Sandpiper Chemicals selects Air Water Gas Solutions to supply industrial gases via ASU for its 1.1 million-ton Texas blue methanol plant.
Sandpiper Chemicals, LLC has announced a significant milestone in the development of its large-scale blue methanol project with the selection of Air Water Gas Solutions Inc. as its presumptive supplier of industrial gases. The Partnership will support Sandpiper’s upcoming blue methanol production facility located in Texas City, Texas, a project that is expected to play an important role in advancing low-carbon fuel solutions for global markets.
As part of this collaboration, Air Water Gas Solutions will be responsible for the full lifecycle delivery of critical industrial gas infrastructure for the facility. This includes the engineering, design, construction, ownership, and long-term operation of a dedicated air separation unit (ASU). The ASU will be purpose-built to meet the specific operational requirements of Sandpiper’s plant and will supply essential gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, and instrument air. These gases are fundamental to ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable methanol production at an industrial scale.
Once operational, Sandpiper’s Texas City facility is expected to produce approximately 1.1 million metric tons of blue methanol annually. Blue methanol, which is produced using Natural Gas combined with carbon capture technologies, is increasingly being viewed as a lower-carbon alternative to conventional methanol. It has growing demand across a range of applications, including marine fuels, chemicals, and energy transition pathways aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The selection of a reliable industrial gas partner is therefore a critical component of the project’s technical and commercial success.
Commenting on the announcement, Rod J. Ragan, Chief Executive Officer of Sandpiper Chemicals, expressed confidence in the partnership and highlighted its strategic importance. He noted that Air Water Gas Solutions will be a key long-term partner for the project, supporting both the implementation and ongoing operation of the blue methanol facility. According to Ragan, Air Water’s expertise and capabilities align well with Sandpiper’s objectives of delivering a robust, efficient, and sustainable production platform while meeting the plant’s industrial gas requirements over the long term.
From Air Water Gas Solutions’ perspective, the selection represents an important opportunity to strengthen its footprint in the United States industrial gas market. Ishmael Chalabi, Chief Executive Officer of Air Water Gas Solutions, Inc., stated that the company is proud to have been chosen for Sandpiper’s blue methanol project. He emphasized Air Water’s long-standing track record in supplying dependable and cost-competitive industrial gases, as well as its ability to deliver integrated engineering and operational solutions to customers worldwide.
Chalabi further highlighted that participation in the Texas City blue methanol facility aligns with Air Water’s broader strategy of supporting energy transition projects and expanding its presence in key growth markets. By contributing its technical expertise and operational experience, Air Water aims to ensure consistent gas supply performance that supports Sandpiper’s production targets and sustainability goals.
Overall, the collaboration between Sandpiper Chemicals and Air Water Gas Solutions underscores the growing momentum behind blue methanol as a transitional fuel and chemical feedstock. It also reflects the importance of strategic partnerships in delivering complex, capital-intensive energy infrastructure projects. With Air Water providing essential industrial gas systems and Sandpiper advancing its large-scale production plans, the Texas City facility is positioned to become a notable contributor to the evolving low-carbon fuels landscape in the United States.
