Updated PGS-12 code: Preparing for increased ammonia imports to the Netherlands

 

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Learn more in our post-webinar discussion article.

The Dutch national guideline for ammonia storage and handling is known as PGS-12. In preparation for increased volumes of ammonia imports, PGS-12 has been updated and modernized over the past few years. This process was steered by a working group composed of industry, government, permitting authorities, and first responders, and changes to the code were achieved by a consensus-based decision making process. In this webinar, we welcome three of the working group participants to present their perspectives on the “new” PGS-12, and explain how it will help unlock increased ammonia imports to the Netherlands.

The Port of Rotterdam is the largest port in Europe. By 2050, it aims to import up to 18 million tons of hydrogen per year, mainly as ammonia. Various import terminal projects have already been announced, with numerous projects including ammonia cracking to produce pipeline-quality hydrogen.

OCI currently operates a large-scale ammonia terminal in the Port of Rotterdam, processing 400,000 tons per annum. In the long-term, this terminal will be upgraded and expanded to process 1.2 million tons per year. OCI was granted one of the first permits under the new PGS-12, and will construct a new 60,000 ton ammonia storage tank onsite.

Chane (previously Koole Terminals) is developing multi-million tonne ammonia import and distribution terminals in Rotterdam and Duisburg. It signed numerous Letters of Intent with launching customers (including Horisont Energi and Hyphen), and is now working towards binding commercial term sheets. Chane recently performed a study in the Netherlands regarding the societal acceptance of ammonia for its role in the energy transition.

To discuss PGS-12, new import terminals, and other key developments, Mark Stoelinga (Port of Rotterdam), Gert-Jan De Geus (OCI) & Tamme Mekkes (Chane) were joined in conversation by AEA Technology Manager Kevin Rouwenhorst on Tuesday 30 July @ 4PM CEST.