Optimised catalyst design for secondary reformers
Johnson Matthey Davy Technologies presents an innovative nickel catalyst for secondary reformers that lowers catalyst refill costs, aids reliability and reduces environmental impact.
Johnson Matthey Davy Technologies presents an innovative nickel catalyst for secondary reformers that lowers catalyst refill costs, aids reliability and reduces environmental impact.
VK Arora of Kinetics Process Improvements, Inc. (KPI) looks at how – while carbon border taxes may reshape ammonia trade – the economics of hydrogen and electricity will ultimately determine the long-term competitiveness of European production.
CF Industries has delayed a planned multi-week maintenance turnaround at its Donaldsonville, Louisiana complex, the world’s largest ammonia production facility, in response to the supply disruption caused by the Strait of Hormuz closure, the producer announced in a press release. The company said the decision is expected to make approximately 100,000 tonnes of additional granular urea available to US customers during the spring application season. CF Industries added that it is also prioritising new sales to domestic customers over higher-priced export orders for the duration of the spring planting season.
Yara Australia’s Pilbara facility is expected to remain offline for around two months following a power outage at the site. The incident is understood to have damaged some systems at the facility and that repair work is now required. Initial assessments are indicating a prolonged curtailment of both ammonia and technical ammonium nitrate production.
• Short-term outlook: Ammonia benchmarks are expected to remain under upward pressure. The PAU turnaround removes a key supply source from an already tight SE Asian market.
Global ammonia benchmarks pushed to fresh highs in April, with a reported trade from Egypt to NW Europe at $905/t c.fr, marking the highest Atlantic level seen since the Middle East conflict began. The move was driven primarily by tightening North African supply, with Algerian offer levels climbing to $840-850/t f.o.b., and Egyptian availability constrained by EBIC being sold out through June, together with limited prompt tonnage from Abu Qir.
Bahrain’s Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (GPIC) says that its ammonia, urea and methanol plants remain offline following an Iranian drone attack and subsequent fire at the site. No injuries were reported from the incident.
Woodside Energy has formally assumed control of the Beaumont New Ammonia (BNA) facility in Texas, following the completion of performance testing by previous owner OCI. However, speaking at a recent press briefing for Woodside’s quarterly results, CEO Liz Westcott admitted that the switch to carbon capture and storage at the 1.1 million t/a ammonia facility was now being delayed to 2027.
On 6 May, Romanian gas producer Romgaz said it had agreed key terms to take over the Azomureș fertiliser plant, weeks after the Ameropa‑owned producer started a 45‑day restructuring process and warned it could mothball the site without a deal.
LSB Industries, a US-based producer of ammonia and industrial chemicals, has agreed a deal with carbon capture developer Lapis Carbon Solutions to secure a pathway to full ownership of its El Dorado CCS project in Arkansas.