Preparations to reopen Ras Lanuf refinery
535 views · Published 8 October 2018 · 3:09 · Indexed 25 September 2026
Channel: AP Archive · 2018 · News & Politics
(3 Oct 2018) LEADIN: After a seven year break, preparations are underway to reopen the Ras Lanuf Petrochemical Complex in northern Libya. Production stopped as Libya's civil war destabilised the country; now Libya's National Oil Corporation hope the factory could help boost the country's economy. STORYLINE The factory floor of Ras Lanuf Petrochemical Complex is still empty, but not for long. It's hoped operations will restart here soon after around seven years of lying dormant. The Ras Lanuf Petrochemical Complex consists of an oil refinery, ethylene plant, polyethylene plant, plant utilities, and harbour. Preparations are being closely monitored by the Libyan National Oil Corporation (NOC) with meetings being held between engineers and managers. Shaban Bsebso, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ras Lanuf Oil and Gas Refinery is leading the sessions. "A number of technical meetings have been held to prepare for the start of operations and restoration of the complex," he says. "These technical meetings have been held to determine requirements, problems and obstacles that might impede and obstruct the operations." Ras Lanuf might be a small town in northern Libya, but it's also the location of the "oil crescent" - a region which stretches up Libya's coast and is home to most of its oil terminals. The refinery has a capacity of 220,000 barrels per day (35,000 m3/d). The Ras Lanuf Petrochemical Complex is one of the largest investment and strategic projects in the field of oil and gas manufacturing in Libya. It used to produce petroleum chemicals, organic plastics and fibres, as well as having a centre for analysis and quality control, an industrial waste treatment unit, a medical centre and restaurants all on site. It was once considered a vital centre for Libya's petrochemical industry. But the ethylene plant shut down in 2011 as civil war in the country broke out. The polyethylene plant followed in 2013. The Ras Lanuf oil terminal has been the centre of fighting, changing hands several times between rival factions. A large maintenance campaign has been ongoing since 2016, but the surrounding area has never been stable enough to restart production. In June 2018 two crude oil tanks were destroyed at the complex. The Libyan National Army (LNA) has since brought the area under its control prompting the NOC to reopen oil ports and restart operations in the industrial complex. "The most important points are the resettlement of employment and the preparations of housing, supply and recreation services as well as security issues," says Bsebso. The meetings will develop a comprehensive plan for the rehabilitation of the industrial complex and identify any likely problems. Bsebso hopes a fully functioning complex could help give Libya's economy a much needed boost. "I hope to see the Ras Lanuf complex as it was before, and I hope to see the lighting of the torches and the start of operations, so that we can contribute to the building of the national economy." The grand opening will be a test for Ras Lanuf complex and its management, as well as a potential boost to Libya's economy. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter: https://twitter.com/AP_Archive Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/APArchives Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/APNews/ You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/fb485a85c4b3c9f6a8fa927e3498f158
