Nextchem, a subsidiary of Maire Tecnimont, has been awarded a licensing and supply contract for a new urea melt and granulation plant in Egypt. The plant will be based on Nextchem’s proprietary technology and will have a capacity of 1,050 metric tonnes per day. The contract was signed with El-Nasr Company for Intermediate Chemicals (NCIC), a leading chemical and fertilizer producer in Egypt.
Nextchem will provide its licensor Stamicarbon with its proprietary technology and equipment for the urea melt and granulation plant. The technology is based on a CO2 stripping process that offers high efficiency, reliability, and environmental performance. The equipment includes a high-pressure synthesis section, a recovery and purification section, a melt and granulation section, and a urea handling and storage section.
The technology and equipment will enable NCIC to produce high-quality urea granules that meet the international standards and specifications. The urea granules are suitable for various applications, such as agriculture, industry, and environmental protection. The plant will also reduce the energy consumption and emissions of the urea production process, contributing to the sustainability goals of NCIC and Egypt.
The project scope and timeline
The project scope includes the licensing, process design package, and technical assistance during the project execution, up to the commissioning and start-up of the plant. The project is expected to be completed within 36 months from the contract signing. The plant will be located in an area 100 km southeast of Cairo, where NCIC has its existing chemical and fertilizer complex.
The project is part of NCIC’s expansion and modernization plan, which aims to increase its production capacity and diversify its product portfolio. The project will also support the development of the chemical and fertilizer industry in Egypt, which is a strategic sector for the country’s economy and food security.
The market outlook and the partnership
The urea market is expected to grow in the coming years, driven by the increasing demand for fertilizers, especially in the emerging markets. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global urea market size was valued at USD 54.1 billion in 2020 and is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.5% from 2021 to 2028.
Nextchem and NCIC have established a long-term partnership, based on mutual trust and cooperation. Nextchem has previously supplied NCIC with its technology and equipment for a urea prilling plant, which was successfully commissioned in 2019. Nextchem has also provided NCIC with engineering and procurement services for a nitric acid plant, which is currently under construction.
Nextchem is a leader in the nitrogen technology market, with more than 250 licensed urea plants worldwide. Nextchem is also active in the fields of hydrogen, circular carbon, fuels, and chemicals, offering sustainable technology solutions and integrated E&C solutions. Nextchem is a subsidiary of Maire Tecnimont, a global industrial group that operates in 45 countries and has over 7,000 employees.
