Yara acquires German SCR supplier H+H Umwelt

15 January 2014

Yara International acquired H+H Umwelt und Industrietechnik GmbH, a German supplier of selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems for marine and stationary engines. With the acquisition, Yara—a Norway-based fertilizer manufacturer—became the only company who can supply both SCR technology and urea, the NOx reductant consumed in SCR systems. The financial terms were not disclosed.

Through this acquisition, said the company, “Yara continues to develop into a global Emission-to-Air abatement company, building a comprehensive portfolio of NOx reduction systems.” Yara has been already supplying SNCR (selective non-catalytic reduction) NOx abatement technology for stationary industrial plants.

H+H Umwelt und Industrietechnik designs and provides SCR exhaust gas treatment systems for NOx reduction from marine engines and stationary land engines. Founded in 1998 and based in Hargesheim, Germany, H+H has over 1200 installed SCR units operating around the world.

"There are clear synergies in bringing together technological know-how with Yara's expertise and scale in reagent production and supply, enabling Yara to provide customers with a complete portfolio of NOx reduction solutions. This acquisition represents a firm step towards becoming a global provider of environmental solutions, including NOx reduction for diesel vehicles, industrial plants and now ships," said Yves Bonte, the Head of Yara's Industrial segment.

SCR aftertreatment is envisioned as a major technology for meeting IMO Tier III emission standards for ships. The Tier III standards are to become effective in NOx Emission Control Areas (ECA), including the North American ECA, from 2016 (but may be postponed to 2021).

Source: Yara