Egypt lays foundation stone for coking, diesel production complex in Suez

CAIRO – 31 October 2021: Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Tarek El Molla, accompanied by leaders of the petroleum sector, laid the foundation stone for the project of the coking and diesel production complex at the Suez Refinery for the manufacture of petroleum, which will be established at an investment cost of $1.77 billion.

The ministry said in a statement, that this was done within the framework of the ministry's strategy to develop oil refineries in Suez and raise their efficiency and production capacity.

El-Molla explained that the project aims to maximize the production capacities of high-value petroleum products with international specifications, especially butane and diesel, as it allows the production of diesel in accordance with European specifications Euro 5 to reduce import and provide high-quality fuel commensurate with modern car engines, as well as being a model for maximizing the added value by exploiting mazut and converting it into high-value petroleum products to meet the requirements of local consumption.

He pointed out that this project and all the development projects currently underway in the Egyptian oil refineries are being implemented by national companies specialized in the implementation of petroleum projects, as Enppi and Petrojet are participating in the implementation of the coking complex project and the production of new diesel.

During his inspection tour to follow up the development work and projects to increase production capacity that are being implemented in the oil refineries in Suez, El-Molla explained that the ministry's strategy to develop the oil refining industry adopted, about two years ago, the implementation of a roadmap for the comprehensive development of refineries in Suez, which was worked on and reached an advanced stage of implementation.

The minister noted that the development included comprehensive reforms related to production aspects and the addition of new expansions in refineries, as well as the development of the safety and industrial security system and environmental protection to reach the highest levels of safety in operation and to achieve environmental compatibility for projects.

Moreover, the minister and his companions inspected the site of the implementation of the asphalt production plant in the Suez Refinery for the manufacture of petroleum, which was established at an investment cost of $61 million to produce about 1200 tons per day of the asphalt product, as it contributes to fulfilling part of the local consumption requirements of this vital product in light of the urban expansion movement and the establishment of new road networks in the Egyptian state.

El-Molla was briefed on the current situation of the project, which is currently undergoing pre-trial testing, in cooperation between the three companies implementing the project, Enppi, Petrojet and EEPROM.

During his inspection tour of the El-Nasr Petroleum Refinery, the minister followed up on the field the executive position of the project to establish an atmospheric distillation unit at an investment cost of LE 2.2 billion within the framework of the refinery's production expansions.

The Minister inspected the site of implementation of works in the establishment of the new unit, whose production capacity will reach 1.2 million tons annually to provide nutrition for new petroleum projects, and Petrojet is currently carrying out the project construction works.

El-Molla also followed up on other development work at the refinery, including the salt separation project, which aims to provide the diesel product with the required specifications.

The minister also inaugurated the new staff building at the Nasr Petroleum Refinery and the Central Emergency Room in the petroleum geographical region in Suez Governorate, which was equipped with the latest technological methods, advanced communication systems and information technology to enable it to perform its role with the highest efficiency in managing crises and emergencies.