Name and Location
Algiers refinery upgrade project, Algeria.

Project Description
The project involves the rehabilitation and upgrade of the existing Algiers refinery, located in the El Harrach district, some 10 km east of Algiers. The refinery processes crude oil from the Hassi Messaoud oilfield, intended for consumption in the capital.

The unit currently comprises a 58 000-bl/d crude distillation unit, a 15 000-bl/d catalytic reformer and a 15 000-bl/d catalytic hydrotreater.

It is connected to various storage areas in Algiers for the supply of products to the country's central region through underground pipelines. The system runs to the Algiers harbour and also to Houari Boumedienne International Airport.

Most of the refinery's fuel oil and naphtha are exported.

Value
The project is valued at $920-million.

Duration
The project will reportedly take 38 months to complete.

Client
State-owned oil company Société Nationale pour la Recherche, la Production, le Transport, la Transformation, et la Commercialisation des Hydrocarbures (Sonatrach).

Key Contracts and Suppliers
Technip (construction).

Latest Developments
French oil services company Technip has been awarded the contract to rehabilitate and upgrade the Algiers refinery. The deal is the first to be concluded by Sonatrach in 2010, after a probe into its deals led to the replacement of its management in January, and later of the country's Oil Minister, Chakib Khelil.

On Budget and on Time?
Too early to state.

Contact Details for Project Information
Sonatrach, tel + 213 21 54 7000/8011, fax +213 21 54 7700 or email sonatrach@sonatrach.dz.