Week in Review
Week 18 in Review: Major new steel plate manufacturing agreement, another lower-carbon milestone, game changing EXPEC ARC technology, and more
As our communities celebrated ‘Id, Aramco LIFE continued to draw readers. Here’s are a few of the headlines from the week in review…
Agreement on first integrated steel plate manufacturing complex in Saudi Arabia
Aramco, Baoshan Iron & Steel Co., Ltd. (Baosteel), the world’s leading steel conglomerate, and the Public Investment Fund (PIF) have signed a shareholders’ agreement to establish an integrated steel plate manufacturing complex in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions, the joint venture complex is expected to be located in Ras al-Khair Industrial City, one of the four new Special Economic Zones recently announced by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs.
The complex would bring together Aramco’s unrivaled energy and industrial services ecosystem, Baosteel’s advanced steel plate industry capability, and PIF’s strong financial capabilities and investment expertise. It would be the first facility of its kind in the Kingdom and the GCC region, advancing the regional steel industry ecosystem. The project aims to enhance the domestic manufacturing sector through localizing the production of heavy steel plates, transferring knowledge and creating export opportunities.
How does utilizing ammonia contribute to a lower-carbon future?
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.
Game changer: New technology improves recovery, reduces time
EXPEC ARC scientists have recently invented a new solution, EXO-STIM, to improve the effectiveness of stimulating complex carbonate reservoirs. This new solution has dramatically improved Aramco’s competitiveness in efficiently bringing oil and gas to the surface.
EXO-STIM creates a foam barrier at specific locations so that acid can be released in carbonate rock structures to improve the stimulation power and pressure of water injector wells. EXO-STIM generates foamed acid downhole, at low cost and without damaging the carbonate formation. The technology was successfully field tested in the production fields of Abu Hadriyah, Fadhili, and Khursaniyah (AFK), in the Northern Area, and in Uthmaniyah and Haradh fields, in the Southern Area.
Aramco celebrates one of its core values on World Day for Safety and Health at Work
Safety is one of Aramco’s core values, and we are continuously seeking new and innovative ways to improve the safety and well-being of our people. In recognition of annual World Day for Safety and Health at Work (April 28), we take a look at some of our key areas of focus.
At Aramco, our enduring belief is that safety begins at the top. This is underlined by our Sustainability, Risk, and Health, Safety and Environment Board Committee, which is tasked with assessing the company’s exposure to health and safety risks, while also providing strategic direction to manage potential risk exposure.
Upholding this same belief is our Corporate Health, Safety, Security and Environment Committee, which maintains the necessary safety oversight to continuously drive improvement through all levels of management by providing strategic guidance on policies, and monitoring corporate safety performance.
In addition, the company’s Loss Prevention (LP) organization plays a key role through actions such as its oversight of all corporate safety policies, around the clock field support, and ensuring that our Safety Management System is implemented effectively.
Our communities celebrate ‘Id al-Fitr
Families and friends celebrated ‘Id al-Fitr in Aramco communities across the Kingdom, enjoying everything from Ithra exhibitions and performances, to outdoor games, delicious food offerings, and family activities. We took a look at some of the festivities.