Navigator Gas have announced the signing of a non-binding memorandum of understanding with Bumi Armada, one of the world’s largest floating infrastructure operators, to establish a joint venture company to provide CO2 shipping and injection solutions in the United Kingdom.

This Bluestreak CO2 joint venture, to be owned 50 percent by Navigator and 50 percent by Bumi Armada, aims to provide an end-to-end solution for carbon emitters to capture, transport, sequester and store their carbon dioxide emissions in line with the United Kingdom’s Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy.

By leveraging the expertise and experience of its principal shareholders, it is anticipated that the Bluestreak CO2 joint venture will design and implement a value chain of shuttle tankers delivering to a floating carbon storage & injection unit. The complete value chain is expected to safely and reliably transport and provide buffer storage of liquid carbon dioxide. The CO2 is intended to be subsequently injected into offshore storage aquifers and/or depleted oil and gas reservoirs in a controlled manner, with full surveillance and management of the permanent storage location. This approach is anticipated to allow the Bluestreak CO2 joint venture to serve emitters with no access to pipeline infrastructure, to effectively manage their CO2 emissions.

It is estimated that the potential market in the United Kingdom alone, is over 30 million tonnes of CO2 per annum from emitters who are not proximate to existing awarded carbon capture, usage and storage clusters. Navigator and Bumi Armada are in initial discussions with a number of emitters and if successful, the first shipment of CO2 is anticipated by the parties to take place three years after taking final investment decision.

For more information visit www.navigatorgas.com

Stolthaven Terminals is delighted that their Moerdijk terminal in the Netherlands has won silver at the Dow 4STAR awards.

Dow established the 4STAR programme to recognise performance in the four elements it considers most important when collaborating with its logistics service providers: safety, service, social responsibility and sustainability.

Stolthaven Terminals was one of three bulk storage companies to receive a silver award, an improvement for Moerdijk from bronze last year.

Edward de Vos, Stolthaven Moerdijk’s commercial manager, explains: “Moerdijk’s performance has improved in all four areas in the past year. We are well on the way to being fully carbon neutral – for example, the electricity used to heat our tanks is from 100 percent Dutch green wind energy – and we achieved International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) last year, which demonstrates we meet defined sustainability criteria for biofuels and bio-based products.

“The silver award from Dow recognises our commitment to continuous improvement in safety, service, social responsibility and sustainability, and I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to this achievement.”

For more information visit www.stolt-nielsen.com

Neptune Energy have announced that Eni International BV has signed a sale and purchase agreement to acquire Neptune Energy Group Limited, with Vår Energi ASA simultaneously signing an inter-conditional sale and purchase agreement to acquire Neptune Energy Norge AS for an aggregate enterprise value (subject to customary adjustments) of $4.9 billion.

Neptune’s business in Germany is not part of the transactions and will continue to be owned and operated by the ultimate existing Neptune shareholders as a standalone group.

Clear strategic and value drivers

The Boards of Eni, Vår Energi and Neptune believe the proposed combinations will enhance their technical and financial capabilities to provide energy security and participate in the energy transition.

The existing upstream portfolios of the companies are low carbon intensity gas-focused, with complementary geographic exposure, providing Eni and Vår Energi with increased scale in growth areas and high-value markets, and enhanced decarbonisation opportunities.

Conditions for completion

Completion of the acquisitions is conditional upon, among other things, the receipt of necessary regulatory and governmental clearances. The transactions are expected to close by the end of Q1 2024.

Sam Laidlaw, executive chairman of Neptune Energy, said: “Since Neptune’s formation in 2018, we have invested in the business and transformed the organisation, resulting in material improvements in safety, operational performance and cost efficiency.

“I am incredibly proud of Neptune’s achievements over the past five years – and the hard work and dedication of so many people across our organisation, who, together with our shareholders, have contributed to the growth and success of the business.

“This transaction offers a new and exciting phase for Neptune, with significant growth opportunities supporting energy security and the energy transition, which will benefit from Eni’s and Vår Energi’s larger scale and available resources.”

For more information visit www.neptuneenergy.com

Following extensive negotiations and cooperation that started last year, Norwegian Nordic Electrofuel (NEF) and German P2X-Europe (P2X), a joint venture of Mabanaft GmbH & Co. KG (Mabanaft) and H&R Group, have signed a term sheet that formally lays the foundation for the production and commercialisation of synthetic fuels, with a clear focus on eSAF.

The agreement between the two companies foresees the production and long-term offtake of sustainable fuels from green hydrogen and captured CO2, using the Power-to-Liquid pathway. NEF plans to produce synthesis-based raw materials for the aviation and chemical industry at large scale from 2026 in Norway, P2X will further upgrade those syncrudes into eFuels such as eSAF and other synthetic and sustainable products. The final synthetic products will then be marketed to end-users through parent companies Mabanaft Group with its expertise in liquid fuels and H&R Group as an expert in chemical speciality products. For the first time, the PtL project developer P2X is committed to also take on the offtaker role by purchasing PtL-derived syncrude, aiming at accelerating the ramp-up of low-carbon energy production.

The initial stage of the project estimates a production capacity of 8,000 tonnes of synthetic hydrocarbons per year, ready to be refined into sustainable fuels, with a considerable production ramp up planned in the following years. The production site will be located at Herøya industrial park, Prosgrunn, about 150 kilometers southwest of the Norwegian capital Oslo.

Nordic Electrofuel’s CEO Gunnar Holen explains “the agreement reached with P2X marks a quantum leap for Nordic Electrofuel. It greatly improves the needed bankability for us with secured long-term offtake for our products and enables us to reach the markets for NEF’s products in volumes. P2X is a perfect partner since it will do the upgrading and brings the downstream part which is complementing our business and having the skills and assets in place to do so. NEF has over a long time enjoyed a strong relationship with P2X and its sponsors, which have made this process towards the agreement easier. We also expect to sign subsequent agreements between the parties for future plants.”

“P2X-Europe is expanding its business to most attractive regions in Europe, starting at the Iberian Peninsula now including Scandinavia” says Detlev Woesten, CEO of P2X-Europe and chief sustainability officer at H&R. The project will further nourish the know-how of P2X-Europe, a global pioneer in PtL project development and technology configuration, backed by its strongly representable reference projects of its parent companies. The strategic partnership positions P2X’s parent company Mabanaft Group to increase market supplies of non-fossil, green jet fuel for the aviation industry.

Volker Ebeling, executive director of P2X-Europe and senior vice president new energy, chemicals and gas at Mabanaft, states “this marks a significant milestone as we constantly expand our sustainable product offering, in this case for our aviation customers. With Nordic Electrofuel we have an innovative partner for power-to-liquid solutions at our side, fostering another European strategic partnership for the production of green molecules at scale.”

According to the long-awaited ReFuelEU Aviation draft regulation presented by the EU Commission, an initial blending quota of renewable fuels as of 2025 and a specific quota for eSAF from 2030 is required: the quota finally establishes the legal framework for the eSaf market and is a clear call for action – for the aviation as well as for future PtL producers and fuel suppliers.

Undoubtedly, this PtL project represents a crucial endeavour in advancing the decarbonisation of the global economy. Through carbon net-zero production of high-value synthetic fuels, it strives to replace the fossil fuels currently utilised in various industries, making a significant impact.

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

Venture Global LNG and SEFE Securing Energy for Europe GmbH announced the execution of a long-term Sales and Purchase Agreement. Under the agreement, SEFE’s subsidiary, WINGAS GmbH, will purchase 2.25 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of liquefied natural gas from CP2 LNG, Venture Global’s third project, for 20 years.

“Venture Global is thrilled to begin a strategic partnership with SEFE, making our company the largest long-term LNG supplier to Germany,” said Mike Sabel, CEO of Venture Global LNG. “SEFE is playing a leading role in ensuring security of energy supply for not only Germany but the rest of the European gas market. Germany has acted decisively to diversify its energy portfolio and LNG will be a vital part of that mix as it seeks to strengthen its energy security while at the same time advancing environmental progress. We are honoured to support a key US ally in each of these efforts.”

“By joining forces with Venture Global LNG, SEFE makes another important step on our mission to secure energy for German and European customers and meet the energy demand of the region. In delivering a substantial amount of the contracted capacity of CP2 LNG to European customers, we contribute to the further diversification and sustainability of the European energy supply,” said Egbert Laege, CEO of SEFE.

SEFE, a German state-owned company, joins other CP2 LNG customers, including ExxonMobil, Chevron, JERA, New Fortress Energy, INPEX, China Gas and EnBW. To date, 9.25MTPA of the 20MTPA nameplate capacity for CP2 has been sold with active discussions ongoing for the remaining capacity. Approximately 1/3 of the current offtake agreements are with German buyers, further underscoring the importance of CP2 LNG to Germany’s long-term energy security.

For more information visit www.venturegloballng.com

Honeywell has announced its Upstream Production Performance Suite (UPP Suite), an end-to-end solution that automates and digitalises operation from the well head to the control room. The suite will help eliminate unplanned downtime, prevent failures and recover autonomously from known failures.

Honeywell’s UPP Suite enables oil and gas companies to improve production efficiency and asset reliability while reducing operating costs with intelligent controls and predictive analysis packaged into one end-to-end tool. The solution is offered in three tiers – Lite, Supreme and Ultimate, providing a variety of control and monitoring options for operators.

Lite offers users a basic sensing and monitoring solution, complete with Honeywell Versatilis™ sensors and software. Supreme is a standard solution with process enhancement that adds a control and safety system, advance process control, and asset performance monitoring. Ultimate offers users the most comprehensive and complete solution, adding visual analytics cyber and network security, partner solutions and asset performance monitoring simulation.

“Honeywell’s UPP Suite provides customers with an integrated end-to-end solution that automates and digitises their operations to improve efficiency and reliability,” said Chad Briggs, vice president and general manager of Projects and Automation Solutions at Honeywell Process Solutions.” Upstream customers can now operate more efficiently with reduced operator variability by deploying this new integrated solution from the field to the boardroom.”

For more information visit www.process.honeywell.com

Equinor and Cheniere have announced a new 15-year purchase agreement of around 1,75 million tonnes of LNG per year, with half of the volume starting from 2027. This agreement brings the total volumes that Equinor has contracted with Cheniere up to around 3.5 million tonnes per year.

This new Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) with Cheniere will double the volumes of LNG that Equinor will export out of Cheniere’s LNG terminals on the US Gulf coast.

The LNG market is expected to grow significantly because of the role it will play in providing energy security as well enabling a transition to a cleaner energy mix in many markets. With more US LNG in its portfolio, Equinor will increase its role as a supplier of natural gas in global markets while maintaining its position as the major supplier of natural gas to Europe.

“I am very pleased that we have entered into another long-term agreement with Cheniere. Europe will need natural gas to ensure flexible energy on demand to support the build-out of more intermittent renewables and LNG will play an important role. In other markets, for example in Asia, demand for LNG is expected to grow as a solution to energy security as well as lower emissions. Equinor has an ambition to strengthen its role as a leading supplier of natural gas and with our supply agreements with Cheniere we are expanding our global position”, said Helge Haugane, Equinor’s senior vice president for Gas & Power.

Under the SPA, Equinor has agreed to purchase approximately 1.75 million tonnes per annum (“mtpa”) of LNG from Cheniere Marketing on a free-on-board basis for a term of approximately 15 years from the commencement of delivery of the total amount of LNG volumes. The deliveries under the SPA will start in 2027 and is expected to reach the full 1.75 mtpa towards the end of this decade.

For more information visit www.equinor.com

OEG Offshore is pleased to announce their commitment to investing $10 million US dollars into the Caribbean and South American region to support traditional and developing offshore energy markets in Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana and Suriname.

The investment will be directed towards two principal areas; increasing existing offshore container and tank capacity by more than one thousand units as well as introducing new equipment and services including helifuel refuelling, well completion equipment, waste handling, communications, logistics, asset integrity and subsea services to support new energy projects coming into production.

Kevin Saroop, regional director of OEG Offshore Ltd.’s Caribbean and South American operations commented, “We are excited to maintain our presence as the largest offshore container supplier in the region as well as strengthening our position in the wider Caribbean and South American area as a catalyst for positive change. With a strong emphasis on regional development, we are committed to bringing our expertise, innovation, and resources to contribute to the region’s development and create a sustainable future for all.

The entire team at OEG and I, are fully committed to our mission of driving economic growth, fostering innovation, and creating lasting value for our stakeholders in the region. We look forward to an exciting future of shared success and collaboration.”

For more information visit www.oegoffshore.com

Green Biofuels has launched Ireland’s first dedicated biofuel terminal in Ringaskiddy, which is expected to help reduce carbon emissions. The facility will be used to import, export, store, and distribute its flagship hydrotreated vegetable oil biofuel called Gd+.

This advanced drop-in diesel replacement has up to a 90 percent reduction in carbon dioxide equivalent emissions and significant local air-quality benefits, reducing tailpipe emissions by up to 85 percent compared to fossil diesel. GBF has redeveloped the six-acre site, reversing more than 10 years of neglect with an invested capital of approximately €30m. The terminal has a 54m litre capacity, with GBF initially using 38m litres, thereby increasing Ireland’s total 2021 recorded HVO biofuel imports by 375 percent from just 8m litres.

For more information visit www.gbf.ltd

Air Control Entech, a leading remote technology specialist headquartered in Scotland, is proud to announce that it has received class approval from DNV for Hydromea’s revolutionary EXRAY™ underwater inspection robot for Visual Remote Inspection Technology (RIT).

This milestone achievement paves the way for certified inspections of flooded spaces at offshore floating platforms, revolutionising the inspection process and ensuring enhanced safety and efficiency in the offshore energy industry.

EXRAY™, developed by Hydromea, is a state-of-the-art underwater inspection robot that combines advanced technology and innovative design to overcome the challenges posed by inspecting submerged areas. With its compact size, high manoeuvrability, and real-time data transmission capabilities, EXRAY™ is set to transform the way inspections are conducted, allowing for swift and accurate assessments of flooded spaces.

Mr. Igor Martin, CEO of Hydromea, expressed his excitement about the collaboration with ACE and the significance of DNV’s class approval, stating, “We are thrilled that our partner ACE received the successful class approval of EXRAY™ by DNV. This achievement underscores the immense potential of our underwater inspection robot to revolutionise the industry’s approach to offshore inspections and keep people safe, away from dangerous jobs offshore. With ACE’s expertise in offshore surveys and DNV’s stamp of approval, we are confident that EXRAY™ will set new benchmarks in terms of safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility.”

As a certified remote technology specialist, ACE has established itself as a frontrunner in delivering innovative solutions to the offshore sector. With the class approval received from DNV, ACE can now offer its clients certified inspections of flooded spaces at offshore floating platforms, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and enhancing operational integrity.

Mr. Kieran Hope, COO of ACE, commented on the achievement, stating, “Receiving DNV class approval for Hydromea’s EXRAY™ is a significant milestone for ACE. This partnership allows us to provide our clients with a cutting-edge solution for underwater inspections, enabling them to address maintenance and safety concerns with greater efficiency. We are proud to be at the forefront of this transformative technology and look forward to the positive impact it will have on the industry.”

This collaboration between ACE and Hydromea, along with the class approval from DNV, marks a breakthrough in the field of underwater inspections. The EXRAY™ robot’s ability to collect real-time data in hazardous and challenging environments will improve the accuracy of inspections, reduce downtime, and enhance overall operational efficiency in the offshore energy sector.

For more information visit www.hydromea.com

Vallourec, a world leader in premium tubular solutions for the energy industry, and Evonik Industries AG, a leading specialty chemical company, have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development of tubular solutions for Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS).

As part of the collaboration, the companies will work to develop an innovative, corrosion-resistant CO2 transportation technology for the CCUS industry and thereby address one of the key challenges of CO2 transportation and storage.

The MOU will allow Vallourec to develop a lining technology for its seamless tubes and state-of-the-art VAM® connections using Evonik’s wide portfolio of high-performance polymers.

This furthers Vallourec and Evonik’s collaboration, which has been ongoing since 2020. The companies will continue to combine their expertise on metallic and non-metallic material technologies to develop hybrid solutions to reduce costs and increase the reliability of CCUS infrastructure.

Ulrika Wising, Vallourec’s senior vice president energy transition, said: “We are very excited to sign this MoU with Evonik. We look forward to leveraging both companies’ expertise and facilitating the reliable and cost-effective development of CCUS infrastructure. Vallourec’s decades of experience in providing solutions for highly challenging energy applications makes it a clear supplier of choice for CCUS.”

Jasmin Berger, global director industrial & energy at Evonik added: “Energy Transition Infrastructure needs to be safe, cost-efficient, and ready for installation quickly. We cannot afford to wait.”

For more information visit www.vallourec.com

TGE Gas Engineering and Flogas Britain have announced the successful completion of the “Gassing up process” for their plant conversion project.

The former National Grid Avonmouth LNG terminal has been converted into an LPG storage terminal, which included new buffer storage, send-out and transfer system, additional road tanker loading and off-loading facilities, preparation for ship-off loading facilities, and all associated equipment and utility systems.

The project is a significant achievement for both TGE and Flogas, and the successful completion of the gassing up process is a crucial milestone in the project’s progress. Congratulations to the team for their hard work and dedication.

For more information visit www.tge-gas.com

Technip Energies recently announced the launch of Capture.Now, a strategic platform that brings all its Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage technologies and solutions under one umbrella. Building on this new platform to further its ambition to lead the CCUS market, T.EN is launching Canopy by T.EN™, an integrated range of configurable modular post-combustion carbon capture solutions.

These solutions are adapted to emitters of all sizes, with capacity ranging from pilots to large installations across industries and locations, allowing them to capture carbon with confidence and meet their emission-reduction targets efficiently and affordably.

For small emitters (<1 Mtpa) capturing a substantial market share globally and who account for 80 percent of all emitters in Europe and the US, T.EN has introduced the Canopy C200 solution, the flagship modularised product of the Canopy by T.EN™ range. This product is the only 200 Ktpa solution currently available as a standard, configurable, modularised solution. Canopy C200, offered to clients alongside a range of services, allows them to de-risk their CCUS development, optimise CAPEX and OPEX and maximise value.

Christophe Malaurie, SVP Decarbonisation Solutions of Technip Energies, stated: “We are very pleased to introduce Canopy by T.EN™ as a first proof point for the recently launched Capture.Now platform. This unique offer builds on our longstanding partnership with Shell Catalysts & Technologies to bring to market a range of optimised and reliable carbon capture solutions including the Canopy C200 modular solution, allowing any type of emitter to decarbonise its operations quickly, efficiently, and affordably. With Canopy by T.EN™, Technip Energies is shaping the future of the CCUS industry, and is more than ever positioned as a reliable and committed partner to its clients in their journey to net zero.”

For more information visit www.technipenergies.com/en

Neste Corporation, Gasgrid Finland Ltd, Helen Ltd, and Vantaa Energy Ltd have in collaboration started preliminary studies on the development of an industrial hydrogen valley in the Uusimaa region, Finland. This joint effort is a step forward in driving Finland towards a leading hydrogen economy in Europe that creates industrial investment opportunities and supports Finland’s and Europe’s carbon neutrality goals.

The industrial hydrogen valley would combine infrastructure, storage and transmission of renewable hydrogen, serving both producers and consumers of hydrogen. In addition, sector integration opportunities are a key element in the studies. In connection with the renewable hydrogen production, significant amounts of renewable heat is generated that can be utilised in district heating.

Collaboration between companies plays a key role in the hydrogen economy development in Finland, as also highlighted in the national resolution of hydrogen adopted by the Finnish Government in February 2023.

“Today Neste is the biggest hydrogen consumer in Finland. We need renewable hydrogen in order to reach our climate commitments, e.g. reaching carbon neutral production by 2035. Hydrogen is an essential part of our processes and an efficiently functioning hydrogen valley would be a great way to source hydrogen in the future. Building up both the power infrastructure as well as hydrogen storage and distribution infrastructure are key enablers for the hydrogen economy development. By being open to collaboration and seeking partnerships we discover new paths and unlock a world of interesting possibilities,” says Outi Ervasti, vice president, Renewable Hydrogen at Neste.

In order for the Finnish hydrogen economy to be competitive in a global context, cost efficient solutions for hydrogen transmission and storage are needed. The feasibility of different hydrogen transmission and storage options will be evaluated as the first steps towards developing a well functioning hydrogen market. Hydrogen transmission infrastructure contributes to the emergence of a competitive hydrogen market.

“Gasgrid Finland promotes the development of the national hydrogen network, international infrastructure cooperation and the hydrogen market in the Baltic Sea region. Our task is to support industrial investments and develop a hydrogen pipeline that connects hydrogen producers and consumers,” says Sara Kärki, SVP, Hydrogen Development of Gasgrid Finland.

“Helen has an ambition to become a major player in the hydrogen economy and is planning large-scale hydrogen production at Helen’s Vuosaari power plant area in Helsinki alongside with the 3H2 demonstration project that is waiting for a funding decision from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment. Helen is also studying the possibility of carbon capture, utilisation, and storage in the new Vuosaari bioenergy heating plant. Hydrogen, bio-based carbon dioxide and large-scale wind and solar power production are the key building blocks for various carbon neutral solutions,” says Sari Mannonen, senior vice president, solution business and portfolio development of Helen.

“Vantaa Energy aims to become a carbon negative energy company by 2030 taking advantage of the opportunities offered by the circular economy. Renewable hydrogen is a key enabler for new processes such as carbon capture and utilisation that are needed to harness unavoidable emissions e.g. from our Waste to Energy -business operations to further use. In addition, hydrogen production next to the district heating network enables waste heat utilisation and contributes to the decarbonisation of the Helsinki metropolitan area by reducing emissions of district heating,” states Kalle Patomeri, business director of Vantaa Energy.

For more information visit www.neste.com

Cashco are thrilled to announce Instrumentation and Controls as an authorised sales representative.

IAC will manage outside sales to customers located in Arizona, New Mexico, El Paso and Hudspeth counties in Texas.

IAC has been in business since 1999. Currently, they have a total of 20 employees and their head office is located in Chandler, AZ.

“It will be great to have IAC as a rep for Cashco as they already have a strong, established presence in the territory with their other principles,” said territory manager, Stuart Harmon. “I’m looking forward to seeing IAC grow as a Cashco rep from the ground up. This will be my first exposure with bringing on a new rep to Cashco, and I’m excited for the experience” Harmon added.

When asking Ritch Shank, owner of IAC, what he was looking forward to the most about working with Cashco, he replied, “It’s a pleasure to work with Cashco because they are a committed and dedicated company. These qualities go farther when combined with our family-owned values. It is guaranteed that we will make the right choices for our customers and have a dependable and consistent partnership.”

Cashco, Inc. looks forward to a prosperous business relationship with Instrumentation and Controls and serving the customers in their territory.

Cashco offers an extensive line of self-contained regulators, control valves, and vapour control systems. Their products are in use worldwide, covering a wide range of applications.

For more information visit www.cashco.com

Eavor is excited to welcome Stephan Hannke of OMV to their Board of Directors.

Stephan Hannke is a Senior Advisor with OMV, a global oil, gas and chemicals group with headquarters in Vienna, Austria. Stephan works in the low carbon business area of the energy division, and together with his team, they are leading business growth in geothermal closed-loop technology in selected European countries. His goal is to support the decarbonisation of cities and industry, through identifying, enabling and delivering clean heat production using EAVOR geothermal closed-loop technology.

Stephan has over 25 years of international experience in the energy industry, having held several technical and leadership roles in both Austria and abroad. Prior to moving to the low carbon business, his focus was on the safe and efficient development of oil and gas fields in both the greenfield and brownfield sectors. He brings extensive expertise in the project management of large multi-disciplinary projects, with a focus on capital efficiency and effective project delivery. He also has extensive leadership experience, including building up and working with joint venture partnerships.

Stephan has a degree in geophysics from the Ludwig Maximillian University in Munich and has participated in leadership programmes at the IMD in Lausanne, Switzerland, and at Hult Ashridge in the UK. Prior to joining OMV in 2006, Stephan held various technical and operational roles at bp and Shell.

For more information visit www.eavor.com

GMA Garnet Group has announced the inauguration of their newly refurbished dock at their processing plant in Coos Bay, Oregon. Last Friday marked a significant milestone as GMA Americas’ president Rod Liebeck and his team welcomed the first deep draft vessel in nearly 25 years to their upgraded dock.

The vessel, named “Azteca”, arrived with the first load of 30,000 tonnes of top-quality garnet sourced directly from GMA’s South African offtake, strengthening their supply chain and confirming their commitment to their West Coast business partners.

The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday to celebrate this inaugural ship offload. The ceremony was attended by local dignitaries, representatives from GMA, and members of the business community.

During the ceremony, Rod Liebeck addressed the crowd and commented that the occasion marked a “very significant day for GMA Garnet Group and the community of Coos Bay”. He went on to add that “Coos Bay is very significant for us from a West Coast point of view. Thinking ahead another 20 years, it’s still going, and going well.”

GMA CEO Grant Cox also highlighted the importance of this occasion, thanking both the GMA Americas team and local Coos Bay businesses for their support. “Great to see this day come after all the planning and efforts of many. Well done to GMA’s Coos Bay team and our local Coos Bay business partners and assisting stakeholders for making this happen,” he said.

He went on to say that “We look forward to many more shipments to this berth in the years to come for what is an important driver of economic activity for the community of Coos Bay, as well as another building block of GMA’s enhanced supply chain in the USA.”

The refurbished dock will allow GMA to receive larger vessels, which will increase the efficiency of their operations and enhance their ability to meet the needs of their West Coast customers. The inauguration of the dock is a major investment in GMA’s future and their commitment to the Coos Bay community.

For more information visit www.gmagarnet.com/en-gb/

Port of Bilbao and Port of Amsterdam, together with the Energy Agency of the Basque Government (EVE), Petronor, SkyNRG, Evos Amsterdam and Zenith Energy Terminals, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to join forces for the development of a renewable hydrogen corridor between Bilbao and Amsterdam. The corridor will focus on the maritime route between the two ports. His Majesty the King of the Netherlands Willem-Alexander, the Dutch Minister Rob Jetten and the Spanish Minister Teresa Ribera attended the signing ceremony as official witnesses. The attendance of the King underlines the importance attached by the Netherlands and Spain to bilateral cooperation for the development of the renewable hydrogen market. The Dutch Minister for Climate and Energy Policy, Mr. Rob Jetten, stated, “In order to realise a climate neutral energy system and a sustainable industry, the Netherlands and Europe have large hydrogen ambitions. International collaboration is essential to develop the hydrogen market and the associated infrastructure. Within the EU, Spain offers plenty of opportunities and is therefore one of our most important hydrogen partners. In the end, it is the companies that will truly need to make it happen. Important that this is already happening and that Dutch and Spanish companies are reaching shared agreements on the delivery of green hydrogen.”

The MoU states the parties will team up to develop a renewable hydrogen supply chain, focusing on production in the Basque Country and export to the Netherlands and the European hinterland through the port of Amsterdam. This fits with the wider Basque Hydrogen Strategy, developed by EVE, which is aimed at both local usage and international markets, and the Dutch government’s stimulation of the production, import and use of hydrogen. The port of Bilbao is part of the Basque Hydrogen Corridor, a collaboration spearheaded by Petronor and Repsol to decarbonise the energy, industrial, residential and mobility sectors. Petronor is committed to developing a broad range of renewable fuels and to creating a hub in Bilbao that will compose a synthetic fuels plant and an urban waste processing project. Thus, Petronor and Repsol, together with EVE and other companies, are developing the construction of electrolysers for the production of renewable hydrogen, with a total capacity of 113 MW, and a demonstration plant for the production of hydrogen-based e-fuels, the first synthetic fuel plaint in Spain. They are developing another project focused on a municipal waste pyrolysis plant, which aligns with Repsol’s strategy of promoting the circular economy. It will make use of cutting-edge technologies to decarbonise processes in Petronor. These projects will set a new benchmark in Europe and are on the leading edge of the development of net-zero emissions fuels. Hydrogen based fuels, e-fuels and methanol are promising solutions to cope with both transport and maritime needs.

The port of Bilbao features multiple of these projects and will serve as a hub for the export of renewable hydrogen and its derivatives. The port of Bilbao is already an important European logistical centre. This role can be leveraged for the ambitions of the Spanish government to become a key supplier of renewable hydrogen and e-fuels to, in particular, North-West Europe. A green hydrogen corridor between the ports of Bilbao and Amsterdam can underpin this ambition. Carlos Alzaga, managing director of the Port of Bilbao Authority said, “The Port of Bilbao is fully committed to the production, transport and use of renewable energies and supports and works together with those companies that are developing green sources of energies. And green hydrogen is one of the most important paths for that goal.”

Port of Amsterdam is the operator of Europe’s fourth-largest port and is strongly committed to developing green hydrogen facilities within its port area, as well as establishing import corridors for green hydrogen and its derivatives. One of the prominent industrial sectors supplied by the port of Amsterdam is the aviation industry. The port features a direct connection to one of Europe’s largest airports, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The aviation industry faces a significant decarbonisation challenge, with Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) viewed as an important part of tackling this challenge. SkyNRG, a global leader in SAF, is developing a network of SAF production facilities that require green hydrogen as input, including one in the port of Amsterdam. Zenith Energy Terminals and Evos Amsterdam are the operators of some of the most prominent blending and storage terminals in the port. Zenith Energy Terminals is developing a liquid hydrogen supply chain, while Evos Amsterdam is working on a liquid organic hydrogen carrier supply chain. Dorine Bosman, Chief Investment Officer at Port of Amsterdam, said, “The port of Amsterdam plays a crucial role in the energy transition. The recently awarded status of Hydrogen Valley to the broader Amsterdam area highlights the pace of development in this region. Port of Amsterdam views green hydrogen and e-fuels as major components of the port of the future. We are very pleased to collaborate with the companies active in our port, and with our Spanish counterparts. The port of Bilbao and Petronor are natural fits for setting up a green hydrogen corridor. The formation of such intra-European corridors goes a long way in propelling the European Union as a whole to its new energy future.”

All parties to the MoU are keen to support the ambitions of the European Union, as defined in the REpowerEU policy plan, and the cooperation between Spain and the Netherlands. The establishment of a corridor between the ports of Bilbao and Amsterdam will connect two rapidly developing Hydrogen Valleys. The corridor will not only facilitate the trade of renewable hydrogen and e-fuels, but it will also foster the exchange of knowledge and expertise between the parties involved. The Spanish and Dutch parties will jointly discuss the next steps for their collaboration. Ultimately, this initiative will further strengthen the Spanish-Dutch relationship and contribute to the overall goal of reducing emissions.

The MoU was signed by Carlos Alzaga, managing director of the Port Authority of Bilbao, Iñigo Ansola, general manager of EVE, José Ignacio Zudaire, deputy of CEO of Petronor, Gert-Jan Nieuwenhuizen, managing director of Port of Amsterdam International, Theye Veen, chief commercial officer of SkyNRG, Ramon Ernst, managing director of Evos Amsterdam, and Tadhg Deasy, managing director of Zenith Energy Europe. The agreement was signed in the presence of HM Willem-Alexander, King of the Netherlands.

For more information visit www.zenithterminals.com

Eni signed a memorandum of understanding with Libya with the aim of studying and identifying opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and develop sustainable energy in the country, in line with Eni’s strategy and with the Libyan government’s objectives to accelerate decarbonisation and energy transition processes. The signing took place as part of the visit of the Prime Minister of the Government of Libyan National Unity Abulhamid Dabaiba to Italy.

Under the terms of the memorandum, Eni will work on reducing CO2 emissions through the reduction of routine gas flaring, fugitive emissions and venting, as well as possible projects for the reduction of hard-to-abate sector emissions. In addition, new solutions for the development of renewable energy and initiatives for electricity efficiency in the country will be evaluated. Finally, the company will work on the identification of additional gas resources from existing fields, to be developed as part of an integrated project for the domestic market and potentially for export.

Eni is the main international gas producer in Libya, with an 80 percent share of national production (1.6 bscfd in 2022). The company has been operating in Libya since 1959 and currently has a large portfolio of assets in exploration, production and development. Production activities are operated through the joint venture Mellitah Oil and Gas BV (Eni 50 percent, NOC 50 percent). Equity production was 165,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2022.

For more information visit www.eni.com

Cando Rail & Terminals, a leading provider of first and last mile rail service and terminal infrastructure, has announced the completion of the expansion of its Cando Sarnia Terminal. The company purchased the existing rail terminal in the spring of 2021 and has successfully increased the railcar capacity from 85 spots to approximately 550 spots. The expansion provides additional rail capacity to southern Ontario and expands Cando’s national network.

The Cando Sarnia Terminal is located on approximately 90 acres in the Sarnia Chemical Valley region and is directly serviced by CN off the CN St. Clair industrial spur. The multi-purpose terminal offers services seven days per week for railcar staging for short or long-term, loaded or empty railcars, as well as transloading numerous products to or from railcars. The terminal also has a two-track railcar repair shop and two-track railcar wash facility.

Cando Rail & Terminals is holding an official grand opening of Cando Sarnia Terminal this week with customers, contractors, and local stakeholders touring the site. The company, based in Brandon, Manitoba, has grown from a small rail salvage company in 1978 to a leading international service provider of first and last mile rail service and terminal infrastructure. Cando owns and operates 10 terminals and operates at more than 40 industrial railyards across North America.

Cando Rail & Terminals is Canada’s leading provider of specialised rail operating services and terminal infrastructure that allow industrial shippers to optimise their supply chains and connect to Class 1 railways by leveraging Cando’s operating capabilities and network of owned multi-purpose rail terminals. The company provides a wide range of rail services including short line operations, industrial switching, material handling, terminal & transload services, railcar staging, train assembly, and related services. Fully embedded in their customers’ supply chain, Cando Rail & Terminals ensure their customers’ products get to where they need them, when they want them.

For more information visit www.candorail.com

ADNOC Logistics and Services plc, a global energy maritime logistics leader, has announced that it has been awarded a $975-million artificial island construction contract by ADNOC Offshore. As part of ADNOC’s In-Country Value programme, at least 75% of the total contract value for dredging, land reclamation and marine construction of an artificial island “G” for the Lower Zakum offshore field, will flow back into the UAE economy. This award is a significant milestone in ADNOC Logistics & Services’ (ADNOC L&S) strategy to pursue new growth opportunities. ADNOC L&S’ Integrated Logistics business unit is an end-to-end, fully integrated energy logistics services provider. The provision of Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) services in the integrated logistics business is a new offering by ADNOC L&S in line with its announced strategy to achieve significant ongoing growth, including expansion into new verticals. The EPC market is expected to experience substantial growth in the region in the coming years. The company aims to offer a broader range of services to its customers while facilitating the growth of ADNOC’s upstream and downstream operations.

This is the first major award for ADNOC L&S after it listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange on 1 June 2023 following the highest demand globally for an IPO this year.

Captain Abdulkareem Al Masabi, chief executive officer of ADNOC L&S, said: “Capitalising on our project management expertise, end-to-end logistics solutions, and strategic partnerships, ADNOC L&S is primed to execute major offshore EPC contracts that support our customers’ ambitious growth plans and deliver value to our shareholders. This contract award for the construction of artificial island ‘G’ exemplifies our strategy to tap into new growth areas, showcasing the expanding range of services we offer to our customers and the trust that ADNOC Offshore has placed in us as their partner of choice.”

The Award is part of Lower Zakum’s Long-Term Development Plan, aiming to safely and sustainably unlock greater value while helping to meet the increasing global energy demand. ADNOC Offshore has extensive experience in deploying the artificial island concept for project delivery, resulting in significant cost savings and environmental benefits compared to conventional approaches that require more offshore installations and infrastructure. With a diverse fleet of 245 vessels and approximately 540 vessels operated and chartered annually, combined with its 1.5 million square metre logistics base in Abu Dhabi and integrated logistics capabilities, ADNOC L&S is the region’s largest shipping and integrated logistics companies. ADNOC L&S is targeting an average annual EBITDA growth in the low teens over the medium term. This growth will be driven by new contract awards, further expansion of its Integrated Logistics Services Platform, and optimised redeployment of jack-up barges.

For more information visit www.adnoc.ae

JERA Co., Inc. has signed an ammonia sales and purchase agreement (“ammonia SPA”) with Mitsui & Co.,Ltd. for its use in the demonstration project which will take place at the Hekinan Thermal Power Station in Hekinan, Aichi prefecture, Japan.

JERA and IHI Corporation have been conducting a demonstration project to establish　technology for the large-volume co-firing of fuel ammonia (20% of heating value) at the Hekinan Thermal Power Station under the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organisation grant programme since FY 2021. The project is significant as it would be the first step toward a rapid and low-cost led decarbonisation of thermal power generations.

The ammonia purchased from Mitsui pursuant to the ammonia SPA will be utilised in the project starting from FY 2023. This ammonia SPA enables JERA to secure a stable ammonia supply and will contribute to the advancement of the project. JERA will continue to place the highest priority on safety while moving steadily forward through the steps of the project with the goal of establishing CO2 reduction technology for thermal power station.

Under its “JERA Zero CO2 Emissions 2050” objective, JERA has been working to reduce CO2 emissions from its domestic and overseas business to zero by 2050, promoting the adoption of greener fuels, and pursuing thermal power that does not emit CO2 during power generation. JERA will continue to contribute to energy industry decarbonisation through its own proactive efforts to develop decarbonisation technologies while enduring rationality.

For more information visit www.jera.co.jp

Vattenfall Heat UK (part of Swedish energy company Vattenfall AB) and Midlothian Council are working together under a joint venture known as Midlothian Energy Limited and have employed Scottish company, FES Group to deliver the low-carbon heating, which will provide around 3,000 homes, education and retail properties at Shawfair Town, a development overseen by Shawfair LLP, in the north of the Midlothian Council area. This will be Vattenfall’s first ever heat project in Scotland and Midlothian Energy Limited’s flagship project.

Heat that would otherwise be wasted will be captured by Midlothian Energy from Millerhill recycling and energy recovery centre (RERC), operated by FCC Environment, then transported via a network of underground pipes to provide a low-carbon source of heating and hot water for properties at Shawfair. Vattenfall’s modelling suggests the heat networks in Midlothian could reduce emissions by up to 90% in comparison to individual gas boilers fitted in every home. Taking away reliance on fossil fuels to heat homes and businesses protects customers from market volatility.

Heat is expected to be delivered to homes by March 2024.The pipes for the initial phase of the network will be around four kilometres in length and the project is expected to save over 2,500 tonnes of CO2 per year, the equivalent of taking 1,200 cars off the road. The project will benefit from up to £7.3m from the Scottish Government’s Low Carbon Infrastructure Transformation Project.

This initial supply of heat will be the catalyst for a wider regional network stretching into south Edinburgh and East Lothian. The Shawfair development is a key feature of the Midlothian Energy Limited 5-year business plan to supply low-carbon heat to over 30,000 households and progress a variety of other energy projects.

Eoghan Maguire, director for Scotland at Vattenfall Heat UK said:

“Scotland’s ambitious net zero target of 2045 cannot be met unless district heating is deployed at scale. The collaboration between organisations working to deliver this project means that the vision for this brand-new town can become exemplary for district heating in Scotland and beyond.

“This project is such an important first step in our vision for the region. Vattenfall have developed a strategy to deliver city-wide district heating that is capable of supplying heat to the equivalent of 170,000 homes in Midlothian, Edinburgh and East Lothian by 2050, matching the scale of our heat networks in Europe.”

Midlothian Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Councillor Dianne Alexander, said:

“The Council is delighted to see the first of many projects for Midlothian Energy reach the construction phase. Our innovative approach to working with a highly experienced partner will help Midlothian deliver on its ambitious net zero plans and contribute to reducing fuel poverty.”

Zero carbon buildings minister Patrick Harvie said:

“With thousands of people in Shawfair set to receive environmentally friendly heating, this project is a great example of the role heat networks will play in helping meet our decarbonisation targets. We are proud to have supported this project with £7.3 million from our Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme and I look forward to seeing it grow in scale, supplying heating to even more buildings as the network expands.”

Craig Ormond, director at Shawfair LLP said:

“We are delighted to have reached this significant milestone in the development of Shawfair with installation of the first District Heating pipes underway. This will set Shawfair apart with a truly sustainable heat source for thousands of new homes helping to make this a popular new living destination with its own rail link and hundreds of acres of landscaped open space to enjoy.

“Our highly experienced design team have been working closely with Vattenfall and Midlothian Council for several months and are excited to see the progress being made on site. Our project manager (Thomas & Adamson) and Contractor have ensured we are progressing on schedule towards the first house connections.”

James Reid, FES Energy operations director at FES Group said:

“The first pipes being installed at the Shawfair Development is a great milestone achieved for the Vattenfall team following years of project development to get to this point.

“FES are delighted to be principal contractor supporting Vattenfall and Midlothian Council in their ambitious energy strategy for the Midlothian area and look forward to further milestones being achieved at the development over the coming year.”

Paul Taylor, group chief executive for FCC Environment said:

“Since 2019 the Millerhill recycling and energy recovery centre (RERC) has been converting non-recyclable household and business waste into heat and power. The plant was developed by us alongside The City of Edinburgh Council and Midlothian Council to help them divert 155,000 tonnes of waste from landfill each year and the facility is a key component in the Councils’ combined commitment to helping to reach the Scottish Government’s Zero Waste target.

“With Net Zero ever on the agenda and a pressing need to invest in UK based renewable power sources as we seek to move to a lower carbon future economy, utilising the heat from this plant is vital. So today’s news that real progress is being made towards delivering low-cost, low-carbon heating to 170,000 homes in the Midlothian and Edinburgh region is welcome and we are proud to be a part of this major step forward.”

For more information visit www.group.vattenfall.com

Colonial Terminals, a division of Savannah-based Colonial Group, Inc., has acquired 16.7 acres of land adjacent to an existing Colonial Terminal riverfront facility and a Norfolk Southern rail facility. The transaction will provide Colonial Terminals the ability to develop breakbulk infrastructure along the Savannah River. The new breakbulk facility is expected to support the development of a new wide-span berth that will move steel, paper, and other forest products, but capable of handling any general breakbulk cargo.

Breakbulk is a common method of moving goods that cannot fit in standard-size shipping containers or cargo bins. Instead, cargo is transported in bags, boxes, crates, drums and barrels, or by other methods. The new facility, directly served by Norfolk Southern, should allow in excess of a million tons of throughput and support the development of a new wide-span berth expected to move steel, paper, and other forest products, but capable of handling any general breakbulk cargo.

“For nearly a century, Colonial Terminals has built its reputation by delivering world-class product handling services to dry and liquid bulk customers through our intermodal marine terminals,” said Ryan Chandler, president of Colonial Terminals. “Leveraging our strategic infrastructure in partnership with Norfolk Southern to extend our reach into the breakbulk space is a logical next step for our high-service culture.”

Chandler said the project should stimulate the regrowth of business that had been lost in recent years due to Georgia Port Authority’s conversion of its Ocean Terminal facility, and would support further growth in the breakbulk segment as well as provide 20+ local jobs.

“At Norfolk Southern, real estate assets are a strategic opportunity that we’re leveraging to drive smart, sustainable growth for our customers and our rail network,” said vice president of real estate and business development Kathleen Smith. “This partnership furthers that mission, aligning our organisations to fulfil a critical supply chain need in the Southeast.”

Phase one of the project would see the construction of the berth and refurbishment of the existing warehouse facility, and phase two will support a new rail-served warehouse or outside storage complex. The berth is expected to be permitted in mid-July of 2023, with construction to commence shortly thereafter. The project is expected to be completed in late 2024 and cost more than $100 million.

Colonial Terminals began operations in 1934 with the construction of a 21-acre, deep-water terminal located on the Savannah River to serve the burgeoning import and export, petroleum storage market. Today, Colonial Terminals owns and operates the largest, independent, liquid and dry bulk storage facilities with breakbulk capability in the Southeastern United States. Colonial Terminals is a wholly owned subsidiary of Colonial Group, Inc.

Since 1827, Norfolk Southern Corporation and its predecessor companies have safely moved the goods and materials that drive the US economy. Today, it operates a customer-centric and operations-driven freight transportation network. Committed to furthering sustainability, Norfolk Southern helps its customers avoid 15 million tonnes of yearly carbon emissions by shipping via rail. Its dedicated team members deliver more than 7 million carloads annually, from agriculture to consumer goods, and is the largest rail shipper of auto products and metals in North America. Norfolk Southern also has the most extensive intermodal network in the eastern US, serving a majority of the country’s population and manufacturing base, with connections to every major container port on the Atlantic coast as well as the Gulf of Mexico and Great Lakes.

For more information visit www.colonialterminals.com

US Fire Pump’s Emergency Response Team successfully extinguished a 150′ Naptha tank fire in Lake Charles, Louisiana caused by a lightning strike on June 3, 2023. The firefighting operation presented unique challenges due to the presence of an internal floating roof which collapsed in the tank. However, utilising Dwight’s Signature Series 1 X3 AR-AFFF foam, specifically engineered for such demanding scenarios, proved to be the ultimate solution.

By employing a film-forming foam application, US Fire Pump Emergency Responders were able to successfully reach crucial areas, enabling the efficient extinguishment of the fire. The remarkable achievement marks another milestone for US Fire Pump and their Signature Series Foam products, which have successfully extinguished multiple major fires.

Furthermore, the deployment of Signature Series Vapor Suppressant Product (VSP) for post-extinguishment operations offers effective vapor suppression and delivers substantial cost savings for the customer. As a fluorine-free product, VSP outlasts traditional firefighting foam in its ability to control and mitigate vapors, making it a superior choice for long-term vapor suppression. US Fire Pump continues to lead the industry with its advanced firefighting solutions, driven by a commitment to innovation and the highest safety standards.

For more information visit www.usfirepump.com

Neste has made the final investment decision to commence construction of upgrading facilities for liquefied plastic waste at its Porvoo refinery in Finland. With the investment of 111 million euros, Neste will build the capacity to upgrade 150,000 tonnes of liquefied waste plastic per year. Upgrading is one of the three processing steps turning liquefied waste plastic into high-quality feedstock for new plastics: pretreatment, upgrading and refining. The investment is part of a broader project (PULSE*), which has received an EU Innovation Fund grant of 135 million euros if fully implemented and is targeting a total capacity of 400,000 tonnes per year.

Pretreatment and upgrading of liquefied waste plastic play an important role in Neste’s approach to chemical recycling. They allow the company to increase flexibility for processing lower-quality plastic waste and scale up processing the liquefied waste plastic into high-quality petrochemical feedstock in its existing refinery in Porvoo.

“We have developed our capability to process circular raw material at the Porvoo refinery over the recent years and are now set to build a respective facility. The new facility processing 150,000 tonnes of liquefied waste plastic, is planned to be finalised in the first half of 2025,” states Markku Korvenranta, executive vice president in Neste’s Oil Products.

The project will see Neste building new assets at the Porvoo refinery, but also leveraging existing assets through retrofitting, to scale-up chemical recycling fast and efficiently. The upgraded liquefied waste plastic will then be processed in the conventional refinery in which it will replace a portion of the fossil resources processed at the Porvoo refinery.

Required preparation works at the Porvoo refinery were successfully completed during the first half of 2023, enabling the construction work to commence without any delay.

For more information visit www.neste.com

Koole Terminals has announced the successful implementation of a barge portal at its Koole Tankstorage Botlek (KTB) in Rotterdam. The portal was developed by the Process Excellence & Innovation team at Koole Terminals and integrated with KTB’s own IT systems, eliminating the need for manual data entry.

Documents are now exchanged automatically for digital signing and storage, and operational critical times are logged automatically. This integration marks a significant milestone for KTB, making it the first terminal worldwide to implement this advanced level of integration. The innovation will enable KTB to devote more attention to efficiently executing its primary process, said Bob Möhlmann, process excellence & innovation consultant. UAB-Online, founded in 2010, is a platform that optimises liquid bulk operations and supports safe, efficient, and sustainable inland and sea shipping worldwide.

The UAB-Online solution provides direct benefits in terms of efficiency and safety, and indirectly benefits the entire chain, while also guaranteeing compliance with national and international laws and regulations. Hans Bobeldijk, CEO of UAB-Online, said that through this integration, Koole has accomplished a significant milestone by integrating UAB-Online with its terminal management system. This has empowered Koole to elevate the just-in-time arrival experience for barges and seagoing vessels at its terminal location.

By facilitating real-time exchange of vital operational timestamps with key stakeholders such as surveyors and agents, Koole can achieve greater alignment in its planning and operations. Consequently, Koole benefits from reduced port stay, a streamlined and error-minimised process, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

For more information visit www.koole.com

Following the Annual General Meeting in Horisont Energi the board now consists of the following members:

New Chairperson: Dr. Gabriël Clemens

Deputy Chairperson: Leif Christian Salomonsen (new)

Board member: Rob Stevens (re-election)

Board member: Rolf Magne Larsen (re-election)

Board member: Beatriz Malo de Molina Laborde

Stefan Håkansson (personal deputy to Dr. Gabriel Clemens)

With the new member and the continuation of the other Board members, we have a strong and experienced board.

“I am excited to embark on my new role as chairperson of Horisont Energi and continuing to represent E.ON on the board of directors. Horisont Energi has carried out considerable and valuable work over the last year within carbon capture and storage, and clean ammonia (energy). We have ambitious plans to develop projects based on our knowledge base, powered by Horisont Energi’s skilled and dedicated organisation and new partners. Together we are scaling projects for a carbon-neutral future,” says Dr. Gabriël Clemens, the new chairperson of Horisont Energi.

Leif Christian Salomonsen, the new deputy chairperson is an experienced business executive with a long track record of creating value through substantial transformation and turnaround of large public and private international industrial companies.

Horisont Energi would like to thank Rob Stevens for his effort as the former chairperson and they are very pleased that he will continue as a board member with his expertise in clean ammonia and his international network.

For more information visit www.horisontenergi.no

Voortman Steel Machinery, a leading manufacturer of high-end steel processing machinery, are thrilled to announce their upcoming webinar titled “Becoming a Bevel Cutting Pro”. In partnership with Hypertherm, a renowned provider of cutting solutions, this interactive event aims to equip attendees with the knowledge, tips, and expertise necessary to create high-quality bevel cuts and weld preparations. The webinar is designed to cater to individuals of all skill levels, from beginners seeking to learn the fundamentals to seasoned professionals looking to enhance their bevel cutting capabilities.

Scheduled for June 29th, this webinar will be broadcasted live from the state-of-the-art Voortman Engineering Centre. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in immersive discussions and demonstrations set in a real production environment. Recognising the diverse global audience, the event offers two time slots, allowing participants to choose the session that best suits their schedule during the registration process.

Sharing hands-on knowledge and tips about bevel cutting

Drawing from their hands-on experience, industry experts from Voortman and Hypertherm will share a wealth of practical knowledge, tips, and tricks pertaining to bevel cutting. Joey Schreur, business unit manager of plate processing at Voortman, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “We aim to provide concrete, actionable knowledge, addressing frequent issues our users encounter in their daily bevel cutting operations.”

During the webinar, a range of essential topics related to bevel cutting will be covered. This includes programming bevel cuts, implementing general optimisations, understanding the role of height control and cutting path transformation in bevel cutting, achieving flawless long bevel cuts, and exploring technologies used to automatically correct for bevels. Additionally, common challenges associated with bevel cutting, such as warped plates, disrupted cuts, and deck maintenance, will be addressed.

Registration for the webinar is now open, and both Voortman and Hypertherm anticipate a significant number of participants on June 29th. To secure a spot for this event, register through the following link: www.voortman.net/en/news/upcoming-bevel-cutting-webinar?utm_source=press_release&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=en-webinar-bevel-cutting

For more information visit www.voortman.net/en/

Registration is now open for Emerson’s Innovation Days, a series of in-person events designed to demonstrate how its latest automation technologies and software can help industrial organisations meet their key operational and environmental sustainability goals.

Being held across Europe throughout 2023, the Innovation Days will be both interactive and customisable, with delegates able to select a programme applicable to their own industry and specific company challenges. Delegates will be able to learn how the latest Emerson solutions help to reduce emissions, increase energy efficiency, transition to renewable energy, optimise process performance, reduce downtime, manage corrosion, remotely monitor equipment health, increase operational safety, perform data analysis at the network edge, and optimise control system performance.

Emerson experts will present deep-dive discussions, Q&A sessions and a series of technology demonstrations that explain ways of increasing energy efficiency that provide a quick return on investment; understanding and reducing fugitive emissions; how data integration and digital transformation supports automated predictive maintenance; and strategies for the digitalisation of decarbonisation projects. Additional demonstrations will focus on specific technologies, including intelligent valves, advanced control systems and software applications, and intelligent field devices, with Emerson product specialists describing current and future developments. Delegates will also have the opportunity to share their experiences, network with their peers and discuss their application challenges.

“Industrial organisations have a shared responsibility to help create a more environmentally responsible planet, and that requires them to not only meet consumer demand as safely and efficiently as possible, but also ensure that they do so in the most sustainable manner,” said John Nita, president of Emerson’s Europe business. “Emerson’s Innovation Days are designed to help delegates discover ways that automation solutions can help them improve their energy management and reduce emissions, while also ensuring continued safe, reliable and compliant operations.”

The Innovation Days are aimed at plant management, operations and maintenance personnel in a range of industries, including energy, life sciences, mining, power, water, chemical, and food and beverage. The events will be held in more than a dozen countries and presented in the local language. The first Innovation Day in the UK will be held in Harrogate on June 27th. For further details and pre-registration, visit Emerson.com/uk/InnovationDay2023.

For more information visit www.emerson.com

Gibson Energy, a midstream company based in Canada, has announced its intention to acquire South Texas Gateway Terminal for $1.1bn, marking the company’s largest acquisition to date. The terminal, which is located on the Texas Gulf Coast, is one of just two in the area that can accommodate very large crude carriers and serves the Permian and Eagle Ford basins. Since its opening in 2020, the terminal has set records, with more than 670,000 barrels of oil per day being transported through it.

The acquisition is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2023, subject to regulatory approval and customary closing adjustments. The deal is being financed through a $350m bought deal offering of subscription receipts. Gibson Energy plans to maintain its investment grade ratings and outlooks assigned to the company by S&P and DBRS.

Gibson Energy’s CEO, Steve Spaulding, said that the acquisition of the South Texas Gateway Terminal is an “important step” in the company’s growth strategy and further positions it as a “leading provider of midstream infrastructure and services in the United States.” He added that the terminal’s strategic location and “world-class marine and terminal assets” will enable Gibson Energy to better serve its customers and capture “meaningful incremental growth opportunities.”

The South Texas Gateway Terminal is a joint venture between Buckeye Partners and Phillips 66 Partners. Buckeye Partners will continue to own a 50 percent interest in the terminal, while Phillips 66 Partners will sell its 50 percent interest to Gibson Energy. Buckeye Partners will also enter into a long-term throughput agreement with Gibson Energy for the use of the terminal.

The acquisition of the South Texas Gateway Terminal is part of Gibson Energy’s broader strategy to expand its midstream services in the United States. The company has been actively investing in its infrastructure and services over the past few years, including the expansion of its Hardisty Terminal in Alberta, Canada, and the construction of a new crude oil storage terminal in the Delaware Basin.

For more information visit www.gibsonenergy.com

Providing the highest level of customer service is a key part of the UM Terminals ethos.

One of their more recent innovations in this area was the establishment of their Client Central Services team with the aim of providing their customers with a wealth of important information, including real-time data, to make business critical decisions.

Such has been the success of Client Central Services, they have added a further two colleagues to the team to ensure they continue to meet the requirements that come with a growing portfolio of customers across different industries.

Based out of UM Terminals’ Regent Road HQ in Liverpool, the service integrates all weighbridge and administration from across UM’s 8 terminals.

A dedicated portal gives clients instant access to essential weighbridge documentation and current stock levels for each tank. They also have a secure log-in and can access their data 24/7, 365 days a year via a desktop, tablet or mobile device.

The team is led by Lynn McCoy, UM Terminals’ Client Central Services manager, and combines the best of technology with experience of the bulk liquid storage sector extending more than 120 years.

The central control room at Regent Road is filled with banks of screens giving the team visibility of the different weighbridges along with immediate access to all customer information, such as current stock levels, via the client portal.

Having all the necessary information in one place makes a huge difference in terms of operational efficiency and customer satisfaction levels. The average turnaround time is now less than 40 minutes.

A lot of planning went into the development of Client Central Services including analysing all the administration going on across our UK sites. This got UM Terminals thinking about how they could streamline and bring it all together in one place.

UM Terminals knew they were undertaking a significant change to their business process by centralising all the customer information and that the only reason for doing so was to enhance the personalised service and operational effectiveness received by their customers.

The project involved working side-by-side with our group business intelligence developer Adam Pierce to create a whole new way of working.

One good example of this concerned their weighbridge which had previously depended upon a lot of manual reporting, but which, due to the changes, moved online. Whereas before, there would have been lots of paper trails, now they have a paperless solution in which information is stored electronically. The impact is clearer, more accurate and faster information.

Operational planning and flexibility are key in a fast-moving environment like UM Terminals. At certain terminals they can regularly be handling over 40 vehicles a day.

Almost three years on since they introduced Client Central Services, the results have been transformational and, consequently, they are now embarking on the next phase of investment in further improving the functionality and capability of the service.

This, in turn, is a key component of UM Terminals’ wider programme of digitisation, ensuring that the quality of the solutions and services offered by their business continue to be best-in-class.

For more information visit www.umterminals.co.uk

VARO Energy has announced the acquisition of Renewable Energy Services, a leading biogas trading company in Europe. The acquisition will expand VARO’s trading capacity of biogas and green certificates across ten European countries, adding a trading capacity of 1 TWh of biogas and green certificates per year. This is equivalent to the greenhouse gas emissions of 100,000 European homes. The acquisition will strengthen VARO’s position in Europe by integrating its feedstock aggregation, manufacturing, and trading and customer offers.

According to the International Energy Agency, biogas is a key renewable energy source that can help reduce GHG emissions and improve energy security. European demand for biogas is expected to triple by 2030, and bio-LNG, which is expected to grow by 10X in Germany by the end of the decade. Biogas is a strategic growth pillar for VARO, and its integrated value chain will provide sustainable energy solutions to complement customers’ energy needs.

Since 2013, Renewable Energy Services has been one of Europe’s fastest-growing biogas suppliers and traders, having achieved growth in excess of 800 percent year on year. In 2022, RES sourced 250,000 MWh of biogas across ten European countries, resulting in a reduction of 60,000 tonnes of GHG emissions, equivalent to 100,000 European households. RES is on track to deliver an even more substantial amount, aiming for 1 TWh of biogas in 2023.

RES sources biogas from a large portfolio of producers in national and international markets, orchestrating the logistics, and supporting customers with their deep knowledge of both compliance and green certificates. This guarantees that the biogas was produced from renewable energy sources. The acquisition aligns with VARO’s dedication to delivering high-quality, sustainable energy solutions to meet customer demand, including for many of Europe’s largest companies.

The transaction is expected to be completed in Q3 2023, subject to approval by relevant authorities. The acquisition reinforces VARO’s commitment to expanding the production and consumption of biogas across Europe and creating a sustainable future.

For more information visit www.varoenergy.com/en/home/

Stolt Tankers has officially relaunched its Slashed Zero health and safety programme with a renewed focus on sustainability.

Over the past five years, Slashed Zero has been very successful in helping to reduce accidents and incidents across the organisation. Through the programme, Stolt Tankers focuses on minimising onboard and onshore safety risks and supporting the mental health and wellbeing of all employees. With the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, it also makes sense to include caring for our planet all under the one umbrella of the Slashed Zero programme.

Care for people

Stolt Tankers understands its people are its most important asset, and that every one of them should return home from work safely. With a focus on minimising operational risks, reducing personal injuries and supporting mental health and wellbeing of crews across their fleet, care for people has always been the foundation of Slashed Zero.

Care for the company

The programme has also provided increased care for the company with its aims of creating a safe and respectful place to work.

Care for the planet

The broadened focus of sustainability – symbolised by a new, green Slashed Zero logo – is a logical step; care for people and company implies care for the planet. Going from red to green we are steering from zero accidents and incidents towards zero harm.

“Slashed Zero is about behaviours. In the last five years, we have changed our behaviours at work and slashed the number of incidents and accidents significantly. We can use this newfound confidence and knowledge to protect our planet.” Ajay Furtado, global manager SSHEQ

The increased situational awareness that has been created, for example, not only reduces the likelihood of an accident that causes a personal injury, but also minimises any potential spills.

Pride of Stolt Tankers

“With its increased scope, Slashed Zero will help us to substantially reduce harm to our planet.” Continues Ajay. “As we have always done with Slashed Zero, we will be calling upon our employees to make an active contribution to the revitalised programme.

“Together, we will strive to reduce, re-use, recycle and repair, to make good, environmentally sound decisions daily and to increase our situational awareness of sustainable matters. We are looking forwards to the continued success of the Slashed Zero programme as it ventures into new territory and to sharing news of its achievements in the future.”

With a series of tools, seminars and trainings, and the creation of new sustainability focused teams, Stolt Tankers will support employees as it works towards its environmental goal of reducing its carbon intensity by 50 percent (relative to 2008) by 2030.

For more information visit www.stolt-nielsen.com