Amiral petrochemical complex : Aramco and TotalEnergies award $11bn EPC contracts

Aramco and TotalEnergies have officially awarded Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contracts for the $11 billion Amiral petrochemical complex, heralding the commencement of construction work on this large-scale project in Saudi Arabia.

This petrochemical complex, integrated with the SATORP refinery in Jubail, is set to be the largest mixed-load steam cracker in the Gulf, with an annual production capacity of 1.65 million tons of ethylene and other industrial gases.

The Amiral petrochemical project includes the construction of a mixed-feed cracker capable of processing various grades of low-cost feedstocks and producing 1.65 million tons of ethylene annually, two polyethylene lines, each with a capacity of 500,000 tons per year, and units for extracting butadiene and aromatics, and producing high value-added derivatives.

The EPC contracts have been awarded to several prestigious firms for various components of the Amiral petrochemical complex. Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co. Ltd is set to develop a mixed-feed cracker and utilities, with a nameplate capacity of 1,650 kta of ethylene and related industrial gases.

In addition, they are responsible for the utilities, flares, and interconnecting systems that support the main packages within the facilities. Maire Tecnimont has been commissioned to handle two polyethylene units that will use Advanced Dual Loop technology, with each having a nameplate capacity of 500 kta, along with the derivative units.

Sinopec Engineering Group Saudi Co. Ltd is tasked with the integration of Tank Farm and SATORP, while Gulf Consolidated Contractors Co. is entrusted with the construction of the transfer pipelines.

Patrick Pouyanné — TotalEnergies Chairman and CEO said: “This landmark opens a new page in our shared history with Aramco, which we are delighted to be associated with once again.

“This expansion project reinforces the exemplary relationship that our two companies have enjoyed for several decades in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We would like to thank the Ministry of Energy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its support throughout the development of this world-class project.”

The Amiral petrochemical complex, owned 62.5% by Aramco and 37.5% by TotalEnergies, was part of a final investment decision taken by both partners in December 2022. With the operational startup planned for 2023, this project marks a significant expansion at the SATORP refinery in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The facility will leverage feedstock produced directly by the SATORP refinery, such as its off-gases, naphtha, as well as ethane and light naphtha supplied by Saudi Aramco.

The project is predicted to attract more than $4 billion in additional investment in diverse industrial sectors, including carbon fibers, lubes, drilling fluids, detergents, food additives, automotive parts, and tires. Furthermore, it’s expected to create around 7,000 direct and indirect jobs in the country.

Amin H. Nasser — Aramco President and CEO said: “As part of Aramco’s growth strategy, the project is anticipated to contribute to value-addition opportunities in the Kingdom’s downstream ecosystem, and we thank the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Investment for their tremendous support via the Shareek program to make this multi-billion-dollar project a reality.”