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Steve Halor

Saudi Arabia ships first low-carbon ammonia power generation shipment to Japan

In a bid to advance Japan's pursuit of utilizing ammonia as a more environmentally friendly energy alternative, a groundbreaking project has emerged. This initiative aims to lend support to Japan's ambitions and pave the way for the widespread adoption of ammonia as a lower-carbon energy solution.

In a groundbreaking collaboration, industry giants Aramco, FOC, SABIC AN, MOL, and JOE have joined forces to achieve a significant milestone.

Low-carbon ammonia holds immense promise in decarbonizing industries that are challenging to transition to cleaner alternatives.


In a significant development, Japan has recently received its inaugural delivery of independently certified low-carbon ammonia. This shipment holds immense promise as it is intended to be utilized as a fuel source for power generation. This achievement signifies a significant advancement in the progression of this environmentally friendly energy alternative.


The successful delivery of the shipment can be attributed to a collaborative effort among multiple parties involved in the low-carbon ammonia value chain. The production of ammonia was carried out by SABIC Agri-Nutrients ("SABIC AN"), utilizing feedstock sourced from Aramco. Subsequently, the ammonia was procured by the Fuji Oil Company ("FOC") through the Aramco Trading Company. In a notable development, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has successfully undertaken the responsibility of shipping a significant quantity of liquid to Japan. This liquid, which happens to be low-carbon ammonia, was subsequently transported to the Sodegaura Refinery. The purpose behind this transportation was to utilize low-carbon ammonia in co-fired power generation. To ensure the smooth execution of this endeavor, Japan Oil Engineering Co. (JOE) extended its valuable technical support.

In a remarkable feat of sustainable innovation, the ammonia production process has been classified as low-carbon. This distinction is due to the fact that the carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted during manufacturing has been captured and effectively utilized in downstream applications.


In a bold move towards achieving its ambitious decarbonization goals by 2050, Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry has unveiled a strategic plan to embrace ammonia as a prominent fuel source for both power generation and ship propulsion. In a significant development, Japan has received a shipment of low-carbon ammonia, marking a crucial milestone in the joint efforts of Aramco and SABIC AN. This endeavor aims to establish a comprehensive global supply network for this environmentally friendly fuel. In a strategic move, Aramco and SABIC have set their sights on providing low-carbon ammonia to meet the growing demand of other industry players.


In a recent statement, Olivier Thorel, the Senior Vice President of Chemicals at Aramco, expressed his enthusiasm for a significant achievement. Thorel emphasized the immense potential of low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia derived from Aramco feedstock, underscoring their ability to contribute to a future characterized by reduced carbon emissions. Low-carbon ammonia not only serves as a method for transporting hydrogen with reduced carbon content, but it also holds significant importance as an independent energy source. Its potential to decarbonize crucial sectors, such as power generation for utilities and industries, cannot be overlooked. In a significant move towards advancing the development of a crucial commodity, we are proud to announce the dispatch of accredited low-carbon ammonia to Japan. This action not only signifies our commitment to charting a course for the future but also highlights the importance of this vital resource.


In a recent statement, Abdulrahman Shamsaddin, the CEO of SABIC AN, expressed his company's ambitious goals to leverage a significant milestone in order to further enhance their efforts towards achieving carbon neutrality. Shamsaddin emphasized the company's determination to grow and expand their positive impact in this regard. In a groundbreaking announcement, SABIC Agri-Nutrients has pledged its unwavering dedication to combating climate change. Not content with merely achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, the company has gone a step further by vowing to join forces with its customers in their quest to attain net-zero emissions. This bold commitment marks a significant milestone in SABIC Agri-Nutrients' ongoing sustainability efforts, solidifying its position as a leader in the fight against global warming. In the ever-evolving landscape of the energy, fertilizer, and chemical sectors, customers are actively seeking out suppliers that can provide them with a sustainable solution—lower-carbon hydrogen and ammonia. In a statement, the company expressed confidence in meeting the demands of their customers by utilizing their extensive expertise throughout the entire value chain.


In a recent statement, Shigeto Yamamoto, the Representative Director and President of FOC, expressed his views on Japan's ambitious goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Yamamoto highlighted the potential of low-carbon ammonia as a next-generation fuel that could play a significant role in reducing CO2 emissions. In a concerted effort to combat the pressing issue of CO2 emissions, our organization has been diligently exploring innovative solutions. One such endeavor involves the implementation of co-firing ammonia, a by-product derived from the petroleum refining process, within the boiler at our esteemed Sodegaura Refinery. Building upon this progress, we are now poised to take a significant stride forward by incorporating low-carbon ammonia, sourced from trusted partners, into the very same boiler. This collaborative initiative marks a pivotal moment in our ongoing commitment to reducing our carbon footprint. In a commitment to further bolster the ammonia supply chain, we will persist in our endeavors to make significant contributions to its construction.

In a recent statement, Mohammed Al-Mulhim, the CEO of Aramco Trading Company, expressed his enthusiasm for a significant accomplishment. Al-Mulhim highlighted the exceptional collaboration between various entities, including Aramco, SABIC, Aramco Trading, and their Japanese partners. He emphasized that this achievement not only serves as a major boost for their sustainability endeavors but also exemplifies the remarkable teamwork exhibited across these businesses.


In a recent statement, Toshiaki Tanaka, the representative director and executive vice president of MOL, expressed his belief in the immense potential of ammonia as a future clean energy solution. Tanaka emphasized the anticipated surge in demand for this next-generation energy source. In a bold move towards combating climate change, Japan has set its sights on achieving a carbon-neutral society by the year 2050. As part of this ambitious endeavor, the nation has recently announced its plans to transport independently certified low-carbon ammonia all the way from Saudi Arabia to Japan. This development has been met with great satisfaction, as it aligns with Japan's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning towards a more sustainable future. With a steadfast commitment to meeting the diverse transportation needs of our valued customers, our primary objective is to establish an impeccable track record of delivering secure and dependable services across various modes of transportation. With a commitment to harnessing their accumulated knowledge and actively engaging in various value chains, the aim is to make a significant contribution towards the decarbonization of society.


In a groundbreaking move, energy giant Aramco joined forces with SABIC in 2020 to successfully initiate the world's inaugural delivery of low-carbon ammonia to Japan. This significant milestone was achieved as part of a demonstration project, marking a pivotal moment in the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions. In a groundbreaking development, Aramco and SABIC AN have achieved a significant milestone by securing the world's inaugural independent accreditation for their low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia products. This remarkable achievement, which took place in 2022, marks a pivotal moment in the global pursuit of sustainable energy solutions. In a remarkable achievement, the two companies successfully concluded the year by delivering the world's inaugural accredited low-carbon ammonia shipment to South Korea. In a significant development, the most recent shipment destined for Japan marks a crucial milestone in propelling this environmentally friendly energy solution towards widespread adoption.


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