Although petrochemical and refinery integration is not a new concept, it is receiving renewed interest in the Middle East. The business case for reducing CAPEX and OPEX is obvious and with competition increasing amongst the region’s producers, it is now more attractive than ever.
The World Refining Association recently had the opportunity of sitting down with Daniel Lacombe, director of the Jubail Refinery Project from Total Refining and Salem Shaheen, CEO of SATORP, to explore this very issue. What is apparent is that while lower CAPEX and OPEX remain key driving factors, the partnership in itself is the biggest asset – combining Aramco’s relationship with the Saudi government and their experience in implementing mega projects with Total’s international influence. Lacombe and Shaheen will share their experiences in building the company and project at The World Refining Association’s Refinery and Petrochemical Integration Workshop as part of its annual Petchem Arabia meeting. Petchem Arabia is set to attract over 200 individuals working within, and looking to do business in the Middle East, will take place from 12-15 October at Abu Dhabi’s Beach Rotana Hotel.
The meeting will address key issues affecting Gulf producers such as the fear of oversupply, project finance, supply chain optimisation and feedstock availability. One of the major themes throughout the event is the role of downstream integration. Explorations of what this means for smaller and independent petrochemicals producers, and the impact on traders and intermediaries will lead key sessions.
