The Jubail-based Saudi Aramco Shell Refinery Company (Sasref) completed its largest turnaround in March 2003, the first time all five operational areas were completed simultaneously. The turnaround—a modification, maintenance and inspection project—involved more than one million man-hours.
The facility was shut down earlier March for the planned maintenance program. Most of the work was done either on time or ahead of schedule, according to a company press release. All the major objectives for work, safety and quality were accomplished, and the cost remained below budget.
The project involved more than 5,000 contract laborers and more than 7,000 pieces of equipment. Sasref inspectors were aided by inspectors from India, South Africa, Nigeria, the Philippines, England, the Netherlands, Germany and Saudi Arabia.
Sasref is a joint venture between Saudi Aramco and Shell, established in Jubail in 1980. Its main business is refining crude oil from Saudi Aramco to produce over 300,000 barrel of oul per day. The company produces LPG, naphtha, fuel oil, gas oil, benzene, long residues, sulphur and kerosene.
Ninety percent of Sasref’s products are exported around the world, while the remaining 10 percent are sold within Saudi Arabia. — (menareport.com)
© 2003 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
