Hybrid Project Builds Momentum Towards 2027 Start-Up
The Natref Hybrid Refinery Project continues to make strong progress as the team moves closer to delivering the refinery upgrades required for Clean Fuels 2 compliance and future sustainable fuel production. Across the project, the focus has shifted from detailed engineering to construction execution, commissioning preparation and operational readiness.
Construction activity is now visible across multiple areas of the refinery, with major piping, structural steel, electrical and instrumentation installations progressing steadily. Several key infrastructure components have reached advanced stages of completion, while tank modifications, blending facilities, process equipment installations and supporting utilities continue to take shape. Recent weeks have also seen good progress on fire protection systems, pipe rack construction, process structures and equipment installation, bringing the project closer to mechanical completion.
At the same time, significant refinery modifications are progressing to support the transition to lower-sulphur crude processing. Work continues on upgrades to existing process units, utility systems and sulphur recovery facilities, all of which are essential to meeting future fuel quality requirements. A number of systems are already moving through mechanical completion, testing and commissioning preparation activities as the project team focuses on integrating the new facilities with existing refinery operations.
Procurement of major equipment remains substantially complete, with key long-lead items continuing to arrive on site to support construction and commissioning schedules. Planning for commissioning, operations readiness, training and handover activities is also gaining momentum to ensure a smooth transition from project execution to refinery operation.
Looking ahead, the project remains focused on several important milestones, including the transition to lower-sulphur crude processing in September 2026, completion of the Sulphur Recovery Unit modifications later this year, and progression towards Ready for Operation and Beneficial Operation during early 2027.
Through strong collaboration between project, operations, maintenance and contractor teams, the Hybrid Project continues to build momentum towards delivering cleaner fuels, supporting regulatory compliance and positioning Natref for a more sustainable future
At the same time, significant refinery modifications are progressing to support the transition to lower-sulphur crude processing. Work continues on upgrades to existing process units, utility systems and sulphur recovery facilities, all of which are essential to meeting future fuel quality requirements. A number of systems are already moving through mechanical completion, testing and commissioning preparation activities as the project team focuses on integrating the new facilities with existing refinery operations.
Procurement of major equipment remains substantially complete, with key long-lead items continuing to arrive on site to support construction and commissioning schedules. Planning for commissioning, operations readiness, training and handover activities is also gaining momentum to ensure a smooth transition from project execution to refinery operation.
