thyssenkrupp Uhde, a leading global provider of chemical technology solutions, has announced a significant five-year framework service agreement with Brunei Fertilizer Industries Sdn Bhd (BFI).

The core of this partnership involves the development and implementation of a sophisticated digital twin for BFI's state-of-the-art fertilizer complex. This virtual replica of the physical plant will provide BFI with real-time monitoring capabilities, enabling proactive identification of potential issues and facilitating predictive maintenance strategies. thyssenkrupp Uhde will provide specialized training programs to empower BFI's workforce in effectively utilizing this advanced digital technology.

Beyond operational enhancements, the agreement underscores a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. thyssenkrupp Uhde will conduct a thorough evaluation of opportunities to minimize the carbon footprint of a potential future fertilizer complex for BFI. This includes a comprehensive feasibility study into the production of sustainable ammonia. The evaluation will explore the integration of blue ammonia production, which involves capturing carbon emissions during the ammonia production process, and green ammonia production, which utilizes renewable energy sources.

The existing BFI plant, designed and built by thyssenkrupp Uhde, is a fully integrated complex featuring an ammonia plant with a daily production capacity of 2,200 metric tons, alongside urea and urea granulation plants, each capable of producing 3,900 tons per day. Since its commissioning, the plant has enabled Brunei to become a significant producer of high-quality nitrogen fertilizer, primarily for the export market. Nitrogen is a vital nutrient for agriculture, making this partnership crucial for ensuring a sustainable and efficient supply chain for this essential agricultural input. This collaboration between thyssenkrupp Uhde and Brunei Fertilizer Industries signifies a forward-thinking approach towards a more sustainable and digitally advanced future for the fertilizer industry.

Dr. Harri Kiiski, CEO of Brunei Fertilizer Industries, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, "This agreement is a testament to the excellent cooperation between BFI and thyssenkrupp Uhde. Together, we are committed to driving innovation and sustainability in the fertilizer industry. The development of a digital twin and the exploration of low-emission ammonia projects are key steps towards achieving our environmental objectives." He further added, "Reducing our environmental impact is at the core of our efforts, particularly in improving the carbon footprint of our products. We are identifying strategies to cut emissions during production and transportation. With one of the most advanced plants globally, we inherently operate at a lower carbon footprint than older facilities, which typically average 50 years in operation."

Nadja Håkansson, CEO of thyssenkrupp Uhde, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration, commenting, "We are proud to support BFI in its ambitious journey towards innovation and sustainability. By leveraging our technology and implementation expertise, we create lasting value for our customer and set new standards in operational excellence."