The UAE’s state-owned Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) sent its first low-carbon ammonia shipment to Europe, the company said in a statement on Thursday. Their initial trial shipment, destined for Hamburg-headquartered copper producer Aurubis, is the first of several low-ammonia cargoes bound for Germany.

A test case for low-carbon ammonia as fuel: Aurubis will use the low-carbon ammonia as a fuel source in its wire rod factory. The company plans to test its efficacy as an energy source with minimal carbon footprint for multi-metal production, according to Adnoc.

The shipment is a part of Adnoc’s expansion plans: Adnoc is developing a new low-carbon ammonia plant that will produce 1 mn tons per year at its industrial services and logistics hub in the Ruwais Industrial Complex, the company said.

A true MENA affair: Adnoc’s low-carbon ammonia was produced by OCI’s nitrogen-fertilizer manufacturer Fertiglobe — in which Adnoc has a stake — at the Fertil Ruwais industrial petrochemical complex in Abu Dhabi.

The UAE is looking to become a major exporter of low-emission fuels, ultimately exporting 25% of the hydrogen it produces to global markets, the statement tells us.