Energy

What We Learned: John Crane’s role in driving sustainability and innovation in oil and gas

Following our ongoing exploration of industry leaders shaping energy’s future, John Crane emerges as a vital partner in advancing efficiency, sustainability, and talent development within oil and gas.
Vice President of Sales for the Middle East and Africa, Amjad AlQaqa’a, highlighted in our July cover story how the company combines a century of engineering heritage with forward-thinking solutions to meet evolving sector challenges.
Investing in talent for a sustainable future
John Crane recognises that sustainable progress depends on people as much as technology. Initiatives like the collaboration with Jubail Technical College in Saudi Arabia and the DISCOVER Graduate Engineers Programme underscore the company’s commitment to developing the next generation of engineers. Efforts to improve gender diversity are also gaining momentum, with eight Saudi women now part of John Crane’s local workforce—a significant stride in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
Technology at the core of operational excellence
John Crane’s advanced portfolio—including mechanical seals, filtration systems, and asset management tools—is designed to enhance equipment reliability and efficiency, directly contributing to emissions reduction goals. Their dry gas seal technology, for example, recently enabled a Middle East pipeline station to cut CO₂ emissions by 98%, showcasing tangible environmental impact.
Innovation meets digital transformation
The company is actively embracing digital solutions such as IoT and digital twins to improve predictive maintenance and asset management. These technologies allow real-time condition monitoring, minimising downtime, optimising performance, and supporting sustainability targets across the oil and gas lifecycle.
Enduring reliability across harsh environments
John Crane’s engineered solutions extend beyond seals to include filtration and coupling technologies designed to withstand extreme operational conditions. This holistic approach ensures long-term equipment health and operational continuity, vital for upstream, downstream, and petrochemical sectors.
Leading the transition toward low-carbon energy
With over 5,000 mechanical seals installed in hydrogen applications worldwide—including significant regional deployments—John Crane is aligned with ambitious goals like Saudi Arabia’s target to supply 25% of global hydrogen demand by 2030. The company actively supports decarbonisation pathways through emerging technologies such as sustainable fuels and carbon capture.
Looking ahead
As the oil and gas industry navigates tightening environmental regulations and shifting priorities, John Crane’s blend of talent investment, technological innovation, and commitment to sustainability positions it as a trusted partner. “Our mission is to support a secure, efficient, and sustainable future for energy worldwide,” says AlQaqa’a, reflecting the company’s enduring focus on impact.