OCI Global achieves first ammonia production at Beaumont facility, advancing operational readiness ahead of planned handover to Woodside Energy in 2026.
OCI Global has announced a significant operational breakthrough at its large-scale ammonia manufacturing project in the United States, confirming that ammonia production has officially commenced at the Beaumont New Ammonia facility located in Beaumont, Texas. This achievement follows the successful completion of comprehensive systems testing across key plant components and represents a major milestone in the project’s development timeline.
The start of ammonia production signals that the facility has transitioned from the construction and commissioning phase into early-stage operations. According to OCI Global, extensive testing and validation processes were undertaken to ensure that all major systems, utilities, and safety mechanisms function as designed. These activities are essential in confirming operational reliability, product quality, and compliance with regulatory and environmental standards before the plant moves toward full commercial readiness.
With ammonia now being produced, OCI Global will shift its focus to the remaining elements of operational preparedness. This includes additional performance testing, fine-tuning of operational protocols, workforce training, and final safety and efficiency checks. These steps are intended to ensure a smooth ramp-up of production volumes and stable long-term operations. The company emphasized that these remaining activities are critical to meeting handover requirements and aligning the facility with the expectations of its future operator.
Once all operational readiness milestones are completed, the facility is expected to be formally handed over to Woodside Energy, with the transition currently targeted for early 2026. The handover will mark the culmination of OCI Global’s role in developing the project and the beginning of Woodside Energy’s operational stewardship. Both companies have previously highlighted the strategic importance of the facility within the broader energy transition landscape.
The Beaumont ammonia project is designed to play a role in supporting evolving global energy markets, particularly as ammonia gains prominence as a versatile molecule with applications across fertilizers, industrial processes, and emerging low-carbon energy pathways. While the current announcement focuses on conventional ammonia production, the facility has been positioned to potentially support lower-carbon initiatives over time, depending on market demand and regulatory developments.
OCI Global, which is listed on Euronext, has stated that achieving first production demonstrates the strength of its project execution capabilities and technical expertise in delivering complex chemical and energy infrastructure. The company views this milestone as validation of years of planning, investment, and collaboration with engineering, construction, and technology partners.
As the project advances toward final handover, stakeholders will closely monitor operational performance, safety metrics, and production stability. Successful completion of the remaining readiness activities will be essential in ensuring that the facility can operate reliably at scale and meet long-term commercial and strategic objectives. Overall, the commencement of ammonia production represents a critical step forward in bringing one of the United States’ most significant new ammonia assets into operation.
