In a groundbreaking move that is set to reshape the energy and chemical industry in the UAE, ACTAD, a leading infrastructure company, has officially opened its state-of-the-art greenfield tank terminal and distribution facility at Khalifa Port. This momentous occasion marks a significant milestone in their journey towards becoming an industry leader, as they expand their capabilities and solidify their position as a trusted partner.

Nestled in the heart of one of the world’s most strategic maritime hubs, ACTAD’s new facility is purpose-built to meet the ever-growing demands of the energy and chemical sectors. With a focus on sustainability and employing cutting-edge technologies, the terminal promises unparalleled services and solutions for their valued clients.

The greenfield tank terminal boasts impressive storage capacities, ensuring efficient handling and distribution of all possible bulk liquid products. Equipped with state-of-the-art automation systems, stringent safety measures, and environmental controls, ACTAD’s facility adheres to the highest industry standards. Their commitment to sustainability is evident through the implementation of eco-friendly practices, aiming to minimise their ecological footprint.

To celebrate this momentous achievement, ACTAD has planned an extravagant grand opening ceremony. Esteemed industry professionals, partners, and distinguished guests from around the world will be in attendance to witness the unveiling of this remarkable facility. The event promises to showcase the company’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and their unwavering dedication to serving their clients’ needs.

This milestone is not only a source of pride for ACTAD but also for their entire team and partners. With their new facility at Khalifa Port, they are poised to serve their clients with utmost professionalism, reliability, and efficiency. This revolutionary tank terminal is set to shape the future of the industry and solidify ACTAD’s position as a trusted partner in the pharmaceutical, food, new energy, oil, and chemical sectors.

Industry experts and stakeholders are eagerly anticipating the opportunities that will arise from this innovative project. As ACTAD embarks on this exciting new chapter, they invite all esteemed stakeholders to join them in this momentous celebration. Stay tuned for further details on the grand opening ceremony, where the cutting-edge technology, world-class infrastructure, and impeccable services of ACTAD’s greenfield tank terminal will be showcased.

For more information visit www.act-uae.com

Digitalisation is unlocking a multitude of real-time benefits for terminal operators, commodities traders and lenders, promising to make full transparency in inventory management and transaction flows the new normal.

Manual record-keeping and stale inventory data is slowly giving way to digital twin technology that directly addresses stricter requirements placed on terminals for compliance and visibility to reduce risk, facilitate financing and streamline the overall customer experience.

Digitalisation solutions developed specifically for the commodities sector provide 24/7 visibility of inventory and automation of key processes for all parties. Importantly, digitalisation minimises the risk of fraudulent behaviour, such as inventory theft and financial fraud.

“Operationally we believe that a terminal should be able to provide real-time data (or close to) so that all stakeholders have complete visibility on their inventories,” said Shaik Razwan, Regional Head of Operations at Trafigura.

Tan Yuet Yee, Regional head of Trade Finance for Trafigura stresses that there should be a clear way to identify the inventory and positions of financial stakeholders digitally to ensure accurate coupling of physical versus financial flows, which have historically been the “missing leg”.

But the benefits of digitalisation don’t stop there, according to Jeffery Soong, Regional Business Transformation Manager at Trafigura.

“Owing to the enhanced visibility and coupling of data, we should also be able to piece any kind of reconciliation reporting seamlessly so that all reporting is streamlined,” Soong added. “Movements within terminals should be compared and matched to actual nominations to ensure minimal discrepancies and manual work as now.”

All of this points to a need for the terminals industry to modernise and digitalise; to have operational control of inventories, better planning and scheduling tools, and better inventory transparency solutions.

But driving these types of initiatives takes time and expertise that many terminals (particularly smaller ones) may not have, according to David Thambiratnam, CEO of Veridapt Pty Ltd, whose technology is at the forefront of digitalised commodities inventory management.

Veridapt recently introduced proprietary technology solutions that provide highly accurate reconciliation data and a fully digitalised trade flow process, promoting greater liquidity and new business across the energy, trade and storage sectors.

Integrated digitalised solutions providing maximum transparency, verification and data sharing are necessary to help thwart fraudulent activity and Veridapt’s solutions can do just that.

“Our digital twin technology automates everyday manual tasks for terminal operators, such as inspections, nominations and emails,” says Thambiratnam.

“Our solution also minimises internal risks that bad actors may perpetrate a fraud, leaving the terminal on the hook for missing inventory. Couple that with the fact that often there is insufficient investment in terminal digitalisation and the terminal is probably suffering some anxiety,” Thambiratnam said. “At Veridapt we aim to eliminate that anxiety.”

Veridapt’s technology is capable of reconciling the tank and pipeline matrix under a single platform. This is achieved by calculating the volume of product moved to or from a tank, allocating pipelines to tanks and reconciling with actual measured tank levels.

There is also 24/7 real-time inventory monitoring data accessible by a secure browser login with customisable user access control and digitalised order nomination processing. The platform allows users to communicate and exchange information via a one-stop, collaborative solution that is user-friendly for bank, trading and third-party storage counterparties.

For leading commodities lender Standard Chartered Bank, digitalisation as a driver of efficiency and transparency is “definitely a step in the right direction” and is aligned with the bank’s agenda to support the building of a trusted international digital supply chain ecosystem, says John Chen, Head of Corporate Sales, Singapore and Head of Commodity Sales, ASEAN.

In 2022, Standard Chartered, along with Trafigura and Advario, successfully completed their first live electronic oil inventory financing trade on Singapore’s SGTraDex platform, supported by Veridapt’s technology.

According to Chen, the success of this trade highlights Standard Chartered’s commodity financing capabilities and commitment in supporting the growth of a transparent and secure digital supply chain ecosystem.

“With greater transparency and security, market participants will be able to gain better access to finance – possibly with more favourable terms. In addition, the banking sector can benefit from increased revenue, enhanced risk management and a more diversified client base, while improving liquidity for the wider commodity ecosystem,” Chen said.

Traditionally, as a brick-and-mortar business, Singapore’s Jurong Port Universal Terminal (JPUT), one of Asia’s largest independent petroleum storage terminals, tends to focus on the hard assets. But over the course of the last two years, it has started to look at software and digitalisation to drive revenue and efficiency.

In 2019, JPUT invested significantly in infrastructure that allowed the terminal to operate and handle very-low-sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO) efficiently. Last year it was the first to successfully convert one of its tank farms to receive used cooking oil methyl ester (UCOME) to blend with VLSFO for biofuels.

“Internally, we have identified that our terminal is potentially exposed to financial risks, and clearly there are inefficiencies of paper documents, which are a large contributor to the carbon footprint,” said Loh Wei, JPUT CEO.

“Digitalisation, we believe, can help us solve a lot of our issues,” according to Loh.

Loh stressed the importance of understanding the significant concerns held by terminals in light of so many recent cases of multiple double financing, as well as the inefficiencies linked to paper documentation.

“Moving into a digitalised world not only provides transparency and confidence to banks, it allows our clients to have an efficient way of seeking credit financing through a digital world,” Loh said. The challenge for terminals, banks and trading companies is to achieve maximum levels of transparency and collaboration across all parties to reap the benefits of digitalisation.

“Currently our understanding is that there is no isolated metric that banks have to ‘upgrade’ digital solutions that their customers use against non-digital ones, which may give companies the inertia to invest in a digital solution with no clear end benefit,” said Trafigura’s Soong.

According to Standard Chartered’s Chen, “The digitalisation of commodity financing will not only bring about manpower efficiencies by reducing archaic reliance on paper documents but also enable greater transparency, security and accountability gains, providing a better experience and streamlined process for all players in the ecosystem.”

Digital innovators such as Veridapt see a day when terminal digitalisation provides a touchless and fully transparent customer experience; a day when terminals optimise hybrid, next-generation workforces.

The time will also come when financiers, traders and even regulators will be able to run secure, transparent financing programmes that are accessible to more SMEs due to the trusted, reliable and transparent nature of the technology.

“What we do at Veridapt is to bridge the physical with the digital at every step of the supply chain,” Thambiratnam said. “This is what drives us every day.”

For more information visit www.veridapt.com

Mabanaft GmbH & Co. KG, a leading independent and integrated energy company, has executed an agreement with Oiltanking GmbH to acquire their 100 percent stake in the Oiltanking Copenhagen terminal.

Under Mabanaft’s ownership, the terminal will continue to serve its purpose as critical energy distribution infrastructure in the Copenhagen region, handling liquid fuels for road transport and the marine and aviation industries. The terminal has a storage capacity of 461,652 cbm and is strategically located at Prøvestenen island in the city of Copenhagen.

The acquisition is in line with the Mabanaft Group strategy. Mabanaft proactively engages in the energy transition and offers its customers a broad and flexible range of products, serving the conventional market, and at the same time, playing an active role in the field of innovative low carbon fuel solutions. By repurposing existing core assets and capabilities Mabanaft can meet its customers’ changing needs, while collectively taking on the challenges of the energy transition. In Copenhagen, Mabanaft will explore additional product streams and service offerings for low carbon fuels such as sustainable aviation fuel, advanced biofuels and hydrogen.

“We want to help our customers decarbonise and our best way to do this is by leveraging our core strengths of sourcing, storing, handling and distributing liquid fuels. This terminal adds another key location to our network and will enable us to expand our footprint in Europe and help us provide high-quality liquid fuel products to our customers in the region, while maintaining the highest safety and environmental standards”, says Mabanaft CEO, Jon Perkins.

“Oiltanking has been operating in Copenhagen for over 50 years and we are proud of the contribution we have made to the energy supply chain in the region. We thank our employees and customers for their support during our tenure”, says Bas Verkooijen, CEO of Oiltanking GmbH. “We are delighted to have reached an agreement with our affiliate company Mabanaft and are glad to see that the terminal and its loyal and dedicated team continue their journey as part of the existing terminal network within the Mabanaft Group”, he continues.

The sale has received all required third-party approvals and was completed effective 30 June 2023.

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

Stolthaven Terminals’ facility in Santos, Brazil, has once again been recognised for its excellence in the storage industry. The terminal has received the DowGOL ‘Best Terminal in Brazil’ Award for the second consecutive year, making it one of only two storage terminals to be honoured with this award in 2023.

The award, presented by Dow Chemicals, acknowledges outstanding performance in various areas including safety and responsible care, operational excellence, customer experience, digital visibility and data security, environmental and social responsibility, and governance.

Stolthaven Santos was selected for the award due to its consistently high standards of personal safety and product integrity. The terminal’s commitment to operational efficiency and automation was also a contributing factor. For instance, their investment in automation has significantly reduced average truck loading/unloading times by over 25 minutes.

Marcelo Schmitt, the General Manager of Stolthaven Terminals Brazil, expressed his gratitude for the recognition and credited the hard work of the entire team in Santos. He also acknowledged the support received from colleagues in the Netherlands and sister companies, Stolt Tankers and Stolt Tank Containers, for their expertise and collaboration in delivering exceptional service to customers.

This is not the first time Stolthaven Santos has received this prestigious award. The terminal also won the DowGOL ‘Best Terminal in Brazil’ Award in 2022. Additionally, Stolthaven Terminals’ Moerdijk facility in the Netherlands recently received a silver Dow 4STAR award for its strong performance in safety, service, social responsibility, and sustainability.

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

Petrofac, a leading provider of services to the global energy industry, has been awarded an extension to its integrated services contract with NEO Energy.

The life of field extension, worth £250 million, will see Petrofac continue to deliver operations, maintenance, engineering and construction support for NEO Energy’s UKCS-based floating production storage offtake (FPSO) vessel, Global Producer III (GPIII).

Current forecasts expect the asset to remain fully operational until at least 2026 when it is due for its next reclassification by DNV. In parallel, both NEO Energy and Petrofac are working hard to further extend field life beyond this date.

Nick Shorten, chief operating officer for Petrofac’s Asset Solutions business, said, “Our partnership with NEO Energy has seen us collectively overhaul production efficiency, maintenance execution and safe operations. Our proven approach to late life asset transformation, including a robust programme of continuous improvement and deployment of digital tools, has again played out to significantly extend asset life.”

This announcement builds on Petrofac’s proven track record of supporting NEO Energy since 2020 with operations, maintenance, engineering and construction under our integrated delivery model. This is in addition to Well Management and Well Operator support for 25 wells across four fields in the Central North Sea UK, which was extended for five years in 2022.

For more information visit www.petrofac.com

NextEra Analytics, Inc., a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, and South Sioux City, Neb., have announced an agreement to implement a NextEra 360™ Energy Management System to optimise energy use and reduce the city’s carbon emissions.

Derived from the company’s expertise using data and artificial intelligence to create energy solutions, NextEra 360 is a comprehensive energy management software, which increases operational efficiency, reduces costs and accelerates decarbonisation.

Under the agreement, NEA will configure and integrate a combination of hardware, software and data services between South Sioux City operations and two cogeneration units owned by one of the city’s customers. The project will reduce net load during peak hours, reduce costs, lower emissions and enable South Sioux City’s access to real-time load monitoring and savings calculations.

“With the implementation of NextEra 360, we are honoured to continue the long-standing NextEra Energy Resources relationship with South Sioux City and contribute to the city’s sustainability efforts,” said Richard Argentieri, president of NextEra Analytics. “Combining advanced technology and world-class renewable energy expertise, our proprietary platform enables organizations to meet energy management goals, including optimisation for low-cost sustainable energy.”

South Sioux City has an ongoing commitment to adopt strategies toward reducing climate change and its impact, the use of alternative energy resources and promoting environmental health.

“We believe that using innovative methods to leverage data is a key to better serving our customers and meeting our sustainability goals,” said Mayor Rod Koch of South Sioux City. “With NextEra 360, we will have a detailed view of our emissions data, allowing for the efficient dispatch of energy resources, and, as a result, the city’s energy costs will decrease.”

The city has previously collaborated with NextEra Energy Resources to benefit from its Renewable Energy Storage Project. This project stores solar energy from South Sioux City’s 21-acre solar farm to bring clean, renewable energy to residents at times when the sun is not shining.

For more information visit www.nexteraenergy.com/home.html

Oreco has recently announced its acquisition by SRG, a prominent Saudi group. This strategic partnership marks an important milestone for the organisation, as it gains the support of a strong financial partner. Despite this change, the company will continue to be headquartered in Denmark, and its production operations will remain in the country.

The acquisition by SRG will provide the company with new opportunities to expand its focus on research and development (R&D) initiatives. With the backing of SRG, the company will have greater resources and access to cutting-edge technologies, innovative projects, and groundbreaking solutions. This will not only strengthen its position in the market but also enable it to deliver even more value to its customers.

The company’s commitment to growth and innovation has earned it a place in a company that continually strives for excellence. The collaboration with SRG is expected to unlock exciting possibilities for its future endeavors.

The company welcomes inquiries and questions from interested parties about this development. It looks forward to this new chapter and the opportunities it brings for its employees and customers alike.

For more information visit www.oreco.com

Cheniere Energy, Inc. have announced that Cheniere’s subsidiary, Cheniere Marketing, LLC, has entered into a long-term liquefied natural gas sale and purchase agreement with ENN LNG (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of ENN Natural Gas Co., Ltd.

Under the SPA, ENN has agreed to purchase approximately 1.8 million tonnes per annum of LNG from Cheniere Marketing on a free-on-board basis for a purchase price indexed to the Henry Hub price, plus a fixed liquefaction fee. Deliveries will commence in mid-2026, ramping to 0.9 mtpa in 2027. Delivery of the remaining 0.9 mtpa, which is subject to, among other things, a positive Final Investment Decision with respect to the first train of the Sabine Pass Liquefaction Expansion Project, will commence upon the start of commercial operations of Train Seven. The term of the SPA extends until the 20th anniversary of the start of commercial operations of Train Seven.

“We are pleased to build upon our existing long-term relationship with ENN, a leader in China’s rapidly growing natural gas industry, with this 20-plus year agreement signed today,” said Jack Fusco, Cheniere’s president and chief executive officer. “This SPA further supports China’s structural shift to natural gas as a growing primary energy source, powering its economy while enabling improved environmental performance with flexible, reliable and cleaner LNG. This SPA accelerates Cheniere’s commercial momentum on the SPL Expansion Project, demonstrating the market’s need for additional LNG capacity, and the value of Cheniere’s unique capability to tailor long-term solutions for customers worldwide.”

This is the second long-term SPA signed between ENN and Cheniere Marketing. The long-term SPA signed in October 2021 initiated the first cooperation between two parties in the LNG business.

Wang, Yusuo, chairman of the Board of ENN Natural Gas said, “At present, China is moving forward with the implementation of ‘carbon peaking & carbon neutrality,’ further accelerating the energy transformation, and China’s natural gas market is full of potential. As a leading global LNG supplier, Cheniere’s stable LNG production and supply capacity are highly compatible with China’s fast growing natural gas market. The signing of this long-term SPA marks another milestone in the establishment of good strategic cooperation between two parties, contributes to ENN Natural Gas’ establishment of an intelligent ecological operator in the field, provides customers with quality services and resources, and promotes the low-carbon transformation and upgrade of all industries.”

The SPL Expansion Project is being developed to include up to three natural gas liquefaction trains with an expected total production capacity of approximately 20 mtpa of LNG. In May 2023, certain subsidiaries of Cheniere Energy Partners, L.P. entered the pre-filing review process with respect to the SPL Expansion Project with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission under the National Environmental Policy Act.

For more information visit www.lngir.cheniere.com

Advario has introduced the Data Aggregator system at the Antwerp Gas Terminal, which collects crucial data from various terminals like flow, temperature, pressure, and electrical power of specific tanks and equipment. The system unifies all installation data in one central database, allowing for more in-depth analysis and visualisation of the data. This has helped AGT to maximise its operational efficiency, enabling them to quickly identify areas where processes can be optimised.

The Data Aggregator system’s intelligent algorithms contextualise the data and showcase it in visual dashboards, making it easier for AGT to identify areas where they can reduce electricity consumption. The system has also helped fine-tune automated processes, ensuring the safety of employees and the wider community.

Advario is committed to pushing the boundaries of automation and digitalisation to drive operational excellence, building on the foundations laid by great minds like Turing. Stay tuned for more updates on these exciting developments.

For more information visit www.advario.com

On June 23, the Association for Materials Protection and Performance celebrated International Women in Engineering Day, an annual global event to recognise and raise awareness about the achievements of women in engineering and promote gender diversity in the field.

“The day aims to inspire more women to pursue careers in engineering, highlight the contributions of women engineers, and address the gender imbalance in the industry,” said Kristin Leonard, vice chair of the AMPP Global Center Board of Directors. “It makes sense for AMPP to support activities like these because of its own “Women of AMPP” initiative that supports and empowers women – many of whom are engineers – in the coatings and corrosion industries.”

INWED was initially founded in 2014 by the Women’s Engineering Society. Since then, it has achieved global recognition and engagement, as organisations, educational institutions, and engineering communities worldwide have come together to arrange events and activities commemorating this significant occasion.

“I’m proud AMPP is involved in initiatives like International Women in Engineering Day because the day serves as an opportunity to showcase the accomplishments of AMPP women engineers and their valuable contributions to various engineering disciplines,” said Amir Eliezer, chair of the AMPP Board of Directors. “It also emphasises the importance of diversity and inclusion in engineering, as diverse perspectives and experiences can lead to innovation and improved problem-solving. The board is eager to enhance our volunteer positions by attracting talented women, as this is not only a necessity for AMPP but also an opportunity to encourage women to join as members.”

AMPP recognised this important day to further its mission of “advancing materials performance to protect society, assets, and the environment.” With support from its global network of members, AMPP launched a social media campaign using the hashtag #WomenOfAMPP to showcase the extraordinary accomplishments of AMPP women engineers. Through this initiative, AMPP aims to highlight these women’s impressive stories of achievement.

“AMPP seeks to inspire the next generation of women in engineering,” said Alan Thomas, AMPP CEO. “Supporting women engineers provides role models and inspiration. When women see successful and respected women in engineering, it challenges stereotypes, breaks barriers, and encourages more girls to pursue careers in STEM fields. This is one of the things the AMPP EMERG program helps to do year-round.”

For more information visit www.ampp.org/home

The Prax Group has announced that it has successfully completed the strategic acquisition of Hurricane Energy Plc in the United Kingdom.

Hurricane is a UK-based oil and gas exploration and production company with a 100 percent operated interest in the Lancaster offshore oil field in the West of Shetland basin.

With a strong track record of integrating acquisitions and managing assets in the oil value chain, this acquisition is a natural progression for Prax. It provides the opportunity to integrate Hurricane’s expertise and infrastructure into the company’s footprint, to enable the continued exploration of new business opportunities as part of a long-term growth strategy.

Sanjeev Kumar Soosaipillai, chairman and CEO of the Prax Group, said: “Our long-term strategy is to be fully integrated across the oil value chain from upstream to downstream, and today marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Prax Group. The acquisition of Hurricane Energy is a natural progression for the Group, and will create unique opportunities for synergies with existing Prax-owned assets, as well as demonstrating our ongoing commitment to building a solid and transformative supply chain to meet the needs of our customers for many years to come. The acquisition of Hurricane is a very significant moment in the Group’s history and a major leap forward towards achieving our goal of becoming a fully integrated global energy provider.”

For more information visit www.prax.com

Maire Tecnimont S.p.A. announces that its Integrated E&C Solutions subsidiaries Tecnimont and Tecnimont Arabia Limited have been awarded two lump-sum turn-key EPC contracts related to a petrochemical expansion at the SATORP Refinery (a JV composed of Saudi Aramco and TotalEnergies), in Jubail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The petrochemical facility will enable conversion of internally produced refinery off-gases and naphtha, as well as ethane and natural gasoline, into higher value chemicals.

The overall value of the contracts is approximately USD 2 billion. The contracts relate to the execution of two packages of the complex, namely the “Derivatives Units” package – which includes a butadiene extraction unit, an olefin extraction unit, a methyl tert-butyl ether unit, a butadiene selective hydrogenation unit, a 2nd stage pygas hydrogenation unit and benzene & toluene extraction unit – and the “High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) & Logistic Area” package, which includes two polyethylene units and the relevant product logistic facilities.

The project’s scope of work entails complete engineering services, equipment and material supply, construction activities, pre-commissioning, and commissioning, and shall have a duration of approximately 4 years.

With this award, the Group’s Year-to-Date Order Intake is over EUR 2.6 billion (including approximately EUR 200 million related to the contract for a fertilizer plant in Egypt, subject to successful execution of the Client’s financing package). Considering the important commercial prospects in the coming months, a very strong second half is expected, which will provide a solid driver to the Group’s growth this year and beyond.

Alessandro Bernini, MAIRE Group chief executive officer, commented: “We are extremely proud of having been selected by Saudi Aramco and TotalEnergies for this major initiative. It is a further recognition of Tecnimont’s world-class capabilities to execute complex projects in complex environments, as well as our undisputed leadership in downstream petrochemicals. These awards will provide a significant addition to our already large 8-billion Euro backlog, increasing revenues visibility in the short- and medium-term. It is also for these reasons, and in a context of continued robust demand, that we keep investing in talent, with almost 600 new engineers added year to date.”

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

Genesis are delighted to announce that they have been selected for the pre-FEED of one of the world’s largest industrial plants for the production of green hydrogen in Kazakhstan!

The contract was awarded by Hyrasia one — a subsidiary of the European cleantech group SVEVIND Energy Group —which is developing a major wind-solar-hydrogen plant in Kazakhstan. The plant will produce up to two million tonnes of green hydrogen or 11 million tonnes of green ammonia per year from 2030.

To do this, millions of solar panels and thousands of wind turbines will be installed in the vast steppes of southwestern Kazakhstan, which together can generate around 40 gigawatts of renewable electricity. This energy will then be transported close to the Kazakh coastal city of Kuryk to produce green hydrogen via water electrolysis. The hydrogen will then be converted into ammonia via synthesis plants.

The Preliminary Front-End Engineering and Design phase will lay the groundwork for the planning of Hyrasia one’s implementation.

A ceremonial signing of the contract took place with Technip Energies vice president services & PMC Stephane Mespoulhes and SVEVIND CEO Wolfgang Kropp during the visit of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Kazakh Prime Minister Älihan Smaiylov to launch the geological drilling of the new project phase.

Genesis are proud to be part of this ambitious project to harness the vast renewable resources of Kazakhstan for the industrial-scale production of green hydrogen, which will play an essential role in the energy transition.

For more information visit www.genesisenergies.com

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