In the presence of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Mohamad Al – Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah, His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Sief Al Sharqi, Deputy Ruler of Fujairah, and His Highness Sheikh Saleh Bin Mohammed Al Sharqi Chairman of Department of Industry and Economy, Government of Fujairah and Chairman of Fujairah Port Authorities, and Ian Taylor, President of the Vitol Group of Companies, and Fellow Ministers and Guests, the Fujairah Refining Company celebrated the commencement of refinery operations. The plant had been mothballed since 2003, and following recent maintenance work is now running at around 20,000 barrels per day.
The Vitol Group of Companies acquired a majority of shares in the company in May this year and is aiming to work closely with the Government in enhancing the strategic role of Fujairah in the regional and international energy markets.
Vitol has also announced the construction of new storage tanks at the facility. The work will include 20 new tanks totaling 560,000 cubic metres, and will be completed in about 18 months. The total storage capacity will then be in excess of 1 million cubic metres.
Fujairah Refinery, on the Gulf of Oman, is well located just outside of the Strait of Hormuz, and close to Fujairah Seaport.