MMG announces ME’s largest SAF facility

Mercantile & Maritime Group (MMG) announced the launch of a mega biofuel processing plant at its MENA Terminals facility in Fujairah. This ambitious project, valued at AED 2.2bn ($0.6m), will significantly expand the terminal’s capacity and produce up to 150m liters of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) annually.

The new facility, which is expected to be operational by 2026, will contribute nearly 10% of the current global SAF production.

“This expansion is a significant step forward for Mercantile & Maritime Group and sustainable energy across the UAE,” said Murtaza Lakhani, CEO of MMG. “We are deeply grateful to the UAE’s wise leadership and His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah, for their enduring support and vision, which has been pivotal in making this milestone possible.”

Lakhani further emphasised the environmental benefits of producing SAF locally: “By producing SAF locally, we are reducing the nation’s reliance on imports, thereby lessening carbon emissions and minimizing environmental impact across the entire supply chain, including traditional shipping methods. Alternatively, we will utilize the local rail network to transport SAF across the UAE, with future plans for regional distribution.”

The new facility will incorporate advanced artificial intelligence to optimise refinery operations and maintenance, ensuring adherence to global standards set by IATA, CORSIA, and RED III.