Haldor Topsoe Takes Control of Ferrostaal JV

Danish technology and catalysis group Haldor Topsoe has bought out partner Ferrostaal’s 50% stake in their Ferrostaal Topsoe Projects joint venture, gaining full control. Financial terms were not disclosed.

The move strengthens Topsoe’s business within the ammonia, methanol, gas-to-liquids and refinery sectors. “By adding the competency of project planning and development to our strong technology portfolio we can offer even better service to our customers. Going forward, our complete offerings entail licensing, basic engineering, catalysts, proprietary equipment, services and project development,” said Amy Hebert, Haldor Topsoe’s deputy CEO & executive vice president chemicals.

The transaction completed on Aug. 3 and Topsoe expects to have fully integrated the business by Sept. 1. Ferrostaal Topsoe Projects will be rebranded as Topsoe Project Development, but will retain its base in Essen, Germany.

In separate news, Topsoe has been appointed by contractor TechnipFMC to provide a license and basic engineering for two gas-based ammonia plants for India’s Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Ltd. (HURL).

The two fertilizer complexes in Sindri and Barauni will each comprise plants producing 726,000 t/y ammonia and 1.27 million t/y urea. Technip FMC and partner L&T Hydrocarbon Engineering India are building the units.

The plants are part of the Indian government’s plans to revive its fertilizer industry and ensure the country’s self sufficiency in urea fertilizers.

In 2015, Topsoe won a contract to provide a technology license, basic engineering and catalysts for a 726,000 t/y ammonia plant for the Ramagundam Fertilizer Project. The plant – also one of India’s revival projects – is scheduled to start operations in the fourth quarter of 2018.