AD Ports Group is accelerating the shift toward sustainable marine fuels. (Image source: AD Ports)

AD Ports Group has completed its first ship-to-ship (STS) LNG bunkering operation at Khalifa Port, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a key hub for alternative marine fuels and sustainable maritime solutions

The STS bunkering was part of a simultaneous operation, in which the container vessel MSC Thais - berthed at Abu Dhabi Terminals, received LNG fuel from the dedicated LNG bunker vessel Green Zeebrugge, supplied by marine fuels provider Monjasa. The operation demonstrated the concurrent transfer of LNG and cargo, in addition to highlighting AD Ports Group’s ability to integrate complex and efficient services into its port infrastructure and operations, whilst facilitating access to lower carbon fuels, which support both the industry and global environmental objectives. 

LNG offers reduced greenhouse gas emissions and significantly less sulphur oxide, nitrogen oxide, and particulate matter emissions compared to traditional marine fuels, with demand in the maritime and shipping sector growing given its role as a transition fuel.

AD Ports Group and Monjasa will continue expanding LNG bunkering services across the Group’s commercial ports in Abu Dhabi, including cruise vessels at Zayed Port, while offering a comprehensive fuel portfolio that includes Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO), Marine Gas Oil (MGO), and High-Sulfur Fuel Oil (HSFO).

The STS operation was executed in accordance with international best practices and regulatory standards, including LNG bunkering protocols and guidelines set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH), International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and Society of International Gas Tanker and Terminal Operators (SIGTTO).

With this achievement, AD Ports Group is accelerating the shift toward sustainable marine fuels, while reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s leadership in the global energy transition and advancing the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy.

Captain Saif Al Mheiri, CEO of Abu Dhabi Maritime and Chief Sustainability Officer at AD Ports Group, said, “By adhering to the highest safety and environmental standards, AD Ports Group and Monjasa are ensuring that shipowners have reliable access to a diversified fuel mix that supports their decarbonisation objectives. AD Ports Group will continue to explore and implement forward-looking solutions that drive progress toward global sustainability goals.”

TAKRAF Mobile Stacking Bridge (MSB) as part of a DST solution for iron ore tailings in Mauritania. (Image source: TAKRAF)

As safety and water conservation become top priorities for the global mining industry, Dry Stack Tailings (DST) solutions are gaining momentum as the preferred method for tailings management

TAKRAF Group, a global leader in mining, material handling and minerals processing solutions, offers cutting-edge DST systems that provide a safer and more sustainable alternative to conventional tailings storage facilities. With the Middle East’s increasing focus on responsible resource management, investors and mine operators are exploring innovative approaches to increase safety, maximise water efficiency and mitigate environmental risks.

Revolutionising tailings management with Dry Stack Tailings

DST systems eliminate the need for traditional tailings dams, which pose significant safety and environmental risks. By removing most of the water from the tailings and being able to stack the material, DST solutions drastically reduce the risk of catastrophic dam failures, groundwater contamination and excessive water loss through seepage or evaporation. They also decrease the fresh water input requirements of an operation by increase the reuse of process water that would otherwise have been wasted and lost. The adoption of a DST solution is particularly critical in arid regions such as the Middle East, where water scarcity is a pressing concern.

Key advantages of DST solutions include:

• Enhanced safety: Eliminates the risk of dam failure and tailings runout, making mining operations safer for workers and surrounding communities.
• Water conservation: Reduces water consumption by enabling process water recycling, which is vital in water-stressed regions.
• Minimal environmental footprint: Requires a smaller land area compared to conventional tailings storage facilities.
• Regulatory and public approval: Meets stringent environmental regulations and improves public perception of mining operations.
• Easier closure and rehabilitation: Facilitates faster and more cost-effective mine site rehabilitation at the end of operations.

TAKRAF Group: A one-stop DST solutions provider

TAKRAF Group offers comprehensive DST solutions that cover every aspect of tailings management. From thickening and filtration to material handling and stacking and from single equipment pieces to integrated systems, the Group’s approach ensures seamless implementation of DST solutions. The Group provides:
• DELKOR thickeners: High-rate, high-density and paste thickeners for efficient tailings dewatering.
• Filtration technologies: DELKOR Horizontal Belt Filters and/or DELKOR Filter Presses designed to maximise water recovery.
• Advanced material handling solutions: Conveyors, grasshoppers, mobile trippers, mobile stacking bridges and spreaders tailored to specific site requirements.

Proven success in DST implementation

TAKRAF Group has a strong track record of successful DST implementations worldwide. One of the company’s landmark projects in Brazil set a benchmark for the industry, demonstrating the viability of DST as a long-term solution for responsible tailings management. Additionally, TAKRAF has conducted pilot studies and implemented equipment in large-scale DST systems in Mexico, Mauritania and other regions, helping clients achieve sustainability goals while ensuring operational efficiency.

Driving the future of sustainable mining in the Middle East

As mining operations in the Middle East face growing pressure to adopt sustainable practices, TAKRAF Group’s DST solutions provide a viable pathway to achieving water conservation, regulatory compliance and enhanced safety. With decades of experience and a global network of technical support, TAKRAF Group is uniquely positioned to help mine operators transition to a safer and more sustainable future.

For investors, regulators and mine operators seeking to embrace environmentally responsible tailings management, Dry Stack Tailings represent a forward-thinking solution that aligns with the region’s long-term sustainability goals.

For more information on TAKRAF Group’s DST capabilities, visit https://www.takraf.com/expertise/dry-stack-tailings-management

Mubadala has entered the unconventional gas and LNG market through Kimmedige. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Mubadala Energy, the Abu Dhabi-headquartered international energy company, has signed an agreement with Kimmeridge, the energy-focused alternative asset manager, to acquire a 24.1% interest in Kimmeridge’s SoTex HoldCo LLC, marking its entry into the US market

SoTex holds two portfolio companies: Kimmeridge Texas Gas, which operates an upstream unconventional gas business in the Eagle Ford in South Texas; and Commonwealth LNG, which owns the 9.3 million metric tons per year (MTPA) pre-FID LNG liquefaction and export facility in Louisiana.

Through SoTex, Kimmeridge is building America’s first integrated gas independent to deliver low-cost natural gas from wellhead to water and meet rising demand for responsibly-produced LNG across global markets.

Dr Bakheet Al Katheeri, chairman of the Mubadala Energy Board and chief executive officer, UAE Investments Platform, Mubadala Investment Company, commented, “Through this partnership and our entry into the U.S., we are to further build on our leading role in building energy champions that deepen our position in the global economy. We are delighted that Mubadala Energy has finalised this equity investment with Kimmeridge to enable the development of key gas projects in the U.S. Gulf Coast. As the company’s first major investment in the U.S., this transaction positions Mubadala Energy for accelerated growth across the gas value chain in one of the world’s most important and attractive energy hubs.”

The investment supports the company’s ambitious growth plans to invest across the gas value chain in key energy hubs around the world and represents a major addition to its existing global gas portfolio. Moreover, with the company’s goal of  supporting major gas projects in the transition to a lower carbon energy future, this investment is in line with the UAE’s 2050 net zero ambition.

Mansoor Mohamed Al Hamed, managing director and CEO, Mubadala Energy, said, “As our first major investment in the U.S. this transaction offers a significant platform for future growth in one of the world’s most important energy hubs. The investment also highlights our strong position to accelerate our expansion across the gas value chain and build on our strategic international portfolio. We’re excited about the long-term opportunities this partnership offers, in line with our strategy to play a proactive role in the energy transition and grow our global gas portfolio.”

With U.S. LNG supply expected to grow to approximately 33% of the global market by 2050, this investment is a strategic play in one of the world’s most important gas hubs. In addition, world class infrastructure and a highly liquid M&A market ensure attractive long-term prospects in the region, supported by energy demand trends in areas such as AI data centre development.

The collaboration aims to accelerate digital transformation in the drilling industry. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Nabors Drilling Technologies and Corva AI are expanding their strategic alliance into the RigCLOUD high-performance edge computing platform, to accelerate digital transformation in the drilling industry

“RigCLOUD Powered by Corva” is a fully integrated drilling intelligence solution that will combine Nabors’ edge and cloud computing platform with Corva’s industry-leading AI-driven analytics. Leveraging Corva’s Platform-as-a-Service and drilling solutions, Nabors aims to extend its operational reach across diverse data residency jurisdictions and accelerate entry into new markets by strengthening services for E&P customers and third-party drilling contractors.

RigCLOUD Powered by Corva will enhance real-time data processing, predictive insights, and performance optimisation, giving operators and contractors the ability to improve decision-making and maximise efficiency. It will enable:
• Seamless edge-to-cloud integration: Deliver a consistent, integrated experience across both remote and rigsite user environments through real-time rig data processing and cloud computing
• Drilling intelligence at the rigsite: Provide actionable insights to drilling crews directly on the rigsite through Corva applications, when bandwidth permits
• Flexible and scalable solutions for customers: Empower customers to use RigCLOUD and Corva independently or together, with the option to integrate the SmartROS rig operating system for additional automation solutions
• Joint application development: Allow Nabors and Corva to jointly create transformative AI and ML technologies for the drilling industry
• Market penetration – Cultivate new entry points with E&P customers and third-party drilling contractors.

“The expansion of our existing strategic alliance, integrating the RigCLOUD ecosystem with Corva, marks a significant next step in our digital strategy,” said Subodh Saxena, senior vice president of Canrig and Nabors Drilling Solutions.

“By combining RigCLOUD rig instrumentation and drilling automation apps with Corva’s industry-leading AI analytics, we are defining the future of drilling intelligence,” said Ryan Dawson, Founder and CEO at Corva. “We’ve reached a new milestone with Nabors, unifying edge and cloud solutions into a single platform that streamlines workflows and enhances operations across any rig fleet. Together, we’re setting new standards for drilling efficiency.”