planned Delta Rhine Corridor CO2 pipeline, allowing volumes to be gathered from several places on the continent, and shipped to carbon storage terminals like the Gismarvik CO2 Terminal in Norway. A potential Koole Terminals CO2 Terminal in Rotterdam could have an intermediate CO2 storage capacity of up to 200.000 tonnes of CO2, accommodating transport of multi-millions of tonnes of CO2 to carbon storage annually.

The MoU envisages that Horisont Energi and Koole Terminals will continue to explore the joint marketing and development of a CO2 terminal at Gismarvik with volumes transported from Koole Terminals’ planned CO2 export terminal in Rotterdam and other European countries, as part of a European CCS value chain.

The intention for a Gismarvik CO2 terminal is to become an injection hub for CO2 before permanent storage at Horisont Energi’s or at other carbon storage locations on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. With an anticipated annual capacity of 20-24 million tonnes, following design maturation and development, the Gismarvik CO2 terminal has the potential to function as intermedia storage for several CO2 storage projects. A fit-for-purpose CO2 injection solution and system design has already been developed for the offshore part. Horisont Energi has developed plans and started permitting for such a terminal covering offloading from ships, temporary storage, process, and compression prior to pipeline transport to subsea reservoirs for sequestration.

“Our ambition is to build a carbon capture and storage value chain in Europe together with our partners. A proposed CO2 terminal in Rotterdam is intended to play a central role in this context as the gateway from Europe to Norway’s CCS market, both in terms of existing and our planned new carbon storage licences. Koole Terminals’ strong customer base and experience in operating major liquid bulk terminals in central ports of Europe is anticipated to aid in contributing to acceleration of the establishment of the CCS value chain. We look forward to continuing our close collaboration,” says Bjørgulf Haukelidsæter Eidesen, CEO of Horisont Energi.

The Port of Rotterdam is the major energy hub for Western Europe, as around 13 percent of the total energy demand in Europe enters the EU through this Port.

“Material progress has been made in enhancing our potential CO2 intermediate storage capabilities at Rotterdam since our collaboration commenced. We recognise the synergies in engaging in the potential joint development of the Gismarvik CO2 terminal in Norway, drawing upon our extensive expertise in managing terminals and logistics,” says John Kraakman, CEO of Koole Terminals.

Horisont Energi and Koole Terminals also expect to explore certification solutions to develop fully auditable comingled inventory control, emission certification, traceability management, and trading solutions for CO2.

Horisont Energi and Koole Terminals extended the scope of cooperation to cover clean ammonia in December 2022. The Parties share common values and are strongly committed to working towards sustainability, decarbonisation, and the fundamental role of clean energy.

For more information visit www.koole.com

Noord Natie Odfjell Antwerp Terminal has successfully completed the Tank Pit U project, filling up the first two tanks ahead of schedule.

This achievement is truly impressive. With the addition of six new tanks, each having a capacity of 6,000m³, the total capacity has been significantly boosted to 461,000m³. The successful completion of this project would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of all the employees and contractors involved, including Ivens, Verwater Group B.V., IBS Bouw, Agidens, and FTS Design & Construction Company. This accomplishment is a testament to the team’s outstanding teamwork and commitment to excellence.

For more information visit www.noordnatie.be

AltaGas Ltd. and Royal Vopak have announced that the Ridley Island Energy Export Facility is progressing towards its final investment decision in the first half of 2024. The project, located on Ridley Island, British Columbia, Canada, will be a large-scale coastal terminal for exporting liquified petroleum gases, methanol, and other bulk liquids.

Preparation for the project is advancing with site clearing work, including logging, clearing, and drainage activities, expected to begin in the coming weeks. REEF has successfully completed a five-year environmental preparation and review process and engaged extensively with Indigenous rights holders and local communities. The joint venture aims to deliver the project with industry-leading environmental stewardship and benefits for all stakeholders.

REEF has obtained the necessary federal and provincial permits for constructing storage tanks, a new dedicated jetty, and other infrastructure. The project will be developed on a 190-acre site on lands administered by the Prince Rupert Port Authority, with a long-term lease secured by the joint venture.

Significant progress has been made across critical workstreams, including commercial, engineering, and partnership agreements. The joint venture is on track to award several contracts in the first half of 2024. Additionally, AltaGas has entered a transportation agreement with Canadian National Railway Company, ensuring cost and service predictability for propane and butane transportation to the west coast.

The exclusive rights granted to AltaGas and Vopak by the Prince Rupert Port Authority enable the development of LPG, methanol, and other bulk liquids exports on Ridley Island. These rights provide certainty and facilitate comprehensive environmental and community stewardship throughout the project’s development.

The joint venture has actively engaged with First Nations rights holders, local communities, regulators, and the Prince Rupert Port Authority for over five years to ensure strong community support and environmental stewardship. Relationships with local Indigenous communities have been fostered through existing operations, focusing on economic and social development opportunities.

Following a positive FID, REEF will have the option to evaluate alternative fuels such as hydrogen, leveraging Vopak’s expertise in hydrogen storage. This aligns with growing customer interest in Asia, particularly Japan and South Korea.

REEF’s strategic location offers significant advantages, with shorter shipping times to Northeast Asia compared to the US Gulf Coast and Arabian Gulf. The project will efficiently connect Canada’s energy products to high-demand markets, with potential benefits during global shipping disruptions.

AltaGas and Vopak are committed to completing the final milestones required for the prudent sanctioning of REEF. They express gratitude to all stakeholders for their continued support and partnerships throughout the project’s development. Both organisations prioritise working with stakeholders and forming strong partnerships as part of their business approach.

For more information visit www.vopak.com

Hermann Rosen, founder of ROSEN Group sells a majority stake in ROSEN to leading global private markets firm Partners Group, acting on behalf of its clients. Hermann Rosen reinvests into the company alongside Partners Group.

The transaction is part of Hermann Rosen’s succession planning, concluding a process that was initiated about a year ago in the interest of all stakeholders of the company. Together with his management team, Hermann Rosen has examined strategic options to secure ROSEN’s long-term success by ensuring stability while continuing to execute on its technology-empowered strategy that has delivered a track record of strong organic growth. As part of this process, the Company has reorganised its business and separated ROSEN from New Ventures which are unrelated development projects outside of ROSEN’s primary field of operations. Both parties agreed not to disclose the purchase price or further financial details.

Hermann Rosen, founder of ROSEN, said: “I have always seen ROSEN from the perspective of a founder. This includes considering my own succession at the right time. After intensive examination of various strategic options, I am excited that we have found the ideal co-owner in Partners Group to continue ROSEN’s unique success story. I will remain a member of the Board of ROSEN, but at the same time follow my nature as the pioneer and explorer that I have always been and dedicate myself to write the next success story with New Ventures outside ROSEN.”

Charles Miller-Jones, managing director, Partners Group, says: “ROSEN represents an opportunity to acquire a vertically integrated technology leader in the specialist sub-sector of asset integrity services that exhibits resilient demand. The Company has strong recurring revenues from a large, diverse, and regulated asset base. ROSEN is well-positioned to capitalise on the tailwinds in the sector and we have conviction in its growth prospects. We are excited to partner with Hermann Rosen, the Co-CEOs Erik Cornelissen and Holger Hennerkes as well as the broader management team to execute our shared value creation plan.”

Matthias Riefer, Member of Management, Partners Group, adds: “We have been following the broader Testing, Inspection & Certification theme for several years and identified ROSEN as a highly attractive company in the space benefitting from non-discretionary, regulatory-driven growth and an increasing focus of pipeline operators on safety and limiting harm to the environment from leaks. ROSEN has been developing the market for decades through its technological differentiation and customer orientation.”

ROSEN’s well-established business is focused on a growing global market that includes pipelines, storage tanks and processing facilities. With a portfolio of highly advanced proprietary diagnostic technologies, a vast and unique data set, and industry-leading software solutions combined with integrity engineering consulting services, it is serving a loyal blue-chip client base in more than 120 countries. Moreover, ROSEN has a proven history of highly profitable double-digit organic growth over the past 40 years. Stringent regulations and increasing pressure to operate newly commissioned and ageing assets in a compliant and safe manner make the market in which ROSEN is operating highly attractive and growing. At the same time, the nature of the business ensures resilient, recurring and highly visible revenues. The Co-CEOs Erik Cornelissen and Holger Hennerkes, who have been responsible for the global operational business of ROSEN for many years, will continue to jointly lead the Company.

Partners Group will work with management to leverage ROSEN’s existing capabilities to expand into future energy sources, including new energy transition opportunities such as hydrogen transportation pipes, as well as into adjacent markets. Key value creation initiatives will include continued investment in technological innovation, R&D, and capex; further adoption of automation and AI to drive data analysis; and the introduction of operational excellence initiatives.

Erik Cornelissen, Co-CEO of ROSEN, said: “Today marks an exciting milestone for all of us. Together with Partners Group, we will further strengthen our leading competitive position by leveraging and further broadening our extensive engineering and field expertise as well as our unique innovation capabilities.” Holger Hennerkes, Co-CEO of ROSEN, added: “We are strongly convinced that our customers and employees will significantly benefit from the new long-term strategic opportunities and security that comes with the long-term vision and partnership approach of Partners Group.”

The New Ventures business, that ROSEN began to pursue a few years ago, has been carved out prior to the transaction. It mainly comprises early-stage development projects such as new products for offshore wind power plants or autonomous vehicles for underwater operations. New Ventures’ solutions aim to create a cleaner and safer world. While New Ventures is still in an early phase of its development, driven by R&D projects aimed at fostering innovation, several technologies have progressed into a state near market introduction. This development will be accelerated by funding investments from proceeds of the transaction. New Ventures starts with about 400 employees at various locations, of which more than 80 percent have a scientific and engineering background. Going forward, New Ventures will be headed by Hermann Rosen and operationally led by an experienced management team with a broad range of expertise and the skillset necessary to successfully drive the growth of the operations, represented by speaker Dirk van Vinckenroye.

The completion of the transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. The transaction is expected to be completed in the first half of 2024.

Baird is acting as exclusive financial advisor to ROSEN. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom is acting as a legal advisor to the Company.

For more information visit www.rosen-group.com

The successful joint development of six PV projects with the local partner Callis Zrt has a combined capacity of 280 MWp. These projects are already “Ready to Build”, meaning that all required permits have been secured, and are able to connect to the grid and commence electricity production in 2026 and 2027 respectively. Between 2023 and 2024, Uniper will conclude comprehensive preliminary studies (e.g. topography) to ensure the seamless execution of these projects.

In addition to these six projects, Uniper participates in the current grid capacity tender in Hungary. Uniper aims to secure grid connection possibilities for its projects, reinforcing its commitment to delivering clean and sustainable energy to the Hungarian market. Uniper remains committed to working closely with local communities, authorities, and stakeholders to ensure a smooth and mutually beneficial transition to renewable energy.

“We are proud to be part of Hungary’s renewable energy transition. These first projects and our involvement in the upcoming grid capacity tender mark significant milestones in our journey towards a sustainable energy future. At Uniper, we believe in the power of clean energy to create a better, more environmentally responsible world. We are excited to work hand in hand with local communities and partners to bring this vision to life.”

Jörg Lennertz, Uniper Renewables, CEO

Uniper had announced a new strategy on August 1, 2023, and will support the necessary transformation of the energy industry through flexible, balanced and bespoke forms of energy generation. To this end, the company is transforming its own power plants and facilities and investing in flexible and secure power generation assets. In total, more than €8 billion is to be invested in growth and transformation between 2023 and 2030. This includes investments in solar and wind power plants, where significant growth is targeted.

In 2030, Uniper aims to use more than 80 percent of its installed power plant capacity for CO2-free electricity production. Uniper will end electricity production from coal by 2029 at the latest. By 2040, Uniper intends to be CO2-neutral (Scope 1-3), ten years earlier than previously planned.

For more information visit www.uniper.energy

Avenir LNG Limited have announced that Peter Mackey will be stepping down from his position as chief executive officer. He will remain with the company until the end of Q1 2024 to support with the leadership transition. The board of directors are working to find a replacement and in the interim Avenir LNG commercial director, Jonathan Quinn will work closely with the Avenir leadership team and the board to ensure the smooth running of the company until a permanent replacement is found.

Commenting on his decision, Peter said “I’m enormously proud of the platform we’ve created within Avenir since it was founded in late 2018. We have built the company into one of the market leaders in the small-scale LNG sector. Avenir is about to enter a new phase of growth and I think it’s the right time for a new leader to take the company forward. It has been a huge privilege to lead Avenir and I’ll be cheering on from the sidelines to see where it goes next.”

Niels G. Stolt-Nielsen, chairman of Avenir LNG, added “During Peter’s time with Avenir it has grown into one of the leaders in the small-scale LNG market today. I would like to thank him for his contribution to the company over the years and wish him every success for the future.”

Avenir LNG also announced that Udo Lange, chief executive officer, Stolt-Nielsen Limited, will join the Avenir board as director, replacing Jan Chr. Engelhardtsen who also stepped down from his position in November 2023.

For more information visit www.avenirlng.com

Proton Ventures in collaboration with Geldof is thrilled to announce their latest achievement – the award of a Front-End Engineering Design contract for a first green ammonia terminal in Western Africa. This milestone project, marks a significant step towards exporting green ammonia from Western Africa to the world. Proton Ventures’ proficiency in ammonia storage & handling solutions and Geldof’s proven track record in ammonia tanks are the perfect fit to take on this ambitious venture together.

The First Green Ammonia Export Terminal in Western Africa

The location in Western Africa is situated near major shipping trade-lanes, making it an ideal spot for the production of renewable energy. Furthermore, it holds enormous potential for competitive green electricity sourcing, making it an excellent choice for eco-friendly fuel development.

The green ammonia terminal project shows dedication to environmentally friendly energy solutions. The upcoming terminal will not only store and distribute green ammonia but also contribute to the development of clean energy infrastructure and create jobs in the region.

The project is meant to kick-off the entire ammonia supply chain in Western Africa. This new facility will incorporate all best available technologies and systems to be the first zero-ammonia emissions terminal in the continent.

At its core, it will feature a full containment ammonia storage tank, ensuring both the safety and reliability of ammonia storage. Seamlessly connected to an existing jetty, the terminal simplifies the loading and unloading processes, streamlining operations. Further facilitating distribution, the terminal will include dedicated rail and truck loading facilities. An efficient refrigeration system will be designed to swiftly manage the boil-off gas and (un-)load ammonia gas carriers, providing independent operations. High flow rate pumps and utilities will support ammonia handling processes, while a emergency-only flare system for the safe disposal of gases will guarantee the highest safety measures and lowest emissions. Dedicated fire water systems are integral to ensuring the safety of personnel and assets, and a modern control building, along with necessary instrument rooms, will be established to effectively monitor and manage the terminal’s operations.

As they move forward with the development of this green ammonia terminal, Proton Ventures, in collaboration with their client and Geldof, is committed to promoting sustainability, clean energy. They are excited about the prospects this project holds and want to keep achieving new milestones in the green energy sector.

For more information visit www.protonventures.com

Evos Rotterdam are pleased to announce they have achieved the prestigious gold medal in the 2023 EcoVadis Sustainability Rating. This accomplishment is a clear testament to their unwavering dedication to excellence in environmental practices, labour and human rights, sustainable procurement, and ethics.

To be recognised as one of the top 5 percent of companies in the EcoVadis database is truly remarkable and showcases Evos Rotterdam’s deep commitment to sustainable management performance and positive intent. It is truly heartwarming to witness their efforts to create a meaningful impact being acknowledged and rewarded with the gold medal.

The assessment themes of environment, labour & human rights, sustainable procurement, and ethics align perfectly with Evos Rotterdam’s core values, reflecting their holistic approach towards sustainability. Their contribution towards building a more sustainable future is undeniably inspiring. Additionally, the knowledge that over 1000 multinational procurement teams rely on EcoVadis ratings makes it an even greater honour for Evos Rotterdam to be included in their decision-making process.

A heartfelt congratulations goes out to everyone at Evos Rotterdam who played a role in achieving this outstanding recognition. Together, they are making a significant difference and setting a high standard for sustainability within their industry.

For more information visit www.evos.eu

Horisont Energi, a leading energy company, has recently signed a Letter of Intent with VNG Handel & Vertrieb GmbH for the offtake of clean ammonia from the Barents Blue project, which is set to be Europe’s largest clean ammonia plant. This collaboration is a significant step forward in meeting the growing demand for clean ammonia and hydrogen.

The Barents Blue project, in conjunction with the Polaris CCS project, aims to produce clean ammonia with an impressive 99 percent CO2 capture rate, resulting in a substantially lower carbon footprint compared to conventional production methods. By offering clean ammonia, Barents Blue contributes to the decarbonisation efforts of various industries such as fertilisers, shipping, and more.

Bjørgulf Haukelidsæter Eidesen, CEO of Horisont Energi, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with VNG AG, stating that it strengthens the development of Barents Blue and the clean ammonia value chain. Horisont Energi is pleased to collaborate with such a competent organisation and a dedicated team.

VNG AG, known for its reliable relationships with Norwegian energy companies spanning over three decades, views this agreement as a significant step towards deepening the German-Norwegian partnership in the energy sector. Ulf Heitmüller, CEO of VNG AG, emphasised that the demand for blue ammonia will multiply in the coming years as it serves as a hydrogen carrier and aids in the decarbonisation of various industries.

The collaboration between Horisont Energi and VNG AG highlights the collective effort to drive forward the decarbonisation goals in the energy sector, contributing to a more sustainable future.

For more information visit www.horisontenergi.no

Global Partners LP, a leading integrated storage, distribution, and retail liquid energy company, has recently announced its plans to acquire twenty five liquid energy terminals from Motiva Enterprises LLC. The terminals, situated along the Atlantic Coast, in the Southeast, and in Texas, have a combined shell capacity of 8.4 million barrels and will be purchased for $305.8 million in cash.

With this acquisition, Global aims to significantly expand its terminal capacity and geographic reach, extending its operations to cover the Atlantic Coast and the US Gulf. Currently, Global owns or leases 24 liquid energy terminals in states across the Northeast, North Dakota, and Oregon. Following the completion of this transaction, Global’s storage capacity will increase by approximately 85 percent to reach 18.3 million barrels.

Eric Slifka, president and CEO of Global, expressed enthusiasm about this strategic move, stating that it offers an exceptional opportunity to execute their growth strategy and create value by expanding into areas with growing population centres. He emphasised that these terminals will allow Global to leverage its expertise in supply and provide a platform for growth in all aspects of their business. The transaction is supported by a 25-year agreement with Motiva, ensuring long-term revenue commitments.

Motiva’s president and CEO, Jeff Rinker, shared his excitement about the partnership with Global Partners, stating that the divestiture of their product terminals will allow them to focus on strengthening and growing their manufacturing and logistics centred around Port Arthur Manufacturing Complex, while also supporting the growth of their marketing business.

The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, and it is expected to be completed by the end of the year. Global anticipates that the acquisition will be accretive to distributable cash flow per common unit in the first full year of operations, excluding transition-related expenses. The purchase price will be financed through borrowings under Global’s revolving credit facility. BofA Securities acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Global in this transaction.

For more information visit www.globalp.com