Building value in RT through iktva, focus on excellence

Aramco has awarded a contract to Worley Group Inc. and WorleyParsons Engineering Consultancy Co. (Worley) to provide preliminarily engineering and project management services for the development of the Ras Tanura Residue Upgrade Project (RTRUP).

The RTRUP has managed to procure the contracts with the Houston- and Dammam-based companies with a strong focus on maximizing local content.

The contract’s scope of work is for upgrading Ras Tanura Refinery’s heavy streams into more valuable premium products.

During the preliminary engineering phase, Worley will perform 50% of the scope in-Kingdom to help cultivate a skilled Saudi workforce.

The contract will drive a Center of Excellence initiative established by Aramco’s Project Management, and will utilize local contractor resources.

New technology

The project will also procure five technology license agreements for a hydrocracking unit, a solvent de-asphalting unit, a kerosene treating unit, a sulfur recovery unit, and a hydrogen manufacturing unit.

Abdulkarim A. Alghamdi, vice president of Project Management, welcomed the new contract.

“Project Management is moving forward with the implementation of its plans toward excellence in project delivery while promoting local Saudi contractors, and with the addition of Worley we are confident that the tools are in place to deliver the project on time and support the transformation of the local engineering office to a Center of Excellence,” he said.

Project benefits
• 50% project scope execution in-Kingdom
• Contractor commitment to Center of Excellence and development of future Saudi subject matter experts
• Latest solutions to increase project management digital transformation capabilities
• Newest execution technologies, including digital twin, 3-D printing, modular design, smart site safety, and nonmetallic technologies.

Continued collaboration

Mansour S. Al Shehri, general manager of Downstream Project Management, said that the contract marked a new phase in collaboration with Worley.

“Downstream Projects are keen to leverage Worley’s global experience in engineering best practices, quality, and deploying the latest digital and technology solutions,” he said.

Megbel A. Alshammari, manager of the Refining and NGL Projects Department, also welcomed the agreement.

“We aspire for excellence by providing innovative, secure, efficient, and reliable projects. We look forward to Worley’s contribution and count on their experience to deliver the project on schedule, deliver the highest quality product, and develop a competent Saudi workforce,” he said.

Priority support

Eissa Aqeeli, senior vice president and location manager of Worley Group Inc. said his company was treating the upgrade project as a priority.

“We are pleased to continue providing support to Aramco with the RTRUP. Through this significant development, our young Saudi workforce will have the best opportunities to become future technology leaders,” he said.