Ketjen and Aramco partner to develop advanced FCC catalysts, aiming to boost refinery efficiency, increase yields, and reduce environmental impact globally.
Ketjen Corporation, a globally recognized innovator in catalysts and specialty chemicals, has entered into a strategic partnership with Saudi Aramco Technologies Company (SATC), the technology arm of Aramco. The two organizations have signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) aimed at collaboratively designing, testing, and commercializing advanced Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) catalysts and performance-enhancing additives. This initiative is intended to strengthen refinery efficiency across Aramco’s global operations while also supporting efforts to reduce environmental impact.
The collaboration leverages the complementary strengths of both companies. By combining Ketjen’s deep expertise in catalyst innovation with SATC’s extensive research infrastructure and operational insights, the partnership seeks to accelerate the creation of next-generation FCC solutions. These new materials are expected to improve refining processes by boosting the production of high-value outputs such as gasoline and propylene, while also contributing to more sustainable and efficient operations.
A key objective of this agreement is to enhance overall refinery performance through the development of proprietary catalyst technologies. These innovations are designed to enable better feedstock conversion, optimize yield distribution, and lower emissions associated with refining activities. By focusing on both performance and sustainability, the collaboration aligns with the broader industry push toward cleaner and more efficient energy production systems.
This strategic initiative also reflects a shared commitment to innovation-driven growth. Aramco brings decades of experience in refining and catalyst application, while Ketjen contributes advanced R&D capabilities and manufacturing excellence in FCC catalyst development. The integration of these strengths is expected to result in highly tailored, precision-engineered catalyst solutions that can meet the evolving demands of modern refineries.
Bob Leliveld, Chief Technology Officer at Ketjen Corporation, emphasized the importance of the partnership, noting that Ketjen’s long-standing expertise in FCC technologies makes it well-positioned to collaborate with a global energy leader. He highlighted that the joint effort is expected to set new benchmarks in catalyst performance, efficiency, and operational reliability across the refining sector.
Similarly, Faisal Al-Otaibi, Director of Aramco’s Research and Development Center, underscored the strategic value of the collaboration. He stated that working with Ketjen on next-generation FCC catalysts will not only enhance refining processes but also help establish new industry standards. According to him, the partnership is expected to accelerate advancements at the molecular level, enabling more efficient conversion of raw materials into premium products while reducing emissions and improving sustainability metrics.
Beyond immediate technological gains, the agreement represents a long-term commitment to innovation and industry leadership. Both companies aim to address the increasing complexity of global energy markets by developing solutions that improve operational efficiency and environmental performance simultaneously. The collaboration also highlights their shared vision of driving continuous improvement and maintaining competitiveness in a rapidly evolving sector.
Through this joint development initiative, Ketjen and Aramco reaffirm their dedication to advancing refining technologies. The agreement is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of FCC catalyst innovation, helping refineries achieve higher productivity, better resource utilization, and reduced environmental impact. Ultimately, the partnership seeks to deliver cutting-edge solutions that meet the growing demand for cleaner, more efficient energy production worldwide.
