The National Oil Corporation (NOC) announced on Wednesday the full resumption of operations at the Al-Sarir Refinery. This follows the successful completion by the Arabian Gulf Oil Company of a major overhaul of the Crude Distillation Unit.
The NOC stated that crude oil was introduced into the distillation unit at precisely 10:53 a.m., enabling the refinery to gradually re-enter the production line. This step was taken after passing a series of rigorous technical tests to ensure the safety and operational readiness of all systems.
It was added that the major overhaul was completed on January 21st, adhering to the approved schedule. This was followed by a comprehensive evaluation phase covering various systems and technical equipment in preparation for the full return to operation.
The corporation noted that technical teams encountered unexpected technical challenges during the work, in addition to harsh weather conditions characterized by severe sandstorms. These conditions necessitated temporary shutdowns to ensure the safety of personnel and equipment before work resumed and was completed without any reported incidents.
The National Oil Corporation reaffirmed that this achievement is part of its strategy to enhance the efficiency of oil assets and improve the operational reliability of refining and production facilities.
National Oil Corporation
The National Oil Corporation (NOC) is the state-owned oil company of Libya, established in 1970 to manage the country’s hydrocarbon resources. It oversees all aspects of Libya’s oil and gas production, from exploration to export, and has been a central pillar of the national economy since its founding.
Al-Sarir Refinery
The Al-Sarir Refinery is a major oil refinery located in the Sirte Basin of eastern Libya. It was originally built in the 1990s to process crude oil from the nearby Al-Sarir field, playing a key role in the country’s hydrocarbon industry. Its operations have been significantly disrupted by conflict and political instability in Libya over the past decade.
Arabian Gulf Oil Company
The Arabian Gulf Oil Company (AGOCO) is a Libyan state-owned oil company established in 1979, following the nationalization of the assets of foreign oil firms. It operates primarily in the Sirte Basin and is a key subsidiary of Libya’s National Oil Corporation, playing a major role in the country’s petroleum production and export sector.
Crude Distillation Unit
A Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) is the primary processing unit in an oil refinery, where crude oil is first heated and separated into various fractions like naphtha, kerosene, and diesel based on their boiling points. Its industrial history is tied to the rise of modern petroleum refining in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, evolving from simple batch stills into the complex, continuous-flow columns that form the backbone of refineries today.
Libya
Libya is a North African country with a rich history rooted in ancient civilizations like the Phoenicians and Romans, followed by centuries of Arab and Ottoman influence. In the modern era, it was an Italian colony before gaining independence in 1951, later becoming known for Muammar Gaddafi’s lengthy rule from 1969 until the 2011 revolution. The country is home to UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the ruins of Leptis Magna, which testify to its significant historical legacy.
Qatar
Qatar is a sovereign country located on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, historically shaped by its Bedouin heritage and its long-standing pearl diving and fishing economy. Its modern history is defined by the discovery of vast oil and natural gas reserves in the mid-20th century, which rapidly transformed it into one of the world’s wealthiest nations. The capital, Doha, is now a major global hub known for its modern architecture, cultural institutions like the Museum of Islamic Art, and its role as a host for major international events.
21st International Conference and Exhibition on Liquefied Natural Gas
The 21st International Conference and Exhibition on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG2023) was a major industry event held in Vancouver, Canada. It continued a series of global conferences that began in 1968, serving as a key forum for discussing market trends, innovations, and the future of the LNG sector.
