1. INEOS Partners with K.U.M for North Sea Carbon Storage Seismic Monitoring
INEOS, a global chemical company, has partnered with subsea technology experts KUM to implement baseline seismicity monitoring for the Greensand carbon storage project in the North Sea. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in the development of sustainable carbon capture and storage solutions.
Project Overview
The Greensand project aims to store captured carbon dioxide in depleted oil and gas fields beneath the North Sea. By doing so, it seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to global climate change mitigation efforts. The project is part of a broader initiative to develop carbon capture technology as a viable means of achieving net-zero emissions.
Role of KUM
KUM, known for their expertise in subsea technology, will provide the necessary equipment and services to monitor seismic activity in the storage area. This baseline seismicity monitoring is crucial for ensuring the safety and integrity of the storage site. It involves the use of advanced sensors and data analysis techniques to detect and measure any seismic events that may occur.
Importance of Seismicity Monitoring
Monitoring seismic activity is essential for the success of any carbon capture project. It helps to identify potential risks and ensures that the storage site remains stable and secure. By establishing a baseline of seismic activity, KUM can detect any changes that might indicate issues with the storage process, allowing for timely interventions if needed.
INEOS’s Commitment to Sustainability
INEOS’s partnership with KUM underscores its commitment to sustainability and innovation in the energy sector. By investing in cutting-edge technology and collaborating with industry experts, INEOS aims to lead the way in developing effective carbon capture solutions. The Greensand project is a testament to the company’s dedication to reducing its carbon footprint and supporting global efforts to combat climate change.
Conclusion
The collaboration between INEOS and KUM for the Greensand project highlights the importance of seismicity monitoring in ensuring the safety and success of carbon storage initiatives. As the world continues to seek solutions to the climate crisis, projects like Greensand demonstrate the potential of carbon capture technology to make a meaningful impact.
2. Bombardier’s new UAE facility
Bombardier, the renowned Canadian aerospace manufacturer, has announced the development of a new Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility at Al Bateen Executive Airport in Abu Dhabi. This strategic move underscores Bombardier’s commitment to enhancing its global service network and strengthening its presence in the Middle East.
Strategic Location and Facility Details
The new facility, spanning approximately 120,000 square feet, is set to provide comprehensive MRO services for all Bombardier business aircraft, including the Learjet, Challenger, and Global families. The location at Al Bateen Executive Airport is particularly advantageous due to its dedicated focus on business aviation, ensuring a seamless and efficient experience for Bombardier’s clientele.
Job Creation and Economic Impact
At full capacity, the facility aims to create around 100 aerospace jobs, contributing significantly to the local economy. This development aligns with Abu Dhabi’s vision of becoming a leading aviation hub and supports the region’s economic growth.
Construction Timeline
Construction of the new MRO facility is slated to begin in the first half of 2025, with completion and operational readiness expected in the second half of 2026. This timeline reflects Bombardier’s commitment to providing timely and efficient service solutions to its growing customer base in the region.
Leadership Perspectives
Paul Sislian, Executive Vice President of Aftermarket Services and Strategy at Bombardier, expressed his enthusiasm about the new facility: “This location is strategically aligned with all our aftermarket priorities and perfectly matches the needs of our discerning customer base. Our customers are accustomed to receiving an exceptional service experience wherever they are in the world, and this new facility in this dynamic financial hub will ensure they continue to receive the best service experience possible.”
Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports, also highlighted the strategic alignment of the new facility with the airport’s focus on business aviation:
“We are delighted to welcome Bombardier’s new service facility to Al Bateen Executive Airport, building on a strong successful partnership. This move represents a strategic alignment, given the airport’s dedicated focus on business aviation and its ability to provide a seamless and efficient experience for Bombardier’s clientele.”
Conclusion
Bombardier’s new MRO facility in Abu Dhabi marks a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing commitment to the region. By enhancing its service capabilities and creating new job opportunities, Bombardier is poised to play a crucial role in the growth and development of the UAE’s aviation sector.
3. US sends trade mission to Iraq
saad salim via unsplash
In a historic move to strengthen economic ties, the United States has sent its largest trade delegation to Iraq. This significant event marks a pivotal moment in the economic relationship between the two nations, aiming to foster long-term collaboration and mutual growth.
Historic Delegation
The delegation, comprising 101 representatives from 60 American companies, is the largest ever sent to Iraq by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The companies represent key sectors such as energy, technology, and healthcare, highlighting the diverse interests and opportunities for cooperation between the two countries.
Key Agreements and Partnerships
During the three-day visit, which began on April 7, 2025, the delegation engaged in high-level meetings with senior Iraqi officials and business leaders. A pivotal memorandum of understanding was signed between the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Iraqi Chambers of Commerce. This MoU aims to enhance private sector cooperation and foster fair and balanced trade.
One of the standout agreements expected to be signed is with General Electric, focusing on the development of a high-efficiency power plant in Iraq. This project is part of Iraq’s broader strategy to diversify its energy sources and reduce dependence on imports from neighboring countries.
Economic Context
This trade mission comes at a critical time, as both nations seek to navigate the complexities of global economic challenges. The U.S. recently imposed a 39% tariff on Iraqi imports, excluding oil, which has added a layer of urgency to these economic discussions. Despite these tariffs, the U.S. remains committed to strengthening its economic partnership with Iraq.
In 2024, the total goods trade between the U.S. and Iraq reached $9.1 billion, with U.S. exports to Iraq amounting to $1.7 billion and imports from Iraq totaling $7.4 billion. These figures underscore the significant economic interdependence between the two countries.
Looking Ahead
The visit by the U.S. trade delegation is seen as a major step forward in enhancing bilateral relations and promoting economic stability in Iraq. By fostering stronger private sector ties, both nations hope to create a more resilient and prosperous economic future.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has emphasised the importance of these partnerships in supporting Iraq’s ongoing development and stability. The Iraqi government has been actively working to improve the business environment, making it more attractive for foreign investors.
As Iraq continues to rebuild and diversify its economy, the collaboration with the U.S. is expected to play a crucial role in driving growth and innovation across various sectors.
4. Waymo’s self-driving Japanese expansion
In a groundbreaking move, Waymo, the autonomous vehicle subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., has announced its expansion into Tokyo, marking its first venture outside the United States. This strategic initiative aims to test and adapt Waymo’s self-driving technology to the unique driving conditions of Tokyo, one of the world’s most densely populated cities.
Partnership with Nihon Kotsu
Waymo has partnered with Nihon Kotsu, a prominent Tokyo-based taxi service, to facilitate this expansion. Initially, trained drivers from Nihon Kotsu will manually operate Waymo’s vehicles across seven central Tokyo wards, including Minato, Shinjuku, and Shibuya. This phase is crucial for collecting data on local road features, traffic patterns, and infrastructure, which will help Waymo fine-tune its autonomous driving systems to the specific needs of Tokyo’s urban environment.
Testing and Adaptation
Starting April 14, Waymo will deploy 25 of its electric Jaguar I-PACE vehicles for the initial testing phase. These vehicles are equipped with advanced cameras and radars to gather comprehensive data on Tokyo’s roads. The primary goal is to understand the differences in driving environments and adapt the software accordingly. Nicole Gavel, Waymo’s Senior Director, emphasised the importance of this phase, stating, “It’s important for us to understand the difference in driving environment, what makes the driving here unique.”
Future Prospects
While the current focus is on testing and data collection, Waymo has ambitious plans for the future. The company aims to eventually operate fully autonomous robotaxis in Tokyo, providing a new mode of transportation for the city’s residents. This expansion aligns with Waymo’s broader strategy to become a global leader in autonomous transportation, leveraging its technology to enhance urban mobility worldwide.
Conclusion
Waymo’s venture into Tokyo represents a significant milestone in the company’s journey towards global expansion. By partnering with local experts and rigorously testing its technology, Waymo is poised to make a substantial impact on the future of urban transportation in Tokyo and beyond.
