Milan, March 6, 2025 – Maire Tecnimont S.p.A. (MAIRE), a leading technology and engineering group, announced that its subsidiary, NextChem Tech, has secured a three-year contract with SATORP, a joint venture between Saudi Aramco and TotalEnergies. This agreement involves providing advanced engineering and technology services to enhance the Sulphur Recovery Complex at SATORP’s refinery in Jubail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This move is part of SATORP’s broader strategy to improve efficiency and reduce the environmental footprint of its refining operations.
Scope of the Contract
Under the terms of the contract, NextChem Tech will deliver comprehensive process and engineering advisory services. The primary focus is on optimizing the performance of three key units within the Sulphur Recovery Complex:
- Sulfur Recovery Unit (SRU): Focused on extracting elemental sulfur from hydrogen sulfide gas, a byproduct of refining processes. Enhancing this unit’s efficiency is crucial for minimizing sulfur emissions and aligning with environmental regulations.
- Amine Regeneration Unit (ARU): Responsible for recycling amine solvents used to remove acidic gases from hydrocarbons. Improvements in this unit will help reduce waste and enhance overall efficiency.
- Sour Water Stripper (SWS): Designed to treat water contaminated with hydrogen sulfide and ammonia during refining. Optimizing this unit is essential for maintaining compliance with environmental standards and reducing the refinery’s water footprint.
The primary objectives of these services include enhancing operational performance, supporting troubleshooting efforts, and improving both energy efficiency and the overall carbon footprint of the complex. Additionally, NextChem Tech will provide recommendations for capital investment opportunities, design enhancements, and technological improvements to future-proof the refinery’s operations.
Strengthening Regional Presence
This contract award significantly strengthens NextChem’s presence in the Middle East, a region that is rapidly advancing its petrochemical and refining capabilities. For MAIRE, this deal builds upon previous successful collaborations with SATORP. In June 2023, MAIRE’s subsidiaries, Tecnimont and Tecnimont Arabia Limited, were awarded two lump-sum turn-key EPC contracts valued at approximately USD 2 billion for a petrochemical expansion at the SATORP Refinery. This expansion project is aimed at converting refinery off-gases, naphtha, ethane, and natural gasoline into higher-value chemicals, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s vision for a diversified and sustainable energy sector.
NextChem’s new contract is particularly significant as it focuses on sustainability and operational efficiency. By deploying its proprietary technologies, NextChem aims to significantly reduce emissions and waste, which is a crucial aspect of SATORP’s strategy to integrate environmental sustainability into its refining processes. This collaboration demonstrates the growing demand for green technologies in the oil and gas industry, especially in the Middle East, where environmental regulations are becoming increasingly stringent.
Executive Commentary
Alessandro Bernini, CEO of MAIRE, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating:
“This partnership marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to drive sustainability and efficiency in the refining industry. This agreement not only strengthens our relationship with SATORP but also underscores our commitment to delivering cutting-edge engineering and technology solutions that reduce environmental impact.”
This statement reflects MAIRE’s strategic focus on sustainable development and its commitment to investing in technologies that support the energy transition. The company’s efforts to enhance its green technology portfolio align with global trends where energy companies are under increasing pressure to adopt cleaner technologies and reduce carbon emissions.
About MAIRE and NextChem
MAIRE S.p.A. is a leading technology and engineering group focused on advancing the energy transition. The company provides integrated Engineering & Construction (E&C) solutions for the downstream market and sustainable technology solutions through three business lines: Sustainable Fertilizers, Low-Carbon Energy Vectors, and Circular Solutions. With operations in over 50 countries, MAIRE employs more than 9,800 people and is listed on the Milan Stock Exchange.
NextChem, a subsidiary of MAIRE, specializes in sustainable technology solutions, focusing on the development and implementation of technologies aimed at reducing environmental impact and promoting energy efficiency in industrial processes. The company’s expertise in sulfur recovery technologies is particularly relevant for this project, as it will help minimize the environmental footprint of refining operations while ensuring compliance with international standards.
SATORP’s Commitment to Sustainability
Established in 2008, SATORP operates one of the world’s largest refining and petrochemical complexes in Jubail, Saudi Arabia. The joint venture between Saudi Aramco and TotalEnergies is committed to integrating advanced technologies to enhance operational efficiency and environmental performance. By partnering with NextChem, SATORP is taking a significant step towards achieving its sustainability goals, which include reducing greenhouse gas emissions and minimizing waste generation.
SATORP’s focus on sustainability is part of a broader trend in the oil and gas industry, where companies are increasingly investing in green technologies to comply with international climate agreements and meet the rising demand for cleaner energy solutions. This contract with NextChem is expected to set a benchmark for future initiatives aimed at improving sustainability within the refining sector.
Industry Implications
The awarding of this contract to NextChem reflects a broader industry trend towards sustainability and environmental stewardship. As global energy demands continue to rise, refining and petrochemical companies are increasingly seeking technologies and processes that minimize environmental impact while maintaining operational efficiency. NextChem’s role in this project highlights the critical importance of integrating advanced engineering solutions to achieve these goals.
This collaboration also underscores the growing influence of European technology companies in the Middle East’s energy sector. With expertise in green technologies and sustainable engineering practices, companies like MAIRE and NextChem are well-positioned to capitalize on the increasing demand for environmentally friendly solutions in the region.
Future Outlook
This three-year contract positions NextChem to play a pivotal role in enhancing the environmental performance of SATORP’s refinery operations. The anticipated improvements in energy efficiency and reductions in carbon emissions are expected to contribute significantly to the sustainability objectives of both SATORP and the broader refining industry. As the collaboration progresses, it may serve as a model for similar initiatives aimed at promoting environmental responsibility within the sector.
Moreover, the successful execution of this contract could pave the way for further opportunities for NextChem in the Middle East, a region that continues to invest heavily in refining and petrochemical infrastructure. With a proven track record in delivering sustainable engineering solutions, NextChem is well-equipped to support the region’s energy transition goals.
Conclusion
NextChem’s recent contract with SATORP underscores its commitment to delivering innovative engineering and technology services that align with global sustainability trends. By focusing on enhancing energy efficiency and reducing the carbon footprint of refinery operations, NextChem continues to solidify its position as a leader in sustainable industrial solutions. This collaboration not only strengthens the relationship between MAIRE and SATORP but also sets a precedent for future endeavors aimed at promoting environmental sustainability in the refining industry.
As the global push for sustainability accelerates, partnerships like this one are likely to become increasingly common, highlighting the crucial role of engineering and technology companies in driving the energy transition forward.
