Business

Infineum launches Energy Applications unit to focus on electrification, sustainability

Energy Applications business unit will oversee activities for three strategic functions: Enabling Electrification, Industry and Infrastructure, and New Business Development.

Published

3 weeks ago

September 24, 2024

Admin

Infineum launches Energy Applications unit to focus on electrification, sustainability

International fuel additives company Infineum on Monday (23 September) announced earlier this year that they have taken a significant step in driving the industry towards a more sustainable future by restructuring its corporate structure into two strategic business units: Sustainable Transportation and Energy Applications.

The Energy Applications business unit will oversee activities for three strategic functions: ENEL (Enabling Electrification), I&I (Industry and Infrastructure), and NBD (New Business Development). This integration of resources will ultimately boost operational excellence, unlock new ways of working, and streamline decision-making.

The move into two strategic business units represents Infineum’s strategic transformation into a sustainable future, with clear objectives to enable the organisation to expand the deployment of its current product offerings into more markets and hasten its decarbonisation and electrification strategies.

Bruce Royan, who has spent 25 years in various commercial planning roles at Infineum, has assumed the role of EVP of Energy Applications to lead the business unit.

“Infineum’s decades of experience in developing high-performance fuels and lubricants additives for the transportation sector provides a robust foundation for creating innovative solutions for the energy applications market,” said Bruce Royan.

“The Energy Applications unit will have the benefit of finding synergies across the organisation’s deep understanding of fluid chemistry, material science, and performance optimisation as it moves to address unique challenges posed by emerging energy technologies.”

In Asia Pacific, Infineum recognises that it has an important role in solving the challenges of the sustainability transition underway in the region. In July 2023, it announced plans to collaborate with energy providers and site partners to expand solar farms, improve the renewable energy mix, and optimise its facilities in Asia and globally. It also announced its intention for a $20 million annual investment in capital improvements to its manufacturing facilities.

“From the emissions-reducing engine lubricant in India to our Infineum P5500 chemistry products in Singapore, Infineum is increasingly making an impact on every corner of the Asia Pacific region,” said John Hong, Asia Pacific Sales Director and Country Head, Infineum. “We are excited to be able to expand our offerings into energy applications, and we look forward to fast-tracking the development and deployment of new solutions in the region’s continued transition towards sustainability, as we continue to work closely with our existing partners and customers in developing innovative chemistries to support the introduction of exciting new vehicle technologies and fuels, helping our customers to achieve their ambitions.”

The three strategic functions and latest updates under Energy Applications are as follows:

ENEL: Enabling Electrification’s focus on enabling electrification extends beyond traditional driveline technologies. By focusing on research and development for advanced fluids, ENEL is poised to capitalise on the growing global EV market. With a strategic pivot towards axle gear oil, ENEL is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of this industry. This re-entry into the axle gear oil market aligns with Infineum's broader strategy of expanding its product portfolio and diversifying into new market segments. ENEL offers high-quality, sustainable solutions that address the unique requirements of automotive applications.
I&I: Industry and Infrastructure provides chemical solutions for improving the efficiency and sustainability of conventional fossil fuels in the applications that will be electrified or de-carbonised at a slower pace and is an enabler for the energy transition such as via the introduction of increasing levels of renewable fuels. Its product line-up features chemical solutions like combustion improvers that bring sustainability performance benefits in fossil fuel use and solutions like emulsion stabilisers and wax inhibitors that enhance operational efficiency and safety.
NBD: The NBD function retains its remit of innovation-making and the development of sustainable growth opportunities. Themes around electrification and decarbonisation have always been part of Infineum’s sustainability roadmap and looking to participate or enable these transitions will be one of the main selection criteria for projects Infineum invests in and takes forward. Battery development is a key strategic focus for NBD.

The Energy Applications business unit is also expected to play a pivotal role in supporting Infineum's strategic diversification into new markets and its ongoing ambition for carbon reduction.

By leveraging synergies from the organisation's technology and operational excellence, Infineum aims to accelerate its path towards net-zero scope 1 and 2 emissions from operated assets by 2050.

This ambitious goal is further bolstered by the launch of energy applications, which will complement the existing focus on sustainable transportation solutions and contribute significantly to the emission intensity reduction ambition of 50% by 2030.

Photo credit: Infineum
Published: 24 September, 2024

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China: Zhoushan to host 7th IPEC commodities, bunker conferences on 16 to 17 October

Global marine bunker development will be among main topics of discussion at the 7th International Petroleum and Natural Gas Enterprises Conference (IPEC).

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China: Zhoushan to host 7th IPEC commodities, bunker conferences on 16 to 17 October

The 7th International Petroleum and Natural Gas Enterprises Conference (IPEC) is taking place at Zhoushan, Zhejiang province, China between 16 to 17 October.

The agenda, provided by the Zhoushan High-tech Zone Administrative Committee to foreign event media partner Singapore bunkering publication Manifold Times, is as follows:

16 October

Registration and sign-in for participating guests
Meetings between Zhejiang Provincial and Zhoushan Municipal leaders with VIPs

17 October

Morning

Plenary Session of the Conference (Oriental Hall, Zhoushan International Conference Center)

Leader’s speech, guest keynote speech, signing of major projects

Discussion Topics [*17 October, 2pm to 5pm]

Focus Topic Meeting: Global marine bunker development*
Location: Haitian Hall, Haizhongzhou International Hotel, Zhoushan

14:00-14:05 - Opening of the Meeting

14:05-14:15 - Speech by Leaders

14:15-14:30 - Announcement of "Top Ten Global Bunkering Ports" and "Top Ten Global Bunkering Companies"

14:30-14:40 - Announcement of Construction Work of Northeast Asia Bonded Marine Fuel Bunkering Hub

14:40-14:50 – Launch ceremony of Zhoushan "White-list" Bunker Barge Mass Flow Meter System Pilot Certification Programme

14:50-15:10 - Signing Ceremony

15:10-16:10 - Keynote speech

16:10-16:35 - Coffee break

16:35-17:05 - Roundtable forum (Topic: Facing green and low-carbon transformation in global shipping, how do marine fuels change in response to the trend?)

17:05-17:35 - Roundtable forum (Topic: The road to develop high-quality offshore fuel bunkering metering under the new developments)

17:35-17:40 - Moderator’s summary

Utilising financial innovation, futures and spot cooperation to promote the construction of a hub for the allocation of bulk commodity resources*
Location: Putuo Hall, Zhoushan International Conference Center

Open development of global shipping trade*
Location: Donghai Hall, Hilton Zhoushan

International iron ore trade development*
Location: Banquet Hall 1/3, The Westin Zhujiajian Resort, Zhoushan

Development of China's new chemical materials industry during the “15th Five-Year Plan”*
Location: Banquet Hall 1/3, The Westin Zhujiajian Resort, Zhoushan

Development of non-ferrous metal mining industry*
Location: Lianhua Ocean Hall, Hilton Zhoushan

16 and 17 October
International maritime law of the free trade port (zone)
Location: Fortune Hall, Zhoushan CaiFu Hotel

Photo credit: Zhoushan High-tech Zone Administrative Committee
Published: 11 October, 2024

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SIBCON 2024: Vitol anticipates securing LNG bunker licence in Singapore

‘It would be unthinkable not to deploy at least one of the three barges Vitol has on order in Singapore,’ says Vitol’s Head of Asia Mike Muller during a panel discussion.

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SIBCON 2024: Vitol anticipates securing LNG bunker licence in Singapore

Energy trader Vitol’s Head of Asia Mike Muller on Wednesday (9 October) said the company is anticipating being granted a LNG bunker licence in Singapore soon.

“It would be unthinkable not to deploy at least one of the three barges Vitol has on order in Singapore,” he said.

Mike Muller made the announcement during the Viewing the Energy Transition Through the Lens panel discussion at the 23rd Singapore International Bunkering Conference (SIBCON).

“We expect to see growth in LNG use as a bunker fuel for at least another decade, and probably longer,” he added.

On the increasing uptake of biofuels, he said Vitol is seeing demand for biofuel blended bunkers in Singapore roughly doubling every year at the moment, heading for around 1 million mt this year and maybe 2 million mt next year.

“Demand for 100% biofuel from shipping customers is also starting to pick up as of this year and we have led the way in commissioning new IMO type 2 barges to fulfil this demand - indeed an important Asian customer of ours has taken three deliveries of B100 UCOME biofuel just in recent weeks here in Singapore,” Muller explained.

Manifold Times previously reported Vitol securing three LNG Bunkering Vessels (LNGBV) through its shipping company, Vitol International Shipping Pte Ltd (VIS).

The vessels were secured via a seven to ten year time charter agreement with Avenir LNG Limited (Avenir) and an order for two vessels at the CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering Co. Ltd shipyard in Nantong, China.

The time charter agreement with Avenir is for one newbuild 20,000m3 LNGBV. The time charter will commence at delivery from the shipyard in China in Q4 2026 and will serve a period of seven years with options to extend up to ten years in total

Vitol also ordered one 12,500 m3 and one 20,000 m3 LNGBV at the CIMC SOE shipyard in China. The vessels will be delivered in Q4 2026 and Q3 2027 respectively.

Photo credit: Vitol
Published: 11 October, 2024

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SIBCON 2024: Bunker players sign SCMA pledge to drive progress within Maritime Singapore

Bunker players involved include Consort Bunkers, Equatorial Marine Fuel, Golden Island, Hong Lam Marine, Kenoil Marine Services, Marubeni International Petroleum and Sinopec Fuel Oil.

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October 11, 2024

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SIBCON 2024: Bunker players sign SCMA pledge to drive progress within Maritime Singapore

Some 10 bunker players on Tuesday (8 October) signed a pledge with Singapore Chamber of Maritime Arbitration (SCMA) at the 23rd Singapore International Bunkering Conference and Exhibition (SIBCON).

The bunker players involved are Consort Bunkers Pte Ltd, Equatorial Marine Fuel Management Services Pte Ltd, Fratelli Cosulich Bunkers (S) Pte Ltd, Global Energy Trading Pte Ltd, Golden Island Pte Ltd, Hong Lam Marine Pte Ltd, Kenoil Marine Services Pte Ltd, Marubeni International Petroleum (S) Pte Ltd, Sinopec Fuel Oil (Singapore) Pte ltd and Victory Pte Ltd.

SCMA and the pledgees will work together to promote and enhance the capabilities and opportunities within the Maritime Singapore community and ecosystem.

Among the aspirational goals embodied by the SCMA Pledge is that the pledgees give preferential consideration, where appropriate, for the use of the SCMA Arbitration Rules for the resolution of their maritime or international trade disputes.

The bunker players may also use its best endeavours to support the Maritime Singapore community and ecosystem, including contributing to the development and dissemination of best practices as well as providing support and opportunity to young maritime legal and dispute resolution professionals in the form of internships, mentorships, and educational seminars aimed at fostering the next generation of maritime leaders.

SCMA, a specialist arbitration institution, is the only arbitration institution in Singapore focused on maritime and international trade disputes.

It offers the maritime and international trade sectors a set of arbitration rules and guidelines which are flexible and cost effective.

Users of SCMA arbitration include maritime companies, international traders and commodity companies for the resolution of their disputes such as those involving charterparty, bunker, commercial sales, cargo, oil and gas, shipbuilding and ship repair.

Photo credit: Singapore Chamber of Maritime Arbitration
Published: 11 October, 2024