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The first accredited low-carbon ammonia shipment to Japan has been sent by Aramco and SABIC.

by Swati Gupta

April 21, 2023 1

Saudi Aramco and Saudi Basic Industries Corp (SABIC) have dispatched the first-ever accredited low-carbon ammonia shipment to Japan, marking a significant milestone in the global effort to reduce carbon emissions.

The shipment was produced using a pioneering technology developed by SABIC that converts natural gas into hydrogen and captures the resulting carbon dioxide emissions. The carbon dioxide is then combined with nitrogen to create low-carbon ammonia, a key ingredient used in fertilizers and other chemical products.

The shipment, which was dispatched from Saudi Arabia’s Jubail port, is destined for Japan’s Itochu Corporation, a major trading company and one of SABIC’s long-term partners. The shipment is expected to arrive in Japan in May 2023.

The use of low-carbon ammonia represents a major step forward in the global effort to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. Ammonia is a key ingredient in the production of fertilizers, which are used to grow crops and feed the world’s growing population. However, the traditional process of producing ammonia is highly carbon-intensive, accounting for approximately 1.8% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

By utilizing low-carbon ammonia, we can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of fertilizer production while still meeting global food demand. Low-carbon ammonia also has potential applications in other industries, such as energy storage and fuel production, which could help further reduce emissions from transportation and other sectors.

The new low-carbon ammonia technology developed by SABIC and Aramco represents a major breakthrough in the effort to reduce carbon emissions from the production of ammonia. By capturing carbon dioxide emissions and using them to produce ammonia, the technology can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the fertilizer industry.

The technology has been accredited by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC), a leading certification scheme for sustainable products and services. The ISCC certification provides assurance that the low-carbon ammonia produced by SABIC and Aramco meets rigorous sustainability standards, including environmental, social, and economic criteria.

The shipment of low-carbon ammonia to Japan is just the beginning of what is expected to be a major shift in the fertilizer industry. With growing demand for sustainable products and services, there is increasing pressure on companies to reduce their carbon footprint and adopt more sustainable practices.

The low-carbon ammonia technology developed by SABIC and Aramco is expected to play a major role in this shift, helping to reduce the carbon footprint of the fertilizer industry and create new opportunities for sustainable growth.

The shipment of low-carbon ammonia to Japan is also significant for Saudi Arabia, which has set ambitious targets for reducing its carbon emissions and transitioning to a more sustainable economy. The low-carbon ammonia technology developed by SABIC and Aramco is just one example of the country’s efforts to promote sustainable development and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.

The success of the low-carbon ammonia shipment to Japan is a major milestone for SABIC and Aramco, demonstrating the potential of their innovative technology to drive sustainable growth and reduce carbon emissions. With growing demand for sustainable products and services, the companies are well-positioned to capitalize on the shift towards a more sustainable economy, creating new opportunities for growth and innovation.

Overall, the shipment of the first accredited low-carbon ammonia shipment to Japan by Aramco and SABIC represents a major breakthrough in the global effort to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. The innovative technology developed by the companies has the potential to transform the fertilizer industry, reducing its carbon footprint and promoting sustainable growth. As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, SABIC and Aramco are well-positioned to lead the way, creating new opportunities for growth and innovation while driving positive change for the environment and society.