Aramco produces and exports world’s first cargo of blue ammonia

LONDON (ICIS)–Saudi energy goliath Aramco on Sunday announced that it had made and exported via marine vessel, the world’s first shipment of environmentally-friendly high-grade blue ammonia.

Describing the maiden 40-tonne cargo as “a significant step towards a sustainable hydrogen usage and a circular carbon economy,” Aramco said it will be used in Japan for zero-carbon power generation.

The energy titan teamed up with the Institute of Energy Economics, Japan (IEEJ), chemicals and fertilizers major SABIC and was supported by the Japanese Ministry of Economy Trade and Industry (METI).

Comprising three parts hydrogen and one part nitrogen, ammonia has been identified as a potential solution to “meeting the world’s growing energy needs in a reliable, affordable and sustainable manner,” Aramco said.

In addition, several leading shipbuilders are exploring ways to utilise ammonia as a marine fuel, while an ambitious new $5bn green hydrogen and ammonia plant in Saudi Arabia will see the latter used to transport the former.

Aramco noted that its cutting-edge production process includes the conversion of hydrocarbons to hydrogen and then to ammonia, as well as the capture of associated carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

The blue ammonia loaded at SABIC’s at Al-Jubail facility on an unidentified vessel – although it is unclear how those tonnes will be kept separate from the 23,000-40,000 tonnes of standard ammonia also in the LPG carrier’s tanks.

Ahmad O. Al-Khowaiter, Aramco’s chief technology officer, said, “The use of hydrogen is expected to grow in the global energy system, and this world’s first demonstration represents an exciting opportunity for Aramco to showcase the potential of hydrocarbons as a reliable and affordable source of low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia.

“This milestone also highlights a successful transnational, multi-industry partnership between Saudi Arabia and Japan.”

Fahad Al-Sherehy, SABIC’s vice president of energy efficiency and carbon management, added:  “At SABIC, we can economically leverage our existing infrastructure for hydrogen and ammonia production with CO2 capture.

“Our experience in the full supply chain along with integrated petrochemicals facilities will play an important role in providing blue ammonia to the world.”

Aramco’s flow diagram of its blue ammonia supply chain.