Aramco and SABIC's Historic Shipment: Low-Carbon Ammonia Sets Sail for Japan

  • 21-Apr-2023
  • Journalist: Jaideep

Japan: Independent certified low-Carbon Ammonia has made its maiden voyage to Japan to serve as a feasible source of fuel in power generation. This marks a significant stride in the joint efforts by Aramco and Saudi Basic Industries Corp. Agri-Nutrients to develop a global framework for the supply of this cleaner source of fuel. Along with serving Japan's energy needs, the aim is to provide the low-Carbon Ammonia to other players in the industry to cater to their demand needs in a timely and efficient manner.

A successful partnership of multiple parties across the low-Carbon Ammonia value chain has led to the recent shipment. SABIC Agri-Nutrients produced Ammonia using feedstock from Aramco, which was then sold to the Fuji Oil Company via Aramco Trading Company. To transport the liquid, Mitsui OSK Lines was entrusted. With technical assistance from Japan Oil Engineering Co., the low-Carbon Ammonia was transported to the Sodegaura Refinery in Japan upon the shipment's arrival, where it was utilized in co-fired power generation.

Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is pushing towards the use of Ammonia as a fuel for power generation and ship propulsion to reach their decarbonization goals by 2050. The Ammonia which has been categorized as low Carbon was made possible by the capture and utilization of CO2 from the manufacturing process in downstream applications. Aramco and SABIC AN have also contributed to the establishment of a global supply network for this more sustainable fuel.

Japan's ambitious goal of achieving a Carbon-neutral society by 2050 has created a demand for clean energy sources, and Ammonia is poised to become the next big thing. To transport independently certified low-Carbon Ammonia from Saudi Arabia to Japan, marking a major milestone in the transition to sustainable energy systems.

Aramco and SABIC are collaborating to supply low-Carbon Ammonia to meet the early demand needs of other players, marking a significant milestone for the future of low-Carbon Hydrogen and Ammonia made from Aramco feedstock. This move has the potential to contribute to a lower-Carbon future, as low-Carbon Ammonia can serve as both a means to transport lower-Carbon Hydrogen and an energy source. This critical commodity could help decarbonize key sectors, such as power generation for utilities and industries. By delivering this accredited low-Carbon Ammonia to Japan, setting a precedent for the development of this essential resource.

SABIC Agri-Nutrients announced a public commitment to not only become Carbon neutral by 2050 but also work alongside customers to assist them in achieving their own net-zero emission goals. By leveraging our extensive experience and capabilities across the value chain, well-positioned to meet the demand for lower-Carbon Hydrogen and Ammonia from customers in the energy, fertilizer, and chemical sectors. As Japan strives to achieve Carbon neutrality by 2050, the use of low-Carbon Ammonia as a next-generation fuel is expected to play a significant role in reducing CO2 emissions. Company goal is to utilize this milestone to further expand positive impact on Carbon neutrality.

Company has been dedicated to decreasing own operations' CO2 emissions, and to have made a breakthrough. Utilizing Ammonia, a by-product of the petroleum refining process, to co-fire in Sodegaura Refinery boiler. Now, taking things to the next level by incorporating low-Carbon Ammonia imported with the help of partners. To driving the development of an Ammonia supply chain and will remain focused on achieving this goal. Collaborative efforts with Aramco, SABIC, Aramco Trading, and Japanese partners have led to such a significant advancement for our sustainability initiatives.

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