Global Energy and Chemical Leaders collaborate for Low-Carbon Ammonia Export Project on Houston Ship Channel

INPEX Corporation, based in Tokyo, has joined forces with Air Liquide Group, headquartered in Paris, LSB Industries, Inc., based in Oklahoma City, and Vopak Moda Houston LLC, located in Houston, to embark on the preliminary phase of a transformative low-carbon ammonia production and export project slated for development along the Houston Ship Channel. As the project moves forward, its inaugural phase aims to generate over 1.1 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of low-carbon ammonia by the conclusion of 2027, with provisions for future expansions.

The project partners have already conducted a feasibility study earlier this year, which has paved the way for the selection of the preferred site on the Houston Ship Channel. This location boasts the distinction of being the world's second-largest petrochemical corridor and offers the advantage of pre-existing infrastructure assets. Vopak Moda has made substantial investments in storage and handling infrastructure designed for bulk liquid products, currently operating an ammonia terminal equipped with storage tanks and a newly constructed dock featuring multiple deep-water berths. Additionally, the project benefits from easy access to utilities and proximity to multiple pipelines capable of supplying essential raw materials such as natural gas and water.

Vopak Moda intends to maintain ownership of its existing infrastructure and plans to expand its storage capacity as needed to accommodate the low-carbon ammonia production anticipated for the proposed new facility.

Takayuki Ueda, the Representative Director, President & CEO of INPEX, expressed the significance of this project in INPEX's commitment to environmental leadership. By leveraging advanced technologies and collaborative partnerships with Air Liquide, LSB, and Vopak Moda, INPEX is accelerating the transition toward a low-carbon world while solidifying its position as a pioneer in energy transformation and a responsible global energy player.

Maria Ciliberti, President of the United States and Canada at Vopak, and Jonathan Ackerman, Co-Founder and CEO of Moda Midstream, jointly emphasized the growing global demand for low-carbon ammonia as industries and transportation worldwide endeavor to decarbonize.

Adam Peters, CEO of Air Liquide North America, conveyed the company's commitment to working with customers and industry partners to provide innovative and sustainable technology solutions that facilitate the decarbonization of traditional industrial processes, including ammonia production. Air Liquide is proud to contribute its expertise in hydrogen production and an array of sustainable technologies to generate low-carbon hydrogen, thereby supporting the decarbonization of industrial sectors. Peters underscored the collaborative effort with customers to reduce carbon emissions in industrial zones and progress toward a more sustainable future.