thyssenkrupp Uhde to license urea granulation technology for Australian plant

thyssenkrupp Fertilizer Technology, a branch of thyssenkrupp Uhde, has entered into a contract with Saipem, an Italian engineering and construction leader, to license its UFT fluid-bed urea granulation technology for a urea granulation unit in Karratha, Western Australia. This licensing agreement is part of a broader project undertaken for Perdaman Chemicals and Fertilisers, a multinational company based in Western Australia, focusing on fertilizer production and agricultural support.

The Karratha project is a collaborative effort between Clough, a Western Australian company, and Saipem, forming a 50/50 joint venture. Perdaman’s new facility is expected to significantly contribute to the local economy and agriculture sector.

thyssenkrupp’s role in the project includes licensing, providing the process design package, and supplying the main equipment for Saipem’s urea project. The UFT technology, renowned for its efficiency and low emissions, is instrumental in producing over 70% of the world’s urea granules, thereby playing a crucial role in global food supply and environmental conservation.

The new urea granulation unit in Karratha, designed to produce 6,200 metric tons per day across two identical trains, will utilize two granulators and two exhaust air scrubbers supplied by thyssenkrupp. This technology is already in use in over 70 plants worldwide, underscoring its reliability and effectiveness in the fertilizer industry.

Perdaman’s urea project is set to boost the Western Australian economy, creating approximately 2,000 jobs during its three-year construction phase and over 200 permanent positions upon completion.

Dr. Cord Landsmann, CEO of thyssenkrupp Uhde, expressed pride in the company’s role as a key technology supplier in the fertilizer industry, emphasizing the efficiency and environmental compliance of their UFT technology.

Vikas Rambal, Chairman of Perdaman, highlighted the project’s significance as Australia’s largest downstream investment, contributing to a reliable source of high-quality urea for farmers and food producers. Rambal’s confidence in thyssenkrupp’s expertise reflects the company’s standing as a reliable solution provider in the fertilizer industry.