SABIC AN greenlights ammonia and urea complex; EPC awarded to Samsung E&A
- Board approved Final Investment Decision and awarded EPC contract to Samsung E&A.
- Project includes 1.2 million t/yr ammonia plant and two urea plants totaling 2.6 million t/yr.
- Urea capacity increases from 4.8 to 7.4 million t/yr (54% growth).
- Construction starts Q4 2026; commissioning in Q3 2030 and commercial production in Q4 2030; includes carbon capture unit.
Project scope
SABIC Agri‑Nutrients Company approved a Final Investment Decision to build an industrial complex in Saudi Arabia comprising an ammonia plant (1.2 million metric tons per year) and two urea plants (combined 2.6 million metric tons per year). The EPC contract was awarded to Samsung E&A Co., Ltd.
Technology
The ammonia unit will use Kellogg Brown & Root LLC technology. The urea plants will use STAMICARBON B.V and thyssenkrupp Uhde Fertilizer Technology GmbH technologies. A carbon capture unit will use SHELL GLOBAL SOLUTIONS INTERNATIONAL B.V technology.
Capacity and schedule
The urea expansion raises SABIC AN’s capacity from 4.8 to 7.4 million metric tons per year, a 54% increase. Construction is due to start in Q4 2026, with plant commissioning expected in Q3 2030 and commercial production anticipated in Q4 2030.
Strategic rationale
The company says the project supports its 2040 growth strategy and sustainability and carbon neutrality targets, aims to secure reliable supplies for customers, maximize shareholder value, contribute to Saudi Vision 2030, and support global food security. CEO Fahad Al‑Battar described the project as a key pillar of these objectives.
Source: sabic.com