Memorandum of Understanding was signed

As part of the trade mission organized by the Ministry of Economics of Latvia and Investment and Development Agency of Latvia in the United States (USA), on September 16, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the US company "KBR" and the Liepaja Special Economic Zone company “GI Terminal” to accelerate decarbonization through production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and the development a CO2 transport, liquefaction and export terminal in Liepaja. Under the terms of the MoU, KBR will offer technology licensing, proprietary engineering design, proprietary equipment, and catalyst support for the development of a new SAF production unit with an expected capacity of up to 100 kilotons per year. The partnership will also include consulting and engineering services for the development of a CO2 liquefaction terminal, enabling the capture and safe transport of CO2 from industrial sources.

“By partnering with “GI Terminal” company, we are bringing innovative solutions to the forefront of the energy transition,” said Jay Ibrahim, KBR president, Sustainable Technology Solutions. “PureSAF® technology is designed to help the aviation industry meet its decarbonization goals, while reducing the reliance on fossil fuels. At the same time, our CO2 liquefaction solutions will enable the safe transport and sequestration of carbon emissions.”

Irish-based Avia Solutions Group, the world’s largest ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) provider, will be a strategic partner of the “GI Terminal” company. Avia Solutions Group operates a 214-aircraft fleet in total, split between 174 passenger aircraft and 40 freighters, globally. Gediminas Ziemelis, Chairman of Avia Solutions Group, said: “It is critical mission for aviation to reduce the environmental impact from flying over the coming years. Our strategic partnership with LSEZ GI Terminal and KBR will play a crucial role in producing cleaner fuel at scale, meaning more flights than ever can be powered sustainably. Our planned investment into this advanced technology enabling production of both SAF and ESAF, will see this facility become a major player in supplying Sustainable Aviation Fuel to Europe, one of the busiest aviation markets globally.”

Uldis Hmielevskis, CEO of the Liepaja Special Economic Zone, admits, that this SAF production initiative perfectly fits among several other large scale private investment projects to be implemented in territory of Liepaja SEZ in next five to seven years. Land reservation contracts have been signed both for construction of Offshore Wind Park and Heavy Load Cargo terminal, both hydrogen factory and CO2 export terminal. These projects will attract significant investments, ensure presence of sustainable resources of H2, O2, CO2 and waste heat in large volumes and provide possibilities for other manufacturers from different industries.