Saudi Aramco, otherwise known as the Saudi Arabian Oil Company, has announced that it has expanded itsIn-Kingdom Total Value Add (IKTVA) localization program with thesigning of six newMemoranda of Understanding (MoUs).
The development includes plans to forge new international partnerships, boost domestic produce, and breathe new life into local supply chains in a variety of sectors, including 3D printing.
Amin H. Nasser, President and CEO of Aramco, states: “Today’s announcement is a step change in Aramco’s pioneering IKTVA program which was launched in 2015. Despite the uncertainties surrounding the global economy, we have sustained our focus on our long-term goals to enable growth and development for a thriving ecosystem and a more diversified Saudi economy.”
The IKTVA localization program
According to Aramco, the company has a long history of supporting the Kingdom’s domestic business sphere. The IKTVA program is one of the products of this commitment, drawing business to the local area and increasing employment opportunities for the Saudi people. Since the program’s launch, Aramco’s local content index has reportedly increased from 35% in 2015 to 56% in 2020.
Ahmad Al-Saadi, Senior Vice President of Technical Services at Aramco, adds: “Our planned partnerships will continue this journey and advance the Kingdom’s economic progress. We intend to act as an enabler, supporting the growth of national champions. Today we are expanding our flagship program, and expect more partnerships in the future.”
Six new MoUs
Of the six new MoUs, the agreement with Chinese 3D printer OEMSuzhou XDMinvolves collaborating on the development and propagation of new industrial laser-based powder bed fusion systems in Saudi Arabia. While the region is not known for its heavy use of additive manufacturing technology, Aramco has hopes that the partnership will change this, and push fresh talent towards realizing the potential of 3D printing.
其他五个备忘录组成战略伙伴关系s with energy ventureShell & AMG Recycling, Shen Gong New Materials, sensor manufacturerXinfoo, tech firmSUPCON, and steelmakerPOSCO. Aramco has stated plans to launch new businesses with these companies in their respective sectors, which includesteel plate manufacturing, energy management, digital equipment manufacturing, catalyst manufacturing, and advanced smart chip manufacturing.
Nasser explains: “These new partnerships will contribute to advancing innovation, sustainability and enhance the scale of reliability in our business ecosystem and, in addition, benefit companies operating in the Kingdom’s vast energy and chemicals sector. These partnerships will also have a strong focus on new technologies, by maximizing our investments in non-metallic materials and the circular carbon economy, as well as the development of talented Saudis in communities where we operate.”
Earlier this year,Oklahoma-based precision machining companyDuncan Machine Productsannounced plans to3D print oil and gas componentsusing metal 3D printing technology from Californian OEMVELO3D.As a major supplier to the energy and aerospace industries, Duncan will use metal additive manufacturing to improve both part performance and reduce lead times for its customers.
More recently, energy industry consortiumDNV GLcompleted two Joint Innovation Projects (JIPs) establishing guidelines for the production and qualification of3D printed parts for the oil and gas and maritime industries. The projects involved two years of work and contributions from 20 major partners, includingBP,Shell, andSLM Solutions.
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Featured image shows an Aramco facility and employee. Photo via Aramco.
