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Shipping is seen as one of the most promising opportunities for low-carbon ammonia and methanol

While ammonia and methanol are gaining traction as low-carbon fuels and hydrogen carriers to support the global energy transition, large-scale adoption is slow due to uncertain demand, says data and analytics company GlobalData

Demand for low-carbon ammonia and methanol is being driven by industries such as shipping, power generation, fertilizers, and chemicals, given their potential to decarbonise existing operations. GlobalData’s Strategic Intelligence report, “Ammonia and Methanol in Energy Transition,” reveals that countries such as Japan, South Korea, China, and members of the European Union are backing low-carbon projects, while companies including Yara, Maersk, CF, and Mitsubishi are exploring large-scale investments to boost their production.

Low-carbon ammonia capacity is estimated to grow to nearly 250 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) by 2030, with more than 460 upcoming plants globally. Low-carbon methanol is also projected to grow, with plant numbers approaching 150 by 2030. However, many projects are in early stages of development, with some hydrogen-linked initiatives already seeing delays or cancellations.

The report also highlights that low-carbon ammonia and methanol are closely linked to the scaling of hydrogen, acting as carriers for transport and storage. However, growth depends on stronger infrastructure commitments, technology advancements, and regulatory requirements. Shipping is seen as the most promising immediate opportunity, but significant investment and regulatory clarity are required to move beyond pilots.

Ravindra Puranik, Oil and Gas analyst at GlobalData, commented, “Low-carbon ammonia and methanol could complement the energy transition by acting as fuels and hydrogen carriers, but their role is far from guaranteed. Cost competitiveness, safety standards, and infrastructure development will be critical. Without supportive regulation and faster project execution, many of the current net-zero ambitions may not translate into reality.

“Low-carbon ammonia and methanol initiatives had a promising start earlier this decade. However, the pace of development is already slowing, with some high-profile hydrogen projects seeing cancellations or postponement. Combined with high production costs and technical challenges in handling, this raises doubts about whether low-carbon ammonia and methanol can achieve the scale once envisioned. These challenges underline the gap between announced capacity and what will realistically materialise by 2030.”

Halliburton has launched the next-generationTuring electro-hydraulic control system, with bidirectional choking and built-in position sensors for fast and accurate flow control

Part of Halliburton’s of SmartWell intelligent completions technology, this system sets a new standard in reservoir flow control suitable for all completion applications, improving recovery and reducing well count.

The Turing electro-hydraulic control system facilitates fast zonal optimisation through integrated position sensors that help operators manage well performance with speed, precision, and confidence. Its simplified, flexible design reduces rig time, operational risk, and production delays to deliver measurable value to our customers.

Operators can remotely and selectively adjust zonal ICV positions in seconds. Built-in high-resolution sensors increase fidelity and expand choke position options. Fast, precise bidirectional control of the ICVs enables flow control from or into each zone without closing the ICV. This capability supports routine, active well optimisation and supports the adoption of fully automated, data-driven optimisation technology.

Paired with the Clariti digital reservoir management suite, the Turing electro-hydraulic control system provides customers with added insights and real-time advice on opportunities for well production and field optimisation. The system can manage up to 12 zones with three control lines, two hydraulic and one single-wire tubing-encapsulated conductor (TEC). The TEC line communicates with downhole sensors through the DataSphere permanent monitoring suite to eliminate additional lines and reduce subsea infrastructure costs.

“As the pioneer of SmartWell intelligent completions, Halliburton’s advancements in this technology strengthen our industry leadership. Our new Turing electro-hydraulic control system builds on that legacy. It empowers our customers to improve recovery, manage subsurface uncertainty, and achieve lower costs with greater operational efficiency,” said Maxime Coffin, vice president, Halliburton Completion Tools

Inspection professionals can quickly detect faults and issues to prevent downtime and extend equipment life. (Image source: Flir)

Flir, a Teledyne Technologies company, has launched the C8 latest-generation thermal imaging camera, providing enhanced image quality, higher accuracy, improved sensitivity, andf advanced reporting templates within Flir Ignite Pro

Traditional thermal inspections can be slow, unclear, and hard to document, relying on manual processes that risk overlooking critical issues, leading to higher maintenance costs, delayed repairs, and reduced productivity. The rugged, easy to use Flir C8 addresses these challenges with powerful, high-resolution thermography, ensuring accurate, efficient, standardised inspections. In addition, technicians can integrate FLIR Ignite Pro cloud connectivity and new advanced reporting templates that streamline workflows and save time as well as supporting easy collaboration.

New capabilities for the Flir C8 include 320 x 240 thermal resolution and 35° horizontal field of view to increase the number of pixels. Used in combination with Flir’s patented MSX detail enhancement technology, it provides clear and accurate imaging, supporting faster fault and anomaly detection for more accurate diagnostics. For example, in electrical and mechanical maintenance activities Inspection professionals can quickly detect faults and issues in factories, process plants, commercial facilities, and utilities to prevent downtime and extend equipment life.

“Users of our C8 can enjoy up to 40-50% quicker inspections, helping to cut labour and downtime costs,” revealed John Gould, Director – Global Business Development – Condition Monitoring. “Identifying faults faster and acting sooner reduces expensive outages and unplanned repairs, while confidence in consistent, reliable results is assured thanks to high resolution and high thermal sensitivity. Furthermore, isotherm alarms instantly highlight when temperatures cross set limits, helping users quickly identify potential issues”.

The camera also provides increased accuracy of ±2°C @ 0°C to a newly elevated 450°C maximum object temperature, higher sensitivity (NETD <50 mk) and streaming over USB.

Borouge has set a target of generating US$575mn in value by 2025. (Image source: Borogue)

Borouge is working with Yokogawa UAE Industry to test AI-powered autonomous control room operations at its Ruwais facility in Abu Dhabi.

The proof-of-concept will use advanced AI tools to analyse plant data, detect patterns, and predict anomalies, allowing faster corrective actions and reducing the risk of unplanned shutdowns. It will also assess how autonomous control could improve efficiency and optimise overall performance.

Borouge has set a target of generating US$575mn in value by 2025 through technology and AI-driven initiatives. By the end of Q2, the company had already achieved US$307mn.

At Ruwais, Yokogawa is trialling AI operations at the Borouge 3 Cracker, while Honeywell is running a parallel project at the Borouge 2 Cracker. Together, the initiatives aim to deliver the petrochemical industry’s first fully autonomous AI-driven control room.

Hazeem Sultan Al Suwaidi, Chief Executive Officer of Borouge, said, "As we progress our AI, Digitalisation and Technology (AIDT) transformation programme, our goal is to deliver an AI-powered autonomous control room at what will be the single largest petrochemical site in the world, enabling Borouge to accelerate growth and create lasting value for shareholders.”

Norinao Sato, President and CEO of Yokogawa Middle East & Africa, commented, “An AI-powered control room is a next generation operational hub that leverages artificial intelligence, machine learning and automation to optimise decision-making, automate processes, enhance safety and boost efficiency sustainably, transforming the control room from a reactive monitoring station to a proactive, intelligent command centre.”

From 10–12 November, the DRIFTx exhibition will showcase smart solutions across land, sea, air, and robotics.

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs, Abu Dhabi will host its first Autonomous Week from 10–15 November 2025.

Organised by the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC), the event underscores the emirate’s commitment to autonomous mobility and its status as a global hub for smart systems and advanced technologies.

The week-long programme brings together industry leaders, experts, researchers, and policymakers to explore innovations that drive competitiveness, efficiency, and sustainable solutions.

The event kicks off with the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Summit on 10 November, providing a platform to discuss advancements in smart and autonomous mobility, shape policy, and identify investment opportunities.

From 10–12 November, the DRIFTx exhibition will showcase smart solutions across land, sea, air, and robotics.

RoboCup Asia-Pacific 2025, organised by Khalifa University, will also take place during the week, marking its debut in the Middle East and North Africa region, with global teams competing in AI-driven autonomous robotics challenges.

The week concludes with the second edition of the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League, highlighting the future of smart mobility and autonomous transport.

SASC plays a pivotal role in developing Abu Dhabi’s autonomous ecosystem by setting strategic direction, shaping policies, fostering investment, and enabling infrastructure development.

The event highlights the emirate’s readiness to integrate autonomous systems across key sectors, enhancing efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

With strong government support, world-class infrastructure, and a flexible regulatory framework, Abu Dhabi continues to lead in research, development, and deployment of smart and autonomous technologies, reinforcing its vision for a knowledge- and innovation-based economy and strengthening its global technological competitiveness.

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