Aramco, SABIC AN receive world’s first accreditation certificate for ‘blue’ hydrogen, ammonia products

The certifications were granted by the Germany-based TÜV Rheinland, according to a statement. 
Short Url
Updated 04 August 2022
Follow

Aramco, SABIC AN receive world’s first accreditation certificate for ‘blue’ hydrogen, ammonia products

RIYADH: Saudi Aramco and the SABIC Agri-Nutrients Co. have received the world’s first independent certifications recognizing “blue” hydrogen and ammonia production.

The certifications were granted by the Germany-based TÜV Rheinland, according to a statement. 

They were awarded to SABIC AN in Jubail for producing 37,800 tons of “blue” ammonia and to Aramco’s wholly owned refinery, known as SASREF, also in Jubail, for 8,075 tons of “blue” hydrogen.

“These certifications are the first of their kind in the world and signify a major milestone in our efforts to develop clean energy solutions, and advance our hydrogen and ammonia export capabilities,” said Olivier Thorel, Aramco vice president of chemicals. 

“This independent recognition reinforces the work of Aramco and SABIC in decarbonizing multiple sectors, including energy, aviation, transportation, chemicals and fertilizer industries,” he added. 

SABIC is exploring opportunities to utilize hydrogen for green chemistry to strengthen its sustainable solution offerings, said Fahad Al-Sherehy, SABIC vice president, energy efficiency and carbon management. 

In 2020, Aramco and SABIC collaborated on the world’s first shipment of blue ammonia, a carrier of hydrogen, from Saudi Arabia to Japan, with 40 tons dispatched for use in low-carbon power generation.

Aramco has recently announced its target to produce up to 11 million tons per annum of blue ammonia by 2030, and is currently developing carbon capture and hydrogen capabilities, the statement added. 


Egypt’s Sawiris proposed as adidas chairman after brand posts record 2025 results

Updated 7 sec ago
Follow

Egypt’s Sawiris proposed as adidas chairman after brand posts record 2025 results

JEDDAH: Adidas has nominated Egyptian billionaire and board member Nassef Sawiris as its next chairman, succeeding Thomas Rabe.

The move comes as the German sportswear group reported strong 2025 results, with revenue rising 13 percent to a record €24.8 billion ($29 billion) and net income from continuing operations surging nearly 70 percent under CEO Bjorn Gulden.

Rabe, 60, has chaired adidas’ supervisory board since 2020 after joining in 2019. He is also chairman and CEO of Bertelsmann Management SE and CEO of RTL Group.

Cairo-born Sawiris, 65, is an investor and scion of Egypt’s wealthiest family, with an estimated net worth of $9.6 billion, according to Forbes. He runs OCI, one of the world’s largest nitrogen fertilizer producers, and oversees Orascom Construction.

His holdings include nearly 6 percent of adidas through his investment vehicle NNS.

Sawiris’ appointment is subject to shareholder approval at the May 7 annual general meeting. The supervisory board has also proposed extending Gulden’s contract to the end of 2030, following the turnaround he has led since early 2023.

“Following the Annual General Meeting, the Supervisory Board intends to elect Nassef Sawiris as Chairman of the Supervisory Board. He is to succeed Thomas Rabe as Chairman, whose term of office will end as planned at the close of the upcoming Annual General Meeting,” adidas group said in a statement.

“With Nassef Sawiris, the Supervisory Board will win an experienced entrepreneur and investor as Supervisory Board Chairman. Nassef has already accompanied adidas for many years as a Supervisory Board member and has contributed significantly to the strategic development of the company,” Rabe said.

He added that Sawiris’ significant shareholding in adidas through NNS underscores his strong and long-term commitment to the company and alignment with shareholder interests.

Sawiris, deputy chairman of the Supervisory Board since 2025, expressed his delight at the nomination, emphasizing that with vast opportunities in such an attractive industry, it is especially important for him to actively help shape adidas’s future alongside his colleagues and the executive board.

“I greatly appreciate the achievements of Bjorn and his team so far, and I am looking forward to continuing our close collaboration as we jointly guide adidas into its next chapter,” he said, extending thanks to Rabe for his long-standing leadership, the trustful collaboration, and his achievements for the company.