Petrochemical
Ketjen, Aramco join forces to develop next-gen refinery catalysts
The collaboration unites Ketjen’s expertise in FCC catalyst innovation with Aramco’s decades of refining experience
-
By ICN Bureau | March 27, 2026
Ketjen Corporation, a leader in catalyst and specialty chemicals, has teamed up with Saudi Aramco Technologies Company (SATC), a subsidiary of Aramco, in a new Joint Development Agreement (JDA) aimed at revolutionizing Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) catalysts and additives.
The partnership is designed to boost refinery efficiency, increase high-value product yields, and reduce environmental impact.
The collaboration unites Ketjen’s expertise in FCC catalyst innovation with Aramco’s decades of refining experience. Together, the companies will co-develop proprietary catalysts and additives, combining cutting-edge R&D with operational insights to optimize refinery performance and minimize the environmental footprint.
“This collaboration is expected to support the development of next-generation catalyst solutions, aligning with Aramco’s global operational strategies and setting a new standard for efficiency and performance across the industry,” said Bob Leliveld, Chief Technology Officer at Ketjen.
Faisal Al-Otaibi, Director of Aramco’s Research and Development Center, added: “By co-developing next-generation catalysts and FCC solutions with Ketjen, we are not only optimizing processes but also setting a new benchmark for the industry. This partnership is expected to accelerate our ability to unlock molecular-level efficiency, reduce emissions, and convert raw materials into higher-value products. Our collaboration with Ketjen reflects our ongoing focus on continuous improvement and operational excellence.”
The JDA underscores both companies’ commitment to advancing the refining sector with precision-engineered solutions that enhance resource utilization, drive efficiency, and deliver environmental benefits. Analysts say the collaboration could set a new benchmark in FCC technology, pushing the boundaries of yield optimization and sustainable refinery operations.
