Tag: Baumer spare parts

A ground-breaking ceremony took place today for a major integrated refinery and petrochemical complex being developed by Huajin Aramco Petrochemical Company (HAPCO). The joint venture between Aramco (30%), NORINCO Group (51%) and Panjin Xincheng Industrial Group (19%) is developing the complex in the city of Panjin, in China’s Liaoning Province.

On March 26, it was announced that the complex was expected to be fully operational by 2026. Aramco is expected to supply up to 210,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil feedstock to the facility.

Among those attending the ground-breaking ceremony were Abdulrahman Alharbi, Saudi Ambassador to China; Hao Peng, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Liaoning Provincial People’s Congress; Li Lecheng, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Governor of the Liaoning Provincial Government; Liu Shiquan, Chairman of Norinco Group; Wang Bingsen, Secretary of the Panjin Municipal Party Committee; and Zou Wenchao, Vice President of Norinco Group.

Mohammed Y. Al Qahtani, Aramco Executive Vice President of Downstream, said in a speech at the event: “This complex is a cornerstone of our efforts to support a world-class, integrated Downstream sector here in China, as petrochemicals will play a vital role in our joint success. Once complete, we believe HAPCO will be a model for China’s modern petrochemicals industry moving forward, able to deliver lower carbon products, chemicals, and advanced materials.”

On March 27, Aramco also announced it had signed definitive agreements to acquire a 10% interest in Shenzhen-listed Rongsheng Petrochemical Co. Ltd. for RMB 24.6 billion ($3.6 billion at current exchange rates). Combined, the partnership with Rongsheng and the HAPCO joint venture would see Aramco supply a total of 690,000 bpd of crude to high chemical conversion assets in China, in line with its strategy of converting four million bpd of crude to chemicals by 2030.

Source:https://www.aramco.com/en/news-media/news/2023/aramco-jv-hapco-breaks-ground-on-new-refinery-and-petrochemical-complex

A first shipment of independently-certified low-carbon ammonia has arrived in Japan for use as fuel in power generation. It represents another milestone in the development of this lower-carbon energy solution.

The shipment is the result of a successful multiparty collaboration across the low-carbon ammonia value chain. The ammonia was produced by SABIC Agri-Nutrients (“SABIC AN”) with feedstock from Aramco, and sold by Aramco Trading Company to the Fuji Oil Company (“FOC”). Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (“MOL”) was tasked with shipping the liquid to Japan, then the low-carbon ammonia was transported to the Sodegaura Refinery for use in co-fired power generation, with technical support provided by Japan Oil Engineering Co (“JOE”).

The ammonia is categorized as low-carbon because CO2 from the associated manufacturing process was captured and utilized in downstream applications.

Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has announced plans to increasingly harness ammonia as a fuel for power generation and for ship propulsion, as part of the country’s 2050 decarbonization goals. The low-carbon ammonia that reached Japan is part of broader efforts by Aramco and SABIC AN to establish a global supply network for this lower-carbon fuel. Aramco and SABIC AN aim to supply low-carbon ammonia to other players to meet their early demand needs.

Olivier Thorel, Aramco Senior Vice President of Chemicals, said: “This is another milestone that highlights the possibilities for low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia made from Aramco feedstock, with the potential to play a role in a lower-carbon future. Not only is low-carbon ammonia a means to transport lower-carbon hydrogen, it is an important energy source in its own right that can help decarbonize key sectors – including power generation for both utilities and industries. By dispatching this accredited low-carbon ammonia to Japan, we are helping chart a course for the development of this vital commodity.”

Abdulrahman Shamsaddin, SABIC AN CEO, said: “Our aim is to capitalize on this important milestone to grow and expand our positive contribution toward carbon neutrality. SABIC Agri-Nutrients made a public commitment not only to become carbon neutral by 2050 but also to collaborate with customers to help them achieve their net-zero emission targets. Customers in the energy, fertilizer and chemical sectors are looking for suppliers of lower-carbon hydrogen and ammonia. And we can meet their demand by leveraging our long-standing strengths across the value chain.”

Shigeto Yamamoto, FOC Representative Director, President, said: “As Japan aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, low-carbon ammonia is expected to be a next-generation fuel that can contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions. In order to reduce CO2 emissions from our own operations, we have been working on co-firing ammonia, which is a by-product of the petroleum refining process, in the boiler at our Sodegaura Refinery, and we plan to burn low-carbon ammonia imported this time with the cooperation of our partners in the same boiler. We will continue these efforts to contribute to the construction of the ammonia supply chain.”

Mohammed Al-Mulhim, Aramco Trading Company CEO, said: “This landmark achievement is an example of excellent collaboration across businesses within Aramco, SABIC, Aramco Trading and our Japanese partners, and indeed a major boost for our sustainability efforts.”

Toshiaki Tanaka, MOL Representative Director, Executive Vice President Executive Officer, said: “Ammonia is expected to be in great demand as a next-generation, clean energy source. Japan aims to achieve a carbon-neutral society by 2050, and we are very pleased to transport independently-certified low-carbon ammonia from Saudi Arabia to Japan. We are aiming for a track record of safe, reliable services across multiple transportation modes, in accordance with our customers’ needs. By combining accumulated knowledge and proactively participating in a broad range of value chains, we hope to contribute to the decarbonization of society.”

In 2020, Aramco collaborated with SABIC to dispatch the world’s first shipment of low-carbon ammonia to Japan in a demonstration project. Then, in 2022, Aramco and SABIC AN received the world’s first independent accreditation for low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia products. By the end of that year, the two companies had delivered the world’s first accredited low-carbon ammonia shipment to South Korea. The latest shipment to Japan brings this lower-carbon energy solution one step closer to the mainstream.

Source:https://www.aramco.com/en/news-media/news/2023/low-carbon-ammonia-shipment

Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Al-Khorayef addressed a panel session titled: “Dealing with the Unpredictable Economic Consequences of 4IR Technological Progress” in the second edition of the LEAP Tech Conference held in Riyadh between the 6-9 February under the theme Into New Worlds.

Al-Khorayef confirmed that the ministry is targeting to become a global leader in additive manufacturing (3D printing) through producing additive manufacturing raw material, developing engineering design capabilities, and localizing additive manufacturing services.

“This conference is a clear demonstration of the Kingdom’s appetite for attracting new and major players in the field of IT, which work to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position as a regional and international hub for business”, Al-Khorayef said.

“Technologies related to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, in particular, support Vision 2030 objectives by increasing productivity while reducing costs, waste and carbon emissions, thereby advancing sustainability goals while improving the quality of goods and products. This makes investing in innovation, developing scientific research, and encouraging the adoption of emerging technologies in the industrial sector a core strategic priority for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” he added.

To support these objectives, Saudi Arabia’s leadership has prioritized the creation of an attractive investment environment in line with the National Industrial Strategy and Vision 2030 to enhance the sector, drive innovation and support its growth. In doing so, the strategy will drive economic diversification, create meaningful employment opportunities for citizens, and encourage skills and training development among the youth to advance a sustainable industrial sector.

“Distinguished by its geographical location, enormous resources, and large young and talented workforce, if leveraged correctly, Saudi Arabia has the opportunity to become one of the greatest success stories in the 21st century as we emerge an innovation driven, industrial global powerhouse,” Al-Khorayef concluded.

Source:https://www.zawya.com/en/business/manufacturing/saudi-arabia-plans-to-become-leader-in-additive-manufacturing-minister-upfdxpu7

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej announced on Wednesday the launch of the Al-Ahsa International Airport development and expansion project.

The airport’s capacity will be jumped by 250 percent to accommodate one million passengers annually once the project is completed.

Al-Duailej made the announcement while addressing the Al-Ahsa Forum 2030. Prince Saud Bin Naif, emir of the Eastern Province, inaugurated the forum in the presence of Governor of Al-Ahsa Prince Saud bin Talal bin Badr.

The 6th edition of the forum, with the theme of “Al-Ahsa … the Economy of the Future,” was organized by Al-Ahsa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in cooperation with Saudi Aramco, the strategic partner.

Addressing the forum, Al-Duailej said Al-Ahsa governorate is characterized by its strategic location and integrated infrastructure.

“The presence of a developed international airport will facilitate access to it and connect it with the world. Al-Ahsa International Airport achieved an estimated growth rate of 30 percent in the number of passengers and an increase in the number of flights by 6.6 percent during the year 2022 compared to 2021,” he said.

The GACA chief said that November 2022 witnessed the resumption of the first direct international flight service to Dubai with operation of Flydubai.

The Dammam Airports Company is working on offering a number of investment opportunities, considering Al-Ahsa International Airport as a strategic partner in the renaissance of development and the economy of the province and the region, due to its association with a number of important sectors such as tourism, trade and industry.

This is in addition to attracting national and foreign airlines to operate more new destinations.

Al-Duailej stated that the airport development and expansion project includes raising the capacity by 250 percent to reach one million passengers per year; building two international terminals with a total area of 3,400 square meters, and developing and improving the current domestic terminals in a way compatible with the two new international terminals in order to unify the identity of the airport.

This is in addition to increasing the operating capacity of travel check-in platforms and developing the conveyor belt and technical infrastructure systems.

source:https://www.zawya.com/en/projects/construction/saudis-al-ahsa-airports-capacity-to-jump-by-250-as-expansion-project-launched-xp3v266m

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi said on Wednesday that the government is committed to the protection of workers in black sand reserves.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Egyptian Black Sand Co.’s complex in Kafr El-Sheikh, he highlighted the state’s commitment to ensuring there is no negative health impact on the workers in the complex.

El-Sisi said the idea for the project to explore the potential of the reserves emerged five years ago, and the feasibility studies took three years. The president said the project is available to the private sector for investment, adding that private companies should form groups compatible with one other in order to complete the project within two years.

The project is part of Egypt’s efforts to maximize the use of the country’s natural wealth, said Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly during a Cabinet meeting. He invited private sector institutions to establish factories focused on black sand, “which would take advantage of the country’s existing wealth.”

Black sand is rich in valuable minerals including ilmenite, zircon, magnetite, rutile and garnet, which can be used for a number of industries, such as textiles and renewable energy.

The project consists of four parts: An artificial lake with a total surface area of 83,000 square meters and a depth of 5 meters; the Tahya Misr dredger (a Dutch-made electric dredger with a dredging rate of 2,500 tons per hour); a floating plant with a total area of 2,800 square meters; and a site to collect yellow sand and impurities.

The Egyptian government discovered its black sand reserves over 90 years ago but was unable to utilize them.

The inauguration of the project was well received by the media and experts in various fields.

Ahmed Sultan, an associate expert at the Egyptian Center for Strategic Studies, elaborated on the properties of Egyptian black sand and its various uses, such as in the manufacture of ceramics, car bodies and aircraft structures.

Egypt’s reserves of black sand cover 1.3 billion cubic meters in 11 sites along 400 km.

Source:https://www.arabnews.com/node/2186171/business-economy

The Saudi Arabian government is reportedly planning to invest $38bn into the country’s gaming industry.

Most recently, the Saudi government increased its stake in Nintendo to 8.26 percent through the Public Investment Fund, the state’s sovereign wealth fund, and it also holds millions of shares in EA and Take-Two.

Savvy Gaming Group, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund, hopes to work with the companies it has invested in to “work together on publishing, run their Esports business, or develop new IP together”, Savvy’s CEO Brian Ward told Bloomberg.

Savvy is looking to move away from esport ventures, Ward told Bloomberg, and wants to focus on asserting itself as a publisher and developer.

Bloomberg reported that Savvy started a small studio a year ago, with 45 employees. The plan for the studio is to first develop a mobile game, then a console game, according to Ward.

The government-owned company is also reportedly still planning to acquire a publisher. Bloomberg reported a budget of $13bn for the acquisition. In September last year, the state announced it planned to invest £32bn into the games industry, with £12bn of that allotted to its budget for acquiring a publisher.

Ward also responded to allegations of sportswashing, for example its use of esport ventures as a means to improve the state’s reputation. “We have on our executive team members of the LGBTQ community and women,” Ward told Bloomberg, adding the company would “absolutely hire an LGBTQ or Jewish person to lead a game studio in Saudi Arabia”.

The increasing investments made into the games industry by Saudi Arabia continue to be controversial due to its poor human rights record, which includes the criminalisation of homosexuality, fewer rights for women and the use of the death penalty. Crown Prince and de facto ruler Mohammed bin Salman has also been blamed by the CIA for the assassination of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018.

Source:https://www.eurogamer.net/saudi-arabia-invests-38bn-to-establish-local-gaming-industry

The Arab Observatory for Human Rights of the Arab Parliament hailed the remarkable achievements made by Saudi Arabia to develop human rights as part of its development vision for 2030.

The vision’s main focus is on the citizen and the human being, under the prudent vision of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed Bin Salman.

The praise came during the 8th meeting of the Observatory’s Board of Trustees held here Wednesday, chaired by the president of the Arab Parliament and chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Observatory, Adel Al-Asoumi.

In his speech, Al-Asoumi stressed the importance of enhancing cooperation and coordinating efforts of the four arms of human rights within the framework of the Arab League system.

He met with participants and expressed solidarity with Syria and Turkey after the humanitarian catastrophe that befell the two countries as a result of the devastating earthquakes that left many dead and injured.

They expressed thanks and appreciation of the Arab aid provided in the crisis.

Source:https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/630273/World/Mena/Al-Asoumi-praises-Saudi-Arabias-human-rights-achievements-under-Vision-2030