Page 160 - CW E-Magazine (22-10-2024)

News from Abroad

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
Inaugural edition of GPCA’s process safety

conference held in Saudi Arabia

The inaugural Gulf Petrochemicals
and Chemicals Association (GPCA) Pro-
cess Safety Conference, which concluded
recently in Saudi Arabia, brought together
chemical and petrochemical leaders from
across the Gulf to discuss ways to achieve
process safety excellence in the region.
The conference addressed the theme
“Enabling process safety leadership: enrich-
ing knowledge, catalysing commitment”.

Following two workshops on process
safety & operational excellence and the first Mr. Khalid Al-Salem, President of in which they shed light on the impor-
of its kind “Process Safety by Frontlines” The Royal Commission for Jubail and tance of process safety in shaping a more
programme, the conference kicked off with Yanbu, emphasised four key areas for compliant, sustainable and safer indus-
opening remarks by Mr. Abdullah Hassan advancing process safety. He highlighted try future. Dr. Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun,
Al Qahtani, Chief Engineer, Process Risk the growing importance of maintain- Secretary General, GPCA, commented:
Management, SABIC. In his remarks, he ing the reliability of aging plants and “As the chemical industry in the region
said, “The Gulf Process Safety Network equipment, leveraging digitalisation as a adopts new processes and technologies
(GPSN) is a vital initiative by GPCA, dedi- significant opportunity to enhance moni- to improve its Environment, Health,
cated to fostering a robust process safety toring and safety in industrial zones, and Safety and Security (EHS&S) standards,
culture and enhancing knowledge in our focusing on human capital as the criti- it continues to focus on sharing know-
region. Through the powerful stories shared cal success factor through continuous ledge, upskilling its employees – from
by seasoned frontline workers and process knowledge sharing and development. He shopfloor workers all the way to senior
safety survivors, coupled with insights from also warned against the dangers of over- leadership – and raising awareness on
industry leaders, we have gained crucial confidence, stressing that safety must the role of process safety leadership in
learnings. We hope this sets a precedent for remain a priority regardless of expertise. mitigating reputational risk, saving lives
other associations and safety organisations Mr. Abdulrahman Ahmed Shamsaddin, and protecting the environment. Plat-
to follow, giving well-deserved recognition EVP, Manufacturing, SABIC; Mr. Brian forms, such as the inaugural GPCA Pro-
to those on the frontlines who safeguard our Ablett, Asia Pacific & Middle East cess Safety Conference, are the culmina-
operations and, ultimately, save lives. This Regional Director, ExxonMobil; and tion of years of hard work by the GPSN.
is the transformative conversation that the Mr. Shakeel Kadri, Executive Director & Gatherings like these are a vital tool to
industry has been waiting for, and we are CEO, Centre for Chemical Process elevate the industry’s process safety
proud to lead it.” Safety, each delivered a keynote address, performance.”

OPTIMISING PERFORMANCE
Clarios invests in Altris to accelerate development of

low voltage sodium-ion battery systems for vehicles

Clarios, a US-based battery techno- Altris, with the aim of manufacturing lopment agreement (JDA) between Clarios,
logy firm and a portfolio company of low-voltage, sodium-ion (Na-ion) producer of one in three of the world’s
Canadian investment company, Brookfield, batteries for the automotive sector. low-voltage car batteries, and Altris, a leader
has announced a strategic investment in in sodium-ion cathode material and battery
Swedish sodium-ion battery developer, This equity stake builds on a joint deve- cell technology, focused on low-voltage

160 Chemical Weekly October 22, 2024

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