Venture Global announces LNG purchase agreement with Trafigura

Venture Global, Inc. and Trafigura have announced the execution of a new, binding agreement for the purchase of approximately 0.5 million tonnes per annum of US liquefied natural gas from Venture Global for five years commencing in 2026. The mid-term agreement offers greater flexibility to customers in the global LNG market and provides greater diversification for Venture Global’s LNG portfolio.

Venture Global CEO Mike Sabel expressed that Trafigura is a global leader in LNG trading, and that the company was pleased to execute the mid-term LNG supply agreement to provide the market with flexible and reliable US LNG. He noted that global energy demand is stronger than ever, and that the agreement represents an important step in executing the company’s strategy of adding more mid-term agreements to diversify the tenor of its LNG portfolio. Sabel added that Venture Global looks forward to helping ensure the world remains well-supplied in the short, medium, and long term.

Igor Marin, global head of gas, power & renewables at Trafigura, stated that the agreement with Venture Global, a leading American producer and exporter of LNG, further strengthens and diversifies Trafigura’s global portfolio, reinforcing the company’s ability to connect US supply with customers across key international markets. He emphasised that US LNG supply is increasingly critical to global energy security, and that Trafigura looks forward to building on the collaboration with Venture Global.

For more information visit www.ventureglobal.com

Alfa Laval team up to advance Liquid Air Energy Storage (LAES) in South Korea

Alfa Laval has announced a new partnership with the Institute for Advanced Engineering to deliver cutting-edge cryogenic technology for South Korea’s first large-scale liquid air energy storage facility. The collaboration marks a significant step toward improving grid stability and renewable energy integration as the country accelerates its transition to a low-carbon future.

The project will feature Alfa Laval’s advanced cryogenic equipment, including brazed aluminium plate heat exchangers and a vertical high-pressure cryogenic pump with ten stages, designed to handle extreme conditions with precision and reliability. The system will produce up to ten tonnes of liquid air per day, enabling efficient energy storage and release when demand peaks.

Alasdair Maciver, head of energy storage solutions at Alfa Laval, stated that the partnership demonstrates how innovation and collaboration can drive meaningful progress toward a more sustainable energy system and that it will strengthen Alfa Laval’s position as a key supplier of LAES technology in South Korea. He noted that the company’s cryogenic technologies are engineered to maximise efficiency and reliability, helping partners unlock the full potential of renewable energy.

Dr. Sungho Park, director of Energy Systems at the Institute for Advanced Engineering, expressed pride in collaborating with Alfa Laval on the pioneering project, adding that together the two organisations are setting a new benchmark for energy efficiency and sustainability in South Korea.

For more information visit www.alfalaval.com

Desu Systems showcases industrial and commercial fire safety technologies at FSE 2026

Desu Systems BV, a European master distributor of Spectrex Flame & Gas Detection Equipment and Buckeye Kitchen Safety Solutions, will exhibit a portfolio of flame and gas detection and kitchen fire safety solutions from leading technology partners at The Fire Safety Event 2026, taking place from 28 to 30 April at the NEC Birmingham, UK. The company will be exhibiting at stand H40.

With full teams present from across its divisions, Desu Systems will use the event as a platform to engage with UK industry professionals, media, and partners. The company’s presence will focus on practical discussions, personal demonstrations, and pre-scheduled meetings, allowing visitors to explore how distributed safety technologies are applied across regulated industrial and commercial environments.

At the exhibition, Desu Systems will place particular emphasis on its Flame and Gas Detection division and its Kitchen Fire and Hygiene Solutions portfolio. The stand will host ongoing presentations and hands-on demonstrations, supported by dedicated meeting spaces that enable direct interaction with technical specialists and commercial teams from each division.

As a master distributor for the European market, Desu Systems works closely with technology leaders including Spectrex, Rosemount, Hansentek, Buckeye, and Sensia. Through these partnerships, the company delivers a carefully curated portfolio of flame and gas detection and fire safety solutions, supporting installers, consultants, EPCs, and end users with both product availability and application expertise.

Ronald Verkroost, CEO of Desu Systems, noted that events like The Fire Safety Event are valuable because they create space for meaningful conversations. He emphasised that the company’s role goes beyond supplying technology, explaining that Desu Systems works closely with partners and customers to ensure solutions are applied correctly, perform reliably, and meet the demands of real operating environments.

Emile Hippe, The managing director added that the UK market places strong emphasis on compliance, reliability, and long-term performance. He noted that by exhibiting with the full team at stand H40, the company can offer visitors direct access to the people who support projects from early specification through to implementation and ongoing operation.

Journalists and industry professionals are invited to book pre-arranged meetings or private briefings with the Desu Systems team to discuss market developments and current fire safety requirements.

The Fire Safety Event 2026 follows a milestone year for Desu Systems, which marked its 20-year anniversary in 2025. Since its founding, the company has grown into an international organisation operating in over 60 countries, while maintaining a strong focus on technical knowledge, availability, and responsive support.

For more information visit www.desusystems.com

SK Innovation to lead USD 2.3 billion LNG mega project in Vietnam

SK Innovation has been selected to lead a landmark LNG power project in Vietnam, marking a significant step in the company’s global energy strategy. The project, valued at approximately USD 2.3 billion (about KRW 3.3 trillion), will be developed in Nghe An Province, located in north-central Vietnam.

The consortium, comprising SK Innovation, PV Power (PetroVietnam Power Corporation, a subsidiary of Vietnam’s state-run PetroVietnam group), and Vietnamese company NASU, has been designated by the government of Nghe An Province as the project developer for the Quynh Lap LNG Power Project. The initiative will establish a 1,500MW combined cycle gas power plant, a 250,000m³ LNG terminal, and a dedicated port in the Quynh Lap region, approximately 220 kilometres south of Hanoi. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027 and be completed by 2030.

SK Innovation’s participation brings together its proven expertise in LNG power generation and its global LNG value chain, complementing the local strengths of its Vietnamese partners. This collaborative approach is expected to deliver optimal synergy and contribute to the region’s long-term energy and industrial development.

The Quynh Lap LNG Power Project attracted interest from leading global companies, with participants from Korea, Japan, and Qatar advancing through the initial bidding and preliminary evaluation in 2024. The final project developer selection was conducted among these shortlisted firms in January 2026.

SK Innovation is also considering expanding the LNG terminal into a regional hub to supply gas to nearby power plants. This approach is expected to enhance project efficiency, ensure timely energy supply, and support the integrated growth of energy infrastructure and industry, in line with Vietnam’s national development plans.

Building Shared Prosperity: The SEIC Model for Vietnam’s Industrial and Low-Carbon Growth

Over the past four years, SK Innovation has collaborated closely with the Vietnamese government to establish a long-term roadmap supporting both industrial advancement and carbon neutrality. Central to this vision is the Specialised Energy-Industry Cluster (SEIC) model, which leverages stable LNG power generation as a foundation for regional growth and sustainable development.

The SEIC model is designed to foster high-value industries near the power plant, such as AI data centres and logistics hubs, contributing to job creation, talent development, and overall economic vitality. SK Innovation’s phased approach using LNG for immediate energy needs while preparing for future zero-carbon power sources underscores the company’s commitment to shared and sustainable prosperity.

Chairman Chey Tae-won of SK Group and SK Innovation’s leadership have engaged in ongoing discussions with Vietnamese government officials to refine and align the SEIC model with Vietnam’s energy policies and development strategies. The company’s dedication to this collaborative vision was reaffirmed through high-level meetings in 2025. Through the SEIC model, SK Group has also emphasised its strong commitment to contributing to Vietnam’s industrial and economic development and to achieving mutual growth alongside its Vietnamese partners.

Leading the Way: SK Innovation’s Global Expansion of the Integrated LNG Value Chain

The Quynh Lap project represents the first overseas application of SK Innovation’s integrated LNG value chain, a model already proven in Korea’s private sector. In contrast to conventional methods, which focus solely on constructing power plants or trading LNG—SK Innovation has proposed a business model that leverages its global LNG portfolio to transport LNG directly to Vietnam’s terminal and use it as fuel for the power plant. This integrated approach not only enhances fuel supply stability but also enables the project to flexibly respond to fluctuations in global market conditions, ensuring greater energy security for the region.

With these strategies, SK Innovation plans to expand its global LNG portfolio to 10 million tonnes by 2030, reinforcing its commitment to global energy leadership.

An SK Innovation spokesperson noted that the project demonstrates the strength of international collaboration and the competitiveness of SK’s integrated LNG value chain and that the company looks forward to contributing to Vietnam’s energy development and regional prosperity through its close work with the Nghe An provincial government and its partners.

For more information visit www.askinno.com

TotalEnergies signs agreement to export 2 Mtpa of LNG for 20 years from the Alaska LNG Project

TotalEnergies has signed a preliminary agreement, in the form of a Letter of Intent, with Glenfarne, the lead developer of the Alaska LNG project, for the long-term offtake of 2 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of liquefied natural gas (LNG) over a 20-year period. The agreement remains subject to the project reaching a final investment decision.

The proposed Alaska LNG project, located on the US Pacific coast, is the only federally authorised LNG export terminal in the region. The development targets a total capacity of 20 Mtpa and is positioned to provide direct access to Asian markets, the world’s largest LNG consumers, supporting regional energy security and strengthening transpacific trade ties.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Patrick Pouyanné said the project is strategically located to better serve the company’s Asian customer base and aligns with its ambition to strengthen its position as a leading buyer of US LNG while diversifying supply sources. He noted that TotalEnergies was the largest exporter of US LNG in 2025, with 19 million tonnes representing around 18 percent of total US production, including 14 million tonnes shipped to Europe.

Glenfarne Chief Executive Officer and Founder Brendan Duval described TotalEnergies as one of the most sophisticated participants in the global LNG market. He said the Alaska LNG project’s Pacific orientation complements TotalEnergies’ supply strategy and offers Asian customers direct access to US gas, adding that the company was pleased to welcome a partner of TotalEnergies’ calibre.

The Alaska LNG project has received political and institutional backing in the United States and aims to meet growing LNG demand from Asia. Its Pacific coast location is expected to provide logistical flexibility and competitive advantages.

In North America, TotalEnergies is active across the LNG value chain, supported by upstream gas production assets in Texas, Oklahoma and offshore US In addition to the Alaska LNG project, the company has invested in major developments including Cameron LNG and Rio Grande LNG in the United States, Energía Costa Azul LNG in Mexico, and Ksi Lisims LNG in Canada.

TotalEnergies also holds offtake agreements from leading US export terminals, including Sabine Pass LNG, Freeport LNG and Corpus Christi LNG.

For more information visit www.totalenergies.com

Söderenergi pauses carbon capture project

Söderenergi’s Board of Directors has decided to pause the company’s ongoing BECCS (Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage) project, citing excessive risk exposure and insufficient financing.

Since 2020, Söderenergi has been evaluating the conditions for capturing and permanently storing biogenic carbon dioxide as part of its BECCS initiative. The project was entering an intensive development phase, supported by detailed technical, logistical and environmental analyses. However, progressing further would have required substantial investment.

Photo: Söderenergi

Chief Executive Officer Robert Tingvall said the decision to pause the project was driven by the high level of risk and the absence of adequate financing. He noted that the necessary conditions were not in place to justify continued development and implementation.

Recent developments have highlighted several unresolved challenges. The voluntary carbon credit market in the Nordic region has not expanded at the pace required to underpin the business case, and the company’s assessment indicates that Sweden’s current support scheme would be insufficient to support the scale of investment needed.

As a result of the Board’s decision, ongoing work on the BECCS project will be discontinued and no new commitments will be made. The company will, however, continue to monitor developments in carbon capture and storage. Sweden’s extensive bio-based district heating sector is seen as offering long-term potential for building a carbon capture industry that could contribute to addressing global climate challenges.

Söderenergi will maintain its focus on delivering flexible and energy-efficient solutions, with climate and environmental performance remaining central priorities. The company is jointly owned by the municipalities of Södertälje, Huddinge and Botkyrka.

Boel Godner, Chair of Söderenergi’s Board of Directors and Chair of the Municipal Executive Board of Södertälje, said the municipality remains committed to its ambitious climate goals. However, she emphasised that decisions must be taken in an uncertain environment without exposing the municipality to excessive financial risk, adding that pausing the project at this stage was a responsible course of action.

For more information visit www.soderenergi.se

Santos agrees key terms with South Australian Government for 200PJ of gas over 10 years from 2030

Santos Limited has executed a binding term sheet with the Government of South Australia for the long-term supply of gas to support the transformation of the Whyalla Steelworks into a low-emissions green iron facility, subject to certain conditions.

Under the proposed agreement, Santos will supply 20 petajoules (PJ) of gas per year over a 10-year term, delivered ex-Moomba. Pricing will be indexed with a prepayment structure consistent with industry norms. First gas is scheduled for 1st March 2030, coinciding with the expiry of Santos’ Horizon contract with the GLNG joint venture.

The agreement is expected to support the long-term future of the Moomba Central Area in the Cooper Basin, South Australia, which is operated by Santos.

Santos employs approximately 700 people in Adelaide and a further 400 across Port Bonython, Whyalla and Moomba. In the past year, the company spent more than A$370 million with South Australian businesses, invested A$6 million in sport and community initiatives across the state, and paid about A$60 million in state royalties and taxes.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kevin Gallagher said the company plays an important role in Adelaide and South Australia’s economy. He said the agreement would secure jobs in Adelaide and the Cooper Basin for at least the next 15 years.

He added that Santos would contribute to South Australia’s broader economic future by supporting the government’s plan for the sale and transformation of the Whyalla Steelworks. Gas supplied under the agreement will enable the deployment of direct reduced iron technology to process local magnetite ore into low-carbon iron, reducing emissions by around 50 percent compared to the former coal-fired blast furnace operations, while helping sustain jobs in Whyalla and the Cooper Basin.

Santos has supplied gas to Whyalla for many years and will work with the state government on its green steel strategy aimed at supporting domestic manufacturing and industrial decarbonisation.

The agreement was enabled by a Conditional Ministerial Exemption under the Gas Market Code, allowing negotiations between the parties. Supply is set to commence on 1st March 2030. The contracted 20PJ per annum represents around 30 per cent of Santos’ current gas production from the Cooper Basin and can be supplied from the Moomba Central Area fields development.

Santos is expected to benefit from a long-term contract with a top-tier counterparty and fixed price indexation, further diversifying its gas sales portfolio and providing a natural hedge against oil-linked pricing exposure. The prepayment structure will support planned investment in infrastructure and upstream optimisation as part of the Moomba Central Optimisation project, aimed at delivering operational efficiencies, higher productivity wells and lower operating costs.

The transaction is subject to the execution of a fully formed gas supply agreement by 30th June 2026, as well as internal and regulatory approvals.

For more information visit www.santos.com

Department of electricity and energy participates at the 2026 Africa Energy Indaba as the official government

The Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, together with Deputy Minister Graham Maré, will represent South Africa as the official government host of the 2026 Africa Energy Indaba.

The release outlines key programme highlights, including:
• The Minister’s opening address and participation in high-level ministerial roundtables
• The Presidential keynote by Cyril Ramaphosa
• The South African Investment Forum
• The Nuclear Forum and Mission 300 Day
• Clean cooking, women in energy, and regional power integration initiatives

The Honourable Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Minister of Electricity and Energy of South Africa

The Department’s participation reflects South Africa’s commitment to regional energy integration, infrastructure development, clean energy transition and sustainable investment across the continent.

For more information visit www.africaenergyindaba.com

Technip Energies awarded a major LNG contract for the North Field West project by QatarEnergy

Technip Energies, as leader of a joint venture with Consolidated Contractors Company and Gulf Asia Contracting, has been awarded a major engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning contract by QatarEnergy for the onshore LNG facilities of the North Field West project.

The award covers the delivery of two mega trains, each with a capacity of 8 MTPA (million tonnes per annum) of liquefied natural gas, as a replication of the two trains under construction by Technip Energies and CCC for the North Field South (NFS) project. Similar to North Field East and North Field South (NFS), NFW will capture and sequester an additional 1.1 MTPA of CO₂, bringing the total to 2.2 MTPA from NFS and NFW combined.

The expansion project will produce approximately 16 MTPA of LNG, and together with the NFE and NFS projects, will increase Qatar’s total LNG export capacity from 77 MTPA to 142 MTPA.

Qatar represents a country of strategic importance to Technip Energies, which has maintained a strong local presence since 1986.

Arnaud Pieton, CEO of Technip Energies, emphasised the significance of the award. “We are honoured by QatarEnergy’s continued trust, which further reinforces our long-term strategic partnership built on shared values, performance, delivery predictability, and a common vision for the future of LNG,” he said. “This award reflects not only the continuity of our engagement across the North Field developments but also a crucial contribution to meeting growing global LNG demand. Building on our leadership in LNG and, together with our long-standing partners CCC and GAC, we are proud to continue delivering world-class LNG facilities that combine scale, efficiency, and significantly reduced carbon intensity.”

For more information visit www.ten.com

MET Group and Shell sign MOU on US LNG cooperation

MET International AG, the trading and wholesale arm of Swiss-based integrated energy company MET Group, and Shell Global LNG Limited have signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to expand their existing long-term cooperation in LNG and gas trading.

The MOU provides a framework to explore the potential sale by Shell and purchase by MET of approximately 0.5 million tonnes per annum of LNG between 2027 and 2033, sourced primarily from Shell’s US LNG portfolio, for delivery to various European regasification facilities. The companies also intend to explore cooperation in LNG and gas trading to facilitate access to European markets through the Vertical Gas Corridor, including sales into various European regasification facilities. The cooperation with Shell aims to enhance the security of gas supply in Europe.

MET operates a uniquely customer-focused energy model in Europe, structuring its sourcing and supply around the needs of end customers. That customer focus has driven MET to build one of the most geographically diverse LNG import portfolios in Europe. In 2025, MET delivered LNG into 17 different markets in Europe and beyond.

The agreement furthers MET’s strategy to diversify supply sources while reinforcing its strong and steadily expanding customer portfolio across more than 20 European countries.

Huibert Vigeveno, Group CEO of MET Group, emphasised the strategic significance of the agreement. “MET is proud to support the strategic cooperation between the United States and the European Union in the field of LNG supplies. This MOU represents another important step in strengthening transatlantic energy ties and will contribute to enhancing the energy security of the EU,” he said.

For more information visit www.met.com

Tepsa renews EcoVadis Silver Medal and achieves CDP climate B rating in 2025 sustainability assessment

Tepsa’s sustainability performance was assessed by independent international organisations in 2025, resulting in the renewal of the company’s EcoVadis Silver Medal with an improved score and a CDP Climate rating of B. The recognitions reflect strengthened environmental, social, and governance practices and a reinforced commitment to transparency with customers, partners, and stakeholders.

For the fourth consecutive year, Tepsa’s sustainability approach has been evaluated by external ratings bodies, providing an objective perspective on how the company’s commitments are structured, implemented, and monitored over time.

EcoVadis Silver Medal Renewed

Tepsa has been awarded the EcoVadis Silver Medal with a score of 74/100, up 3 points from the previous year. This places the company in the 90th percentile of the warehousing and storage industry, confirming steady progress within a demanding evaluation framework.

EcoVadis assesses companies across four key themes: environment, labour & human rights, ethics, and responsible procurement. These ratings are increasingly used by companies during supplier assessments and tender processes, making sustainability performance an integral component of business relationships.

The improvement achieved in 2025 reflects the continued consolidation of Tepsa’s policies and the strengthening of its management systems. Progress was made across all evaluated areas, particularly in ethics and sustainable procurement, where existing practices were further optimised and documented.

CDP Climate Rating: Transparency in Environmental Performance

Tepsa also reports its environmental performance through CDP, a global non-profit that operates one of the world’s leading environmental disclosure platforms used by investors and companies.

In 2025, the company obtained a CDP Climate rating of B, demonstrating a structured approach to assessing climate impacts, reducing CO₂ emissions, and transparently reporting environmental performance.

Participation in CDP is voluntary within the sector, highlighting Tepsa’s commitment to openly communicating its environmental strategy and contributing to greater transparency across the value chain.

Supporting Responsible Partnerships

These recognitions support Tepsa’s objective of continuously improving its practices while meeting the growing expectations of customers and partners regarding sustainability performance. By relying on independent assessments and transparent reporting, the company aims to foster responsible partnerships and facilitate sustainable storage solutions.

For more information visit www.tepsa.com

Penspen strengthens leadership team following record year

International engineering consultancy Penspen has announced two strategic leadership appointments following a record-breaking year for sales.

Neale Carter has been promoted to the newly created position of chief commercial officer. In this role, he will oversee and strengthen the company’s business pursuit, proposal management and project management procedures, in addition to retaining responsibility for sales, marketing and operations. The creation of the role reflects Penspen’s continued expansion and its emphasis on strong commercial leadership as it builds on recent momentum.

Based in Abu Dhabi, Carter will also continue to serve as Executive Vice President – East Region and remains a member of Penspen’s Executive Committee.

Arun Behl has been appointed director of sales and marketing – East Region. His expanded remit now includes the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, alongside his existing responsibilities across the Middle East and Africa. A member of Penspen’s Executive Leadership Team, Behl will remain based in Abu Dhabi.

Since joining Penspen in 2019, Behl has played a key role in enhancing sales and marketing performance across the Middle East and Africa, supporting robust pipeline development and sustained commercial growth.

The appointments follow a record year in 2025, during which Penspen reported a 120 percent increase in sales compared with the previous year. Growth was recorded across the Middle East, Africa, Europe and the Americas, driven by major energy infrastructure and energy transition programmes.

Strong global performance was achieved across engineering, project management consultancy (PMC) and asset integrity services, with Penspen supporting national oil companies, utilities and infrastructure developers on complex energy projects worldwide.

Chief Executive Officer Peter O’Sullivan said 2025 marked one of the strongest commercial and delivery years in the company’s history, with more than $456 million in contract awards secured in the East Region alone. He noted that both Carter and Behl had played critical roles in delivering this performance.

O’Sullivan added that Carter had been instrumental in driving strategic growth, enhancing delivery performance and maintaining technical excellence, particularly in the East Region, and described the Chief Commercial Officer position as pivotal to the next phase of the company’s strategy.

He also highlighted Behl’s focus on client relationships and disciplined sales execution, which he said had driven sustained regional growth and positioned the business to expand further within Saudi Arabia while strengthening long-term client partnerships.

The company said the promotions underline its commitment to clients and its focus on delivering innovative energy infrastructure projects efficiently and at scale, reinforcing its position as a strategic partner in the delivery of technically complex projects that enhance access to secure and sustainable energy.

For more information visit www.penspen.com

Power2X acquires hydrogen developer HyCC to accelerate clean molecule delivery in NL and NW Europe

Power2X, an industry leader in clean molecule projects and industrial decarbonisation, has announced the acquisition of HyCC, the Netherlands-based large-scale green hydrogen project developer. The acquisition strengthens Power2X’s position as a clean molecules leader, focused on clean fuels and feedstocks for industries in the Netherlands and Germany.

The deal creates greater scale and efficiencies, reflecting the consolidation of the clean molecules sector as projects transition from early development into large-scale delivery. HyCC has developed a strong portfolio of hydrogen and clean molecules projects in the Netherlands and Germany in locations including Amsterdam, Delfzijl and Rotterdam. In the combined company, these projects will benefit from increased scale, broader capabilities and a strong capital base. The expertise and industrial experience from the HyCC team will support further development and delivery of projects in the Power2X portfolio.

Supporting Clean, Competitive and Resilient Industry

Clean molecules, including green hydrogen, have a critical role to play in strengthening Europe’s industrial competitiveness and energy security. The combined portfolio has the potential to unlock material investments in the coming years and could provide a significant boost for the local chemical sector. For the realisation of these projects, a reliable, stable regulatory framework across Europe, the Netherlands and Germany will be crucial.

Power2X’s acquisition of HyCC strengthens the entire ecosystem by de-risking investments, accelerating project delivery, and advancing Europe’s resilience and decarbonisation leadership.

Occo Roelofsen, founder and CEO of Power2X, highlighted the strategic value of the acquisition. “With the acquisition of HyCC we are adding valuable, and strategic projects in key industrial hubs to our portfolio,” he said. “It brings us into a new phase where we have increased focus on delivery and a more diverse group of industrial customers. We look forward to working closely with Nobian and other partners on project delivery and operations in Dutch and German clean molecules market.”

Marcel Galjee, managing director of HyCC, reflected on the company’s development and the rationale for the transaction. “Our ongoing focus on water electrolysis has enabled us to develop a strong portfolio of green hydrogen projects at HyCC,” he said. “Now it is time to move to the next phase of these projects, and with Power2X we have found the perfect partner to do so. We are grateful to everyone who contributed to this achievement and look forward to the next chapter with Power2X.”

The transaction underscores Power2X’s ambition and positions the company to scale competitive clean molecules assets capable of delivering at industrial scale.

For more information visit www.power2x.com 

AD Ports Group and Nimex Terminals break ground on UAE’s first private-sector LPG terminal hub at Khalifa Port

AD Ports Group, a leading global enabler of trade, industry, and logistics solutions, and Nimex Terminals have marked the groundbreaking of the UAE’s first private-sector Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) terminal hub at Khalifa Port, reinforcing the nation’s position as a global energy logistics and trading hub.

Announced in November 2025 alongside the LNG terminal hub development, the LPG terminal hub is being developed to accommodate large, long-haul gas carriers and will deliver large-scale refrigerated storage and marine handling infrastructure for propane, butane, and LPG mix products.

The development will further strengthen the UAE’s role in facilitating global LPG flows between major production centres and high-growth demand markets across Asia, Africa and Europe. The facility will expand Khalifa Port’s energy infrastructure capabilities to meet the evolving demands of international energy trade.

Saif Al Mazrouei, CEO of the Ports Cluster at AD Ports Group, emphasised the strategic importance of the project. “The Nimex LPG terminal exemplifies the type of high-quality strategic infrastructure investment that strengthens the port’s energy ecosystem and reinforces its position as a leading regional and international gateway. This development reflects a shared commitment to disciplined execution, operational excellence, safety and long-term value creation,” he said.

Phase 1 of the development will comprise two full-containment refrigerated storage tanks of 50,000 and 67,000 cubic metres for propane and butane, respectively, together with four mounded LPG bullet tanks with an aggregate capacity of 21,000 cubic metres for mixed LPG products. A similar expansion is planned under Phase 2, bringing total terminal capacity to approximately 280,000 cubic metres.

The project also includes the construction of dedicated LPG jetties with a 16-metre depth, enabling efficient berthing and handling of large-scale LPG carriers and supporting seamless maritime trade flows. Phase 1 is expected to be commissioned within 36 months from the commencement of construction.

Azmat Mahmood, chairman of Nimex Terminals, described the groundbreaking as a defining milestone. “Today’s groundbreaking represents a defining milestone for Nimex Terminals. Our vision is to build a resilient, world-class LPG logistics platform that connects global supply with regional demand through Abu Dhabi. We are proud to work alongside AD Ports Group in delivering strategic infrastructure that supports trade growth, enhances energy connectivity, and underpins the UAE’s role as a trusted global energy hub,” he stated.

The terminal will be developed and operated in accordance with the highest international standards for safety, environmental stewardship, and operational excellence. Safety has been embedded into the project from inception, with full-containment tanks and mounded LPG bullet storage selected to enhance protection, mitigate risk, and ensure long-term operational reliability.

The Nimex LPG terminal will strengthen regional energy security and storage resilience, providing traders and industrial users with enhanced flexibility and optionality, while supporting the continued growth of Khalifa Port as a multi-commodity gateway. The project reflects growing private sector investment in advanced energy infrastructure aligned with the UAE’s long-term trade and logistics ambitions.

For more information visit www.adports.ae

Vopak announces a multi-year share buyback programme of up to EUR 500 million and commences the first tranche of up to EUR 100 million

Vopak has announced its intention to commence a multi-year share buyback programme of up to EUR 500 million, expected to be executed by year-end 2030 in multiple tranches. The share buyback programme is part of Vopak’s shareholder distributions programme of around EUR 1.7 billion through year-end 2030.

In addition to the multi-year share buyback programme, Vopak has enhanced its progressive dividend policy, through which the company intends to increase its dividend per share by 5 percent or more annually. Further details are available in the FY 2025 press release published on 25 February 2026.

The first tranche of the multi-year share buyback programme, of up to EUR 100 million, will commence on 26 February 2026 and end no later than 26 February 2027, barring unforeseen circumstances. Vopak will cancel the repurchased shares subject to the relevant board and shareholder approvals.

The share buyback programme will be executed pursuant to the safe harbour regime of the Market Abuse Regulation and within the limits of the existing authority granted at the 2025 Annual General Meeting on 23 April 2025, and, subsequently, the authority (if granted) by the 2026 Annual General Meeting on 22 April 2026.

The programme will be executed by an independent intermediary, allowing the execution of open market transactions during both open and closed periods. Vopak has confirmed the absence of any agreement with its existing shareholders regarding their potential participation in the share buyback programme.

The share buyback programme is separate from any share transactions Vopak may execute to cover obligations under its long-term incentive programmes for employees. The programme may be suspended, modified or discontinued at any time.

Vopak will provide weekly updates on the progress of the share buyback programme through press releases and transaction details on the company’s website for the duration of the programme.

For more information visit www.vopak.com 

Technip Energies awarded a significant contract for the Coral Norte floating LNG project in Mozambique

Technip Energies, in partnership with JGC Corporation and Samsung Heavy Industries, has been awarded a significant contract by Mozambique Rovuma Venture, a joint venture in which Eni holds participation, to advance work on the Coral Norte Floating Liquefied Natural Gas project offshore Mozambique.

The project represents the deployment of Mozambique’s second floating LNG facility and marks a further milestone in the development of the country’s offshore gas resources. The newly awarded contract builds on previously announced early works and confirms continued progress across Technip Energies’ scope on Coral Norte.

Development has advanced rapidly through early works and the adoption of a replica concept, with the hull launched on January 16th, 2026, in Geoje, South Korea.

Coral Norte has been designed as an enhanced replica of the Coral Sul FLNG facility, drawing on the same feed gas composition and field location. By leveraging a proven design and integrating lessons learned, the project aims to benefit from reduced execution risk, improved efficiency, increased LNG capacity and optimised operational performance.

Loïc Chapuis, President Project Delivery & Services at Technip Energies, stated that the award reflects the company’s engineering and project delivery capabilities, as well as its ability to replicate established solutions with consistency and discipline. He added that, building on the success of Coral Sul and in collaboration with JGC and Samsung Heavy Industries, the contract further strengthens the longstanding partnership with Eni and its Area 4 partners, while reinforcing Technip Energies’ position in delivering complex LNG developments to support long-term energy supply and security in Mozambique and beyond.

For more information visit www.ten.com/en

VTTI Panama wins AMPP Project Award for its “tank-within-a-tank” solution

VTTI Panama has been recognised with a 2026 Project Award from Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) for Excellence in the Management of a Complex Materials Protection Project, highlighting its innovative “tank-within-a-tank” solution.

The award acknowledges the successful restoration of an 80-year-old underground concrete tank to safe and reliable service. The 50,000-barrel diesel tank, originally constructed in 1942, had experienced recurring integrity challenges for nearly a decade, with conventional repair methods failing to provide a lasting solution.

Rather than decommissioning the asset, the team implemented an alternative engineering approach: installing an internal liner to create a fully engineered containment system within the existing concrete structure. This “tank-within-a-tank” concept effectively established a new internal barrier, restoring full operational capability.

The solution is expected to extend the tank’s service life by more than 30 years, delivering a significantly more cost-effective outcome compared with full replacement.

AMPP recognised not only the technical complexity of the project, but also the way it was managed and executed. Following the project’s success, the same methodology has already been replicated on another concrete tank at the terminal.

The achievement will be formally celebrated at the AMPP Annual Conference and Expo in Houston on March 18th.

For more information visit www.vtti.com

Smartflow expands to a complete Ship Shore Management System

Smartflow has officially introduced a complete Ship-Shore Management System for both seagoing vessels and inland barges, demonstrating the full capabilities of its platform for managing complex, multi-stakeholder workflows.

For the past four years, terminals have relied on Smartflow’s core platform to handle Digital ISGOTT, vessel planning, and tracking. Building on that proven foundation, Smartflow now provides terminals with a unified platform to orchestrate the entire vessel journey from nomination to departure.

The launch showcases how the Smartflow platform handles complex, multi-party workflows by digitising critical safety inspections at the core and bringing related tasks into a single system. This approach eliminates communication gaps and enables terminals to process ships more efficiently.

New Features and Upgrades

The complete Ship-Shore Management System now includes:

[NEW] Barge Reporting & Arrival: A significant addition for inland shipping, managing complex digital reporting requirements across high-traffic hubs like the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp (ARA) region. Barges can create profiles and announce themselves prior to arrival, with full support for ADN, VOW, and CDNI compliance.

[NEW] Advanced Vessel Clearance: Automates the clearance workflow with Q88 data extraction and real-time vessel ban checks integrated with OpenSanctions. Terminals can also build their own internal vessel databases for custom blacklisting.

[UPGRADED] Vessel Planning & Tracking: Enables terminals to manage berth schedules and track live ship locations natively within the platform, utilising planning features clients already rely on daily.

[UPGRADED] Full Digital ISGOTT & Custom Checklists: Runs standard Digital ISGOTT (Parts 1-9) processes, with platform flexibility to build custom safety checklists for any vessel or barge.

Pathway to Terminal-Wide Digitization

The ship-shore interface often serves as a starting point for broader digitisation. Because operators already use Smartflow’s flexible inspection platform for critical safety checks at the berth, connecting these workflows to other daily tasks provides a natural pathway to terminal-wide digitisation.

For example, shift handovers integrate seamlessly into existing workflows. Instead of operators switching to disconnected software or using paper logbooks, critical safety updates flow directly to the next team within the same system.

Jelle Swanenberg, CEO of Smartflow, explained the system’s strategic value. “We have been helping terminals with vessel planning and digital inspections for years, so we know exactly where the bottlenecks are. The ship-shore process is an interesting collaboration between multiple parties. Being able to manage that entire process from A to Z, integrated with leading TMS platforms, changes the game for the industry,” he said.

“What makes this system stand out is how it adapts to you. You can use the planning tools we provide or link Smartflow to the software you already use. It fits right into your current setup, whether you operate one independent terminal or a massive port network.”

The complete Ship-Shore Management System is available starting today. Current Smartflow users looking to upgrade their setup, or terminals seeking to improve their ship-shore operations, can contact the Smartflow team.

For more information visit www.smartflowapps.com

Essar Energy Transition, Spirit Energy and Progressive Energy join forces to advance CO2 infrastructure

Essar Energy Transition has announced that its subsidiary, Stanlow Terminals Limited (STL), has entered into a collaboration agreement with Spirit Energy and Progressive Energy Limited to explore the feasibility of a new, integrated carbon capture, storage and shipping facility.

The agreement intends to assess the joint business case and development planning feasibility of a CO₂ shipping import terminal, based at STL’s Tranmere Terminal within the Port of Liverpool and at the Stanlow Manufacturing Complex. The partnership will also assess the opportunity to transport CO₂ volumes received via the new STL shipping import terminals to Spirit Energy’s Morecambe Net Zero (MNZ) carbon store in the East Irish Sea.

The collaboration marks the latest step in the ambitious, multi-project vision to transform the Stanlow manufacturing complex into a decarbonised energy hub supporting long-term, sustainable jobs and industrial innovation across the region. It further supports Essar Energy Transition’s US$3 billion investment into its decarbonisation programme, aiming to become one of Europe’s leading low-carbon fuel producers.

Mike Gaynon, CEO of Stanlow Terminals Limited, welcomed the partnership. “We’re delighted to be working alongside Spirit Energy and Progressive Energy on this important collaboration. It brings together the right partners with the right expertise to open up new opportunities for CO₂ movement and storage and drives forward Stanlow’s broader decarbonisation ambitions. This work has the potential to strengthen the region’s industrial future, and we’re excited to work with our partners on this project,” he said.

Matt Browell-Hook, energy transition, decommissioning and projects director at Spirit Energy, emphasised the strategic importance of carbon capture and storage. “Carbon capture and storage is not the only answer to net zero 2050 but it is a key enabler to decarbonise industry in the UK. We are progressing with MNZ—one of the largest offshore carbon stores in the world—and through this new collaboration with Essar Energy Transition and Progressive Energy, we’re investigating the potential to provide a route to decarbonisation for emitters from around the UK via the Stanlow site. Partnerships such as these are crucial to deliver the goals of industrial decarbonisation, protecting existing jobs and boosting economic growth in the UK,” he stated.

Chris Manson Whitton, CEO of Progressive Energy Limited, highlighted the company’s contribution to the project. “Progressive Energy brings long-standing expertise in developing low-carbon infrastructure, and this collaboration gives us the opportunity to apply that to accelerate sustainable industry. Working alongside EET and Spirit Energy, we are focused on designing practical, technically robust solutions for capturing, transporting and storing CO₂ at scale. Our project development capability will help create the infrastructure needed to secure a strong future for UK industry, safeguard skilled jobs and strengthen the region’s position as a leader in low carbon energy innovation. We look forward to working closely with our partners to realise this opportunity,” he said.

For more information visit www.stanlowterminals.co.uk

African Energy chamber to lead delegation to Venezuela

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) will lead a high-level delegation to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on 22 to 26 February 2026 to deepen bilateral oil and gas ties between Venezuela and Africa.

As an honorary member of the African Petroleum Producers Organization, Venezuela has consistently supported Africa in its oil and gas endeavours.

“I am honoured to travel to Venezuela to promote our joint interest in making African energy poverty history. African energy investors will play a role working with their Venezuelan counterparts to rekindle the oil industry in Venezuela,” states NJ Ayuk, executive chairman of the African Energy Chamber, adding, “I look forward to working on discussions with our friends and allies in Venezuela to advance our mutually beneficial interest in ensuring global energy security, energy additions and, most importantly, improving quality of life through energy security.”

The delegation will meet with government officials, business leaders and energy stakeholders to foster bilateral energy trade relations and opportunities for future energy investments.

For more information visit www.EnergyChamber.org

Uniper achieves EcoVadis Gold Medal with significant sustainability rating improvement

Uniper has been awarded the EcoVadis Gold Medal, placing the company in the top 5 percent of companies in the electricity and gas sector globally. The achievement marks a significant improvement in the company’s sustainability performance, with its EcoVadis score rising from 63 in 2023 to 79 in 2025.

The score reflects progress across the four areas assessed by EcoVadis, one of the world’s leading sustainability rating providers: Environment, Labour & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement. Behind every point gained is concrete work that includes:

  • Expanded and more transparent environmental reporting
  • Stronger documentation on labour, human rights, and safety
  • Enhanced information security aligned with ISO 27001
  • Sustainability requirements systematically embedded in procurement

For Uniper, EcoVadis represents more than just a rating,it serves as a practical tool that helps the company make its sustainability efforts transparent, track progress, and continuously improve. The company stated that its work on sustainability continues.

For more information visit www.uniper.energy

Africa’s next wave of LNG investment set to converge at Paris Energy Forum

With governments and operators from across Africa’s gas frontier confirmed to participate, the Invest in African Energy Forum (Paris, April 22–23, 2026) arrives as the continent’s LNG sector enters a new phase of growth. Major export projects are moving into expansion, emerging producers are scaling floating liquefaction capacity, and several large undeveloped gas discoveries are advancing toward commercialisation. Together, these developments are shaping where capital, partnerships, and infrastructure investment will flow across Africa’s next wave of LNG and gas opportunities.

Grand Tortue Ahmeyim Expansion – Mauritania & Senegal

With first LNG already achieved, the strategic focus has shifted to Phase 2 expansion of the Grand Tortue Ahmeyim development. Partners are advancing plans for a low-cost scale-up that could roughly double liquefaction capacity before the end of the decade, leveraging existing floating LNG infrastructure and proven offshore reserves. Because core infrastructure and export routes are already in place, Phase 2 represents one of the clearest near-term LNG growth opportunities in Africa, offering comparatively lower development risk alongside meaningful production upside.

Yakaar-Teranga – Senegal’s Pre-FID Gas Anchor

Senegal’s Yakaar‑Teranga discovery remains one of the world’s largest undeveloped gas resources, with commercialisation structure and domestic-versus-export allocation still under negotiation. This positioning places Yakaar-Teranga among the continent’s most consequential pre-FID gas opportunities, capable of underpinning future LNG trains, long-term gas-to-power supply or industrial feedstock development – making it a focal point for upstream financiers and infrastructure developers evaluating scalable, long-life reserves.

Nigeria’s Domestic LNG & Gas-to-Power Build-Out

Nigeria is accelerating gas monetisation through supply growth, LNG expansion and downstream utilisation. A 2026 gas master plan targets an additional 1.8 billion cubic feet per day (bcf/d) of supply, forming part of ambitions to reach 10 bcf/d by 2027 and 12 bcf/d by 2030, alongside more than $60 billion in sector investment. Parallel rollout of mini-LNG and small-scale liquefaction projects is expanding gas access for off-grid industry, transport and distributed power – creating multiple entry points for midstream investors, technology providers and infrastructure financiers across the value chain. For capital markets, Nigeria’s strategy signals a shift from export-only LNG toward integrated domestic gas ecosystems with diversified revenue streams.

Libya’s Gas Redevelopment Potential

Libya is working to raise gas production to nearly one billion cubic feet per day in the second half of 2026 through offshore redevelopment and the rehabilitation of legacy infrastructure, with the dual aim of stabilising domestic electricity supply and rebuilding export capacity. If financing conditions and political alignment continue to improve, the country could re-emerge as a major Mediterranean gas supplier later this decade – representing one of North Africa’s most significant, yet still undercapitalised, gas investment opportunities.

Congo LNG – Fast-Track Floating Liquefaction Growth

The Congo LNG development has rapidly positioned the Republic of Congo as a new LNG exporter. Phase 2 began operations in December 2025, adding 2.4 million tonnes per year of capacity and lifting total output to about 3 million tonnes annually. Built around floating LNG units and modular upstream tie-ins, the project demonstrates a replicable, lower-cost commercialisation model – reducing timelines compared with traditional onshore terminals. For investors, the modular structure and expansion-ready design create opportunities across upstream supply, LNG shipping, processing services and regional gas infrastructure partnerships, offering a clear pathway to participate in a fast-growing and relatively lower-risk African LNG market.

For more information visit www.energycapitalpower.com

Evos Hamburg secures Hohe Schaar site to advance energy transition and port expansion

Evos Hamburg has reached a significant milestone with the formal commencement of the lease for the 4.6-hectare Hohe Schaar site, one of the last strategically important development plots within the Port of Hamburg. The agreement reinforces the company’s long-term commitment to sustainable growth and supports Germany’s transition toward a new energy landscape.

Situated directly adjacent to the existing Evos Hamburg terminal, Hohe Schaar provides immediate access to key port infrastructure. The site is widely regarded as one of the final premium areas available in the port for large-scale expansion projects. By awarding the lease, the Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) Anstalt öffentlichen Rechts highlights the strategic importance of aligning new developments with the Port Development Plan 2040, which prioritises sustainable energy solutions and future-ready infrastructure.

According to Evos CEO Daan Vos, Hohe Schaar has long been identified within the company’s business development strategy as a cornerstone for renewable and low-carbon product initiatives. Planned concepts for the site include infrastructure for hydrogen, ammonia, CO₂ and methanol, supporting the shift toward cleaner energy systems.

Michael Lübke, managing director of Evos Hamburg, described the development of Hohe Schaar as a generational opportunity. He noted that the project will help shape infrastructure that advances Germany’s energy transition while reinforcing Hamburg’s position as a strategic European energy hub.

As a central node in the Evos terminal network, Evos Hamburg operates at Europe’s largest rail freight hub, providing high-quality infrastructure for the storage and handling of liquid bulk products, including biofuels, supported by strong hinterland connections.

In collaboration with regional partners, Evos Hamburg is also advancing the development of a CO₂ hub designed to consolidate captured CO₂ for onward transport to permanent storage or utilisation. By integrating rail logistics, storage capabilities and downstream applications such as methanol, e-fuels and renewable gases, the company aims to enable CO₂ logistics at scale.

With the addition of Hohe Schaar, Evos Hamburg secures critical space for expansion, innovation and partnership, supporting the delivery of lower-carbon logistics solutions and resilient infrastructure designed for the decades ahead.

For more information visit www.evos.eu

INEOS awarded €300 million grant by French Government to rejuvenate and decarbonise Lavera site and cut CO2 emissions by 331,000 tonnes per annum

INEOS has announced a €300 million investment, supported by French government grants, that will deliver the next phase of its Lavera regeneration plan and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 331,000 tonnes per annum—the equivalent of taking over 70,000 cars off the road each year. The programme will also improve the long-term competitiveness of one of France’s most important industrial assets, securing thousands of skilled jobs.

The French government is providing support under the ‘Appel d’Offres Grands Projets Industriels de Décarbonation’ (AO GPID) scheme, part of the France 2030 investment plan and operated by ADEME. AO GPID provides annual grants to support large industrial decarbonisation projects that deliver verifiable emissions reductions over a 15-year period to reduce France’s reliance on fossil-based energy.

Image of the Lavera site: Source INEOS

At a time when chemical plants are closing across Europe due to pressure from high energy costs and global competition, this investment will provide stability for around 2,000 direct employees and more than 10,000 workers across the wider supply chain. Lavera is a central pillar of French manufacturing, with its products and pipelines feeding directly into essential value chains across pharmaceuticals, healthcare, aerospace, transport, clean energy, food packaging and defence. Maintaining these capabilities inside France is considered vital for industrial strength, economic resilience and the country’s long-term technological leadership, particularly as Europe faces rising dependence on imports from China and the United States.

The upgrades will make Lavera a profitable, lower-carbon facility with a clear pathway to net zero as electrification and carbon capture technologies mature. The investment will also support French circular economy objectives by enabling the Lavera cracker to process more sustainable feedstocks made from recycled plastics and bio-sourced materials, replacing fossil-based inputs.

Combined with the €250 million investment announced in November 2025, the total planned investment in the Lavera site now exceeds €550 million.

INEOS continues to call for urgent political action to restore competitiveness in Europe’s strategically vital chemical sector, warning that without such action, millions of jobs will be lost, emissions will rise, and key European industries will become dangerously dependent on imports.

The announcement underlines INEOS’ long-term commitment to France. The company stated it will work closely with the French Government throughout the investment programme, from planning through to delivery, to ensure Lavera remains competitive, resilient and aligned with France’s industrial and climate objectives.

For more information visit www.ineos.com

Caturus and Aramco Trading Americas LLC sign 20-Year LNG offtake agreement

Caturus, an independent integrated natural gas and LNG company, has announced the signing of a Sale and Purchase Agreement between Commonwealth LNG and Aramco Trading, a subsidiary of Saudi Aramco. Under the SPA, Aramco Trading will purchase 1 million tonnes per annum of LNG from the Commonwealth LNG export facility currently under development on the Gulf Coast in Cameron Parish, Louisiana.

David Lawler, CEO of Caturus, welcomed the new partnership. “We’re pleased to welcome Aramco Trading among an expanding group of prominent international customers who have entered into offtake contracts from the Commonwealth LNG facility,” he said. “This agreement highlights the strong international demand for U.S. LNG and underscores how our longstanding relationships and capabilities position Caturus to serve global markets.”

Lawler added that the contract demonstrates the differentiated value Caturus can deliver through its global reach in offering wellhead-to-water services.

Mohammed K. Al Mulhim, president & CEO of Aramco Trading, emphasised the strategic importance of the agreement. “This agreement reflects Aramco Trading’s efforts to secure a reliable, long-term energy supply for global markets while strengthening our presence in the LNG sector,” he said. “Our contract with Commonwealth LNG allows us to diversify supply sources, strengthen energy security, and deliver value across the entire energy chain.”

Commonwealth LNG is advancing toward a final investment decision with visibility to secure its remaining capacity. Aramco Trading joins Glencore, JERA, PETRONAS, Mercuria, and EQT among international energy companies that have entered into long-term offtake contracts with the platform.

Commonwealth’s Phase 1 development is expected to generate approximately $3.5 billion in annual export revenue. The project is anticipated to employ approximately 2,000 workers at the peak of construction and provide approximately 300 full-time jobs when the facility begins operations in 2030. Technip Energies, a world leader in modular engineering, design, and delivery of LNG projects, is providing engineering, procurement, and construction services.

The SPA will become fully effective upon the satisfaction of customary conditions, including an affirmative final investment decision on the Commonwealth LNG project.

For more information visit www.caturus.com

Wood secures contract extension across key assets in the Southern North Sea

Wood has secured a 16-month contract extension with Shell UK Limited to provide technical personnel and engineering support services across key assets in the Southern North Sea.

Over 150 Wood specialists will work across the Leman and Sole Pit offshore gas platforms, associated normally unattended installations (NUIs), the Kroonborg walk-to-work (W2W) vessel and the Shell-operated Bacton Gas Plant.

The Leman and Sole Pit platforms transport gas supply to the Shell Bacton Gas Plant, which is connected to the National Transmission system and contributes up to 33% of the UK’s gas supply.

Since the contract was initially awarded in 2021, Wood has increased its on-site workforce by 25 percent to service these strategically important assets.

Darren Anderson, senior vice president of UK operations at Wood, emphasised the importance of the work. “Maintaining and optimising the UK’s oil and gas producing assets is essential to ensure reliable, homegrown energy for millions of people across the country,” he said. “We are proud to continue delivering the expertise and local knowledge that underpin this success.”

Wood has worked with Shell UK Limited for decades, delivering brownfield engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) across offshore and onshore assets.

For more information visit www.woodplc.com

HES International drives sustainability with LED upgrades across European Terminals

HES International is strengthening its ESG performance across its European terminal network through practical, measurable sustainability initiatives, most notably the switch from conventional lighting to energy-efficient LED systems. This group-wide programme not only reduces electricity consumption and CO₂ emissions but also improves safety and reliability in terminals that operate 24/7.

Key Terminal Highlights:

HBTR, Rotterdam – The largest dry bulk terminal is replacing 1000 W halogen fixtures with 530 W LED lights. So far, 350 of 390 fixtures are installed, cutting power usage by 159.8 kW and saving an estimated 699,924 kWh per year, avoiding roughly 300 tonnes of CO₂.

HBTT, Botlek – At the liquid bulk terminal, over 85 percent of lighting has been replaced with LED, with recurring energy savings of 7,316 kWh per year. The terminal is ensuring all new lighting is suitable for hazardous operational areas.

HBTA, Amsterdam – More than 99 percent of lighting has been upgraded, and motion sensors have been installed in key traffic zones to enhance safety while delivering ongoing energy and maintenance savings.

HGBT, Gdynia – Completed LED modernisation across yards, warehouses, and internal roads in 2023. The terminal has also installed electric vehicle charging points to support low-emission transport.

HBTM, Europoort – Halogen lighting retrofits are underway, with 45 percent of sheds upgraded to LED. An energy optimisation study suggests potential cost reductions of up to 15 percent by improving transformer load management.

Looking Ahead:

HES International continues to prioritise energy efficiency across all terminals. From large-scale LED upgrades to smart lighting systems and electrification initiatives, each terminal contributes to reducing environmental impact and supporting sustainable operational growth.

For more information visit www.hesinternational.eu/en/

Eni expands African exploration footprint with major discoveries in Ivory Coast, Angola

Energy major Eni continues to advance its exploration drive in Africa, announcing two significant hydrocarbon discoveries in February 2026. In Ivory Coast, the company successfully drilled the Murene South-1x well in Block CI-501, confirming the Calao South discovery within the prolific Calao channel complex. Through its Angolan joint venture Azule Energy, the company also announced the Algaita-01 well in Block 15/06, situated in the prolific Lower Congo Basin in Angola. Together, these milestones reflect a deliberate dual-track strategy: opening new hydrocarbon frontiers while strengthening production capacity across Africa’s established markets.

As the voice of the African energy sector, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) has commended Eni for its sustained commitment to African exploration. According to the Chamber, large-scale discoveries in Ivory Coast and Angola represent not only commercial achievements but strategic gains for the continent. For emerging producers such as Ivory Coast, discoveries of this scale can accelerate energy independence and domestic gas-to-power expansion. For mature producers such as Angola, they help underpin production stability and fiscal resilience at a time of increasingly selective global capital flows. As appraisal, testing and development planning progress, the discoveries are expected to catalyse renewed upstream momentum across Africa’s hydrocarbon market.

Ivory Coast: Unlocking New Frontiers

Representing the first exploration well in Block CI-501, the Calao South discovery is estimated to contain 5 trillion cubic feet of gas and 450 million barrels of condensate. Drilled in water depths of approximately 5,000 metres, the Murene South-1X well encountered high-quality Cenomanian sands with strong petrophysical properties. A full drill stem test is planned to assess production capacity, though early resource estimates already signal transformative potential for the Ivorian gas market.

Calao South also complements the fast-tracked Baleine Field development, operated by Eni. Currently producing more than 62,000 barrels of oil and over 75 million cubic feet of gas per day from Phases 1 and 2, Baleine is set to expand significantly under Phase 3, targeting 150,000 barrels of oil and 200 million cubic feet of gas per day. The phased development model illustrates how exploration success can be rapidly converted into production, supporting domestic power generation, industrial demand and export growth.

Angola: Scaling Up Production

Eni’s exploration momentum extends beyond frontier acreage. In Angola, the Algaita-01 well further validates the resource potential of Block 15/06, one of the country’s largest producing assets. Drilled in 667 meters of water by the Saipem 12000 drillship, the well encountered oil-bearing sandstones across multiple Upper Miocene intervals, supported by comprehensive data acquisition and fluid sampling. Initial resource estimates of approximately 500 million barrels of oil underscore the growth potential of Angola’s mid-life assets.

Algaita-01’s proximity to the Olombendo FPSO significantly enhances development prospects, leveraging existing infrastructure to reduce capital intensity and accelerate time-to-market. This near-field exploration model demonstrates how incremental discoveries around established hubs can help sustain Angola’s production above one million barrels per day, even as legacy fields mature.

A Continental Exploration Drive

The Ivory Coast and Angola discoveries align with Eni’s broader exploration and investment strategy across Africa. In North Africa, the company plans to invest up to €24 billion across Algeria, Libya and Egypt over the next four years. The company recently secured the offshore exploration License O1 following Libya’s 2025 open licensing round. Exploration efforts coincide with an expanded LNG strategy, including Congo LNG, whose Phase 2 commenced in December 2025, and Coral North, launched in October 2025.
Commenting on the developments, NJ Ayuk, executive chairman of the African Energy Chamber, stated that the discoveries send a strong signal to global markets that Africa remains competitive and prospective. He emphasised that oil and gas continue to play a foundational role in the continent’s industrialisation, power generation and economic sovereignty, and that companies investing and partnering across Africa are contributing to long-term development and energy security.

For more information visit www.eni.com

Specialist tank cleaning and waste disposal for Halliburton, Broome WA

InterGroup has successfully delivered a major industrial cleaning programme after being engaged to clean 69 industrial tanks as part of a site decommissioning and remediation initiative for Halliburton.

The tanks contained residual Synthetic-Based Drilling Mud (SBM) and other by-products requiring safe removal. Conducted under challenging site conditions in remote Western Australia, the large-scale project demanded specialist confined space expertise, comprehensive waste management and strict environmental compliance.

Project Delivery

InterGroup mobilised a 10-person specialist team from New Zealand to undertake the works. Through controlled confined space entry operations, the team removed approximately 750 tonnes of waste from the 69 tanks. Each vessel was meticulously cleaned to brine specification, ensuring all contaminants were eliminated and verified prior to sign-off.

In addition to cleaning operations, InterGroup managed the full treatment and disposal process. All hazardous materials and fluids were transported and disposed of in accordance with applicable regulations and environmental standards, maintaining full compliance throughout the project lifecycle.

Meeting Complex Challenges

Operating in a remote region of Western Australia added significant logistical complexity. With temperatures reaching up to 40°C, the environment presented considerable health and safety risks.

Fatigue management was central to the project’s success. Tank entry rotations were strictly controlled, with individual confined space entries limited to between 30 and 75 minutes depending on the time of day. After the first week, shifts were adjusted to 5:00 am starts to take advantage of cooler morning temperatures and reduce heat exposure.

To further safeguard personnel, a dedicated air-conditioned cool room was established onsite, stocked with bottled water and electrolytes to support mandatory rest periods. Daily toolbox talks reinforced hydration protocols, recognition of heat stress symptoms and gradual acclimatisation practices, ensuring the crew remained fit for work in demanding conditions.

Confined Space Control and Safety

Confined space safety was rigorously managed through a comprehensive permit-to-work system. Emergency harnesses and retrieval ropes were deployed for all entries, supported by continuous atmospheric monitoring conducted by a trained Safety Watch.

Ventilation systems were carefully configured, with forced air supplied at tank entry points and extractor fans positioned at the rear to maintain safe internal conditions. Quality assurance was reinforced through regular client inspections, confirming each tank achieved brine specification prior to approval.

Outstanding Results

Despite the project scope increasing by 240 percent beyond the original engagement parameters, InterGroup maintained schedule integrity and completed the works in less than half the originally estimated timeframe. The result demonstrates the company’s ability to rapidly adapt resources and planning to meet evolving project demands without compromising safety or quality.

Client Feedback

Halliburton commended InterGroup for its clear communication and proactive approach throughout the programme. Daily discussions and onsite walkarounds ensured alignment and transparency at every stage.

Despite the challenging environment, the crew maintained strong morale and delivered the project safely, ahead of schedule and to all required quality standards, reinforcing InterGroup’s capability to execute complex industrial cleaning projects under pressure.

For more information visit www.intergroup.co.nz

Erasmus Energy Club announces partnership with Royal Vopak on industrial energy transition project

Erasmus Energy Club has announced a new collaboration with Royal Vopak, connecting a team of international students to work on advancing the energy transition at one of Vopak’s sites.

Over the coming 10 weeks, the students will tackle a concrete industry challenge: increasing the share of electrically generated steam while operating within the constraints of the local electricity grid. The project focuses on how industrial processes that traditionally rely on fossil-based steam can transition toward electric alternatives without overloading the grid infrastructure.

The initiative requires both technical insight and strategic thinking around infrastructure, capacity constraints and system integration, providing students with hands-on experience addressing real-world energy transition challenges.

Erasmus Energy Club expressed appreciation for Vopak’s collaboration and confidence in the partnership, stating they look forward to the innovative solutions and insights the students will develop throughout the project.

For more information visit www.eur.nl

Baker Hughes to provide downstream chemicals for Marathon Petroleum refineries, becoming preferred provider across North America

Baker Hughes, an energy technology company, has announced a multiyear preferred provider agreement with Marathon Petroleum, the largest US petroleum refiner, to supply hydrocarbon treatment products and services across refineries throughout the United States. The agreement was signed during Baker Hughes’ 26th Annual Meeting in Florence, Italy.

Under the agreement, Baker Hughes will provide its portfolio of downstream chemical technologies, including XERIC™ heavy oil demulsifiers, TOPGUARD™ corrosion inhibitors, BIOQUEST™ renewable additives, and digital monitoring tools. These technologies will be deployed across 12 oil refineries and two renewable fuel facilities in the United States to support reliable operations and environmental compliance while reducing nonproductive time.

Amerino Gatti, executive vice president of oilfield services & equipment at Baker Hughes, underscored the importance of the partnership. “Providing the energy that powers modern industry requires refiners to be flexible, efficient, reliable and sustainable,” he said. “The solutions engineered by Baker Hughes are helping our customers meet that challenge. Baker Hughes has established itself as the leader in downstream chemicals, and our three decades of collaboration with Marathon Petroleum are a testament to the innovation, commitment and expertise of our team.”

The agreement builds on a longstanding relationship between the two companies spanning three decades, reinforcing Baker Hughes’ position as a leading provider of downstream chemical solutions in the US refining sector.

For more information visit www.bakerhughes.com

HELLENiQ ENERGY and Chevron sign offshore concession agreements for hydrocarbon exploration and production with the Hellenic Republic

HELLENiQ ENERGY in collaboration with Chevron, signed today the lease agreements with the Hellenic Republic for the exploration of four offshore blocks located south of Crete and the Peloponnese, marking a significant milestone for Greece’s upstream development.

The successful consortium, with Chevron at 70 percent interest and being the operator and HELLENiQ ENERGY at 30 percent interest, was selected following a competitive international tender launched by the Greek State in 2025.

The four offshore blocks – South Crete 1, South Crete 2, South of Peloponnese, and Block A2 – cover a total area of approximately 47,000 square kilometres. Under the terms of the lease agreements, the joint venture will undertake a three-phase exploration programme to help assess the hydrocarbon potential of the areas.

The target areas lie in ultra-deepwater settings – some beyond 1,500 meters of sea depth – with complex geological structures.

Andreas Shiamishis, CEO of HELLENiQ ENERGY, commented:

“This new concession agreement represents a strategically important step in HELLENiQ ENERGY’s long-term growth strategy and the further diversification of our portfolio. While investing in the energy transition, we recognize that hydrocarbons will continue to play a critical role in ensuring security of supply for many years to come.

 

Our participation in offshore exploration reflects a value-driven approach, focused on selective investments and partnerships that combine scale, technical excellence and deep industry experience. The collaboration with Chevron, one of the world’s leading energy companies, significantly strengthens this effort and underlines the importance we place on working alongside partners with proven expertise in complex offshore environments”.

Gavin Lewis, Chevron’s vice president of Global New Ventures, stated:

“We look forward to working with our partners HELLENiQ ENERGY and the Hellenic Republic to evaluate the hydrocarbon potential of these frontier areas. With our expertise in developing oil and gas projects worldwide, Chevron has the resources, experience, and technology to advance and unlock new energy supplies in this frontier region”.

The signing ceremony took place in Athens in the presence of the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis and senior representatives from the Ministry of Environment and Energy, Chevron, and HELLENiQ ENERGY.

Signatory parties were the Minister of Environment and Energy, Stavros Papastavrou and the CEO of Hellenic Hydrocarbons and Energy Resources Management company (HEREMA), Aristofanis Stefatos, representing the Greek state, while Chevron and HELLENiQ ENERGY were represented by Gavin Lewis, VP of Global New Ventures, and by Andreas Shiamishis, Group CEO, respectively.

The lease agreements are now subject to ratification by the Hellenic Parliament.

For more information visit www.helleniqenergy.gr

Zeeco, Inc. completes acquisition of Applicot Corporation

Zeeco, a global leader in advanced combustion and environmental solutions, has announced the acquisition of Applicot Corporation, a leading Japanese combustion company. The strategic move strengthens Zeeco’s footprint in the Japanese domestic market and enhances local support for Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) customers throughout the region.

Applicot has operated as an official licensee of Zeeco for more than 35 years. The acquisition combines Applicot’s strong market presence with Zeeco’s global resources, manufacturing infrastructure, and innovative technologies to deliver comprehensive combustion solutions to customers in Japan.

Darton Zink, president and CEO of Zeeco, highlighted the significance of the transaction. “Bringing Applicot fully into the Zeeco family marks an exciting milestone in our growth strategy,” he said. “This acquisition reinforces our commitment to providing localised expertise backed by global capabilities, ensuring our customers receive the highest level of service and support.”

While Applicot’s core business has historically focused on flare systems, Zeeco plans to expand its capabilities to include a full range of combustion and environmental solutions, delivering greater value to customers across multiple industries.

Susumu Morita, managing director of Applicot, welcomed the transition. “Zeeco has played a trusted and important role in Applicot’s history for decades,” he said. “Becoming a fully integrated member of the Zeeco family is a natural progression and one that creates new opportunities for our team and the customers we proudly serve.”

Applicot will continue as a trusted brand in Japan, operating as a wholly owned subsidiary of Zeeco. The acquisition was finalised on January 13, 2026.

For more information visit www.zeeco.com

Geoinform Ltd., subsidiary of the MOL Group, signs strategic cooperation agreement with Baker Hughes

Geoinform Ltd., one of the leading service providers in Hungary’s hydrocarbon and geothermal sectors, has entered into a strategic co-operation agreement with Baker Hughes, an international energy technology company. The collaboration is designed to introduce state-of-the-art, innovative oil and gas technologies capable of meeting emerging market demands and significantly improving operational efficiency across the industry.

The agreement was signed by András Dianovszki, Managing Director of Geoinform Ltd.; Tayo Akinokun, Senior Vice President, Global Geozones at Baker Hughes; and Alexis Devis, Managing Director, Continental Europe and Caspian Geozone at Baker Hughes, during Baker Hughes’ Annual Meeting held in Florence, Italy.

The co-operation establishes a framework for delivering integrated solutions that provide effective, sustainable and technologically advanced responses to the evolving challenges of the energy market. The scope of the agreement includes the introduction of new service activities, asset maintenance and operations, equipment rental, technical support, engineering consultancy, and professional training programmes.

Baker Hughes brings large-scale, integrated engineering and service capabilities, offering Geoinform long-term stability and access to international technological expertise. Its services span the full energy value chain — from exploration and production to data processing and interpretation — with a strong emphasis on modern, energy-efficient, digital solutions.

Commenting on the agreement, András Dianovszki, Managing Director of Geoinform Ltd., described the partnership as an important milestone in the company’s development. He noted that the application of modern technologies would enable Geoinform to deliver higher-quality, faster and more efficient technical solutions to its clients, adding that the long-standing relationship between the two companies, now elevated to a new level, is expected to create significant value for domestic and regional energy industry stakeholders.

Globally recognised for its market-leading innovations, Baker Hughes will support Geoinform, a key service provider in Central and Eastern Europe, in strengthening sustainable operations and expanding access to modern, safe and environmentally responsible technologies. The agreement is also set to reinforce Geoinform’s role in exploration and production across the Central and Eastern Europe region through the deployment of Baker Hughes technologies and the application of advanced engineering solutions.

For more information visit www.geoinform.hu/hu/

Tank Storage Association launches 2026 careers week

The Tank Storage Association has officially launched its 2026 Careers Week campaign, an initiative aimed at showcasing career and apprenticeship opportunities in the bulk storage and energy infrastructure sector.

From business and operations to engineering, safety, marketing, IT, supply and trading, and many other disciplines, the sector offers a wide range of rewarding career opportunities. It also provides excellent opportunities for graduates in environmental science, chemistry and engineering, as well as training and apprenticeships.

Careers Week will run from 16 to 20 February 2026 and aims to encourage everyone to learn about and consider a future in the bulk storage and energy infrastructure industry. Throughout the week, the Tank Storage Association will be sharing stories, career insights, and information about apprenticeships and training pathways.

Peter Davidson, CEO of the Tank Storage Association, said: “After the positive response to our first Careers Week in 2025, we are proud to be launching the campaign for a second year and shine a spotlight on the people and opportunities that drive the bulk storage and energy infrastructure sector. Through Careers Week, we invite everyone to explore what it’s like to work in this dynamic and rewarding sector and how to take the next steps.”

 Anyone interested in learning more about careers and apprenticeships in the bulk storage and energy infrastructure sector, can visit www.jobs.tankstorage.org.uk

Two weeks to go – Africa Energy Indaba gears up for high-level continental energy dialogue

With just two weeks remaining until the Africa Energy Indaba, momentum is rapidly building for what promises to be one of the most influential energy gatherings on the continent.

The upcoming edition will convene:

  • Fifteen African Energy Ministers
  • The African Union Commissioner
  • Representatives from Africa’s Power Pools
  • Continental utilities
  • Leading investors, regulators and infrastructure developers

All under one roof.

The Africa Energy Indaba continues to serve as a strategic platform where policy direction is shaped, procurement priorities are discussed, and energy partnerships are forged to accelerate Africa’s power sector transformation.

Key Programme Highlights Include:

  • Mission 300 Day hosted by the World Bank, AfDB, GEAPP, SEforALL and the Rockefeller Foundation
  • Indaba Energy Leaders Dialogue hosted by Pele Green Energy
  • Ministerial Roundtable hosted by AUDA-NEPAD and GET.invest
  • Power Pools Forum
  • Deep Dive Energy Forums
  • A dynamic Exhibition Showcase featuring leading energy technologies and solution providers
  • The South African Energy Investment Forum, hosted by the Department of Electricity and Energy

“The Africa Energy Indaba provides a critical platform for alignment between governments, utilities, investors and solution providers. With ministerial participation at this level, meaningful dialogue can translate into tangible action,” said Liz Hart, Managing Director of the Africa Energy Indaba.

Africa’s energy gap remains one of the defining development challenges of the decade. To meet power demand, expand capacity and achieve universal electricity access by 2030, the continent will require a dramatic scale-up in both infrastructure and investment. Studies estimate Africa needs around US $450–$500 billion in power sector investment between now and 2030 — roughly US $60–$65 billion per year — to expand generation, transmission and access capacity across the continent.

Current infrastructure shortfalls mean hundreds of millions still lack reliable electricity, and financing gaps, especially in clean energy, must be closed if Africa is to unlock economic growth, industrialisation and energy security.  As Africa accelerates grid expansion, renewable integration and infrastructure investment, the Indaba offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage directly with decision-makers shaping the continent’s energy future.

With momentum building and delegate registrations accelerating, stakeholders across the energy value chain are encouraged to secure their participation.

With seats filling quickly, stakeholders across the energy value chain are encouraged to secure their participation.

Don’t miss your seat at Africa’s energy table.

For more information and to register click :Register now