AkzoNobel, a leading global paints company, will provide protective coatings for two of the landmark development projects in Kuwait – the Al Zour project and the Clean Fuels project – which are envisaged to help implement the 2030 strategy of Kuwait. The diverse range of protective coatings systems to be provided by AkzoNobel will ensure that the refineries have the highest degree of durability, corrosion resistance and, in turn, long-term operational efficiency.
Al Zour and the Clean Fuel Project are landmark developments that support the government’s vision to transform the country in line with the New Vision 2030 by strengthening localised manufacturing and ramping up the energy infrastructure.
Marking an investment of US$14 billion, the Al Zour New Refinery is envisaged to be a world-class project that will produce low sulphur fuel oil that will replace the high-sulphur fuel oil used in local power plants. The refinery will also expand Kuwait’s added-value exports through the production of ultra-low sulphur diesel fuels as well as jet fuel, kerosene and naphtha feedstock. It will process 615,000 barrels per day (BPD) of light Kuwait crude oil or 535,000 BPD of heavy mix Kuwait crude oil. Owned by Kuwait Integrated Petroleum Industries Company (KIPIC), the refinery will leverage the latest technology to comply with stringent regulations to protect the environment.
Kuwait National Petroleum Company’s Clean Fuel Project, an investment of US$12 billion, aims to expand and upgrade the Mina Abdullah and Mina Al-Ahmadi Refineries to be an integrated Refining complex with a total capacity of 800,000 bpd. The integrated complex will deliver clean fuel and boost exports in addition to meeting local requirements.
AkzoNobel is providing an innovative range of coating systems for the refineries that meet the specifications outlined. This builds on the company’s track-record of providing coating solutions for other refineries in Kuwait including Mina Al Ahmadi and Shuaiba.
Andrea Meconcelli, Performance Coatings Director, Middle East, said: “To support the two landmark refinery projects in Kuwait with our products is a true honour for AkzoNobel, as it underlines our capability and commitment to offer state-of-the-art coating systems. The pathbreaking projects contribute significantly to achieving the New Vision of Kuwait, which aims to transform the nation and drive its growth. We will continue to support Kuwait’s industry leaders with world-class products that assure durability and efficiency.”
More than 3 million litres of AkzoNobel’s products will be applied on valves, steel structures and pipes to provide long-term protection to more than 60% of the Clean Fuel Project and almost 50% of the Al Zour Refinery project.
All the products of AkzoNobel have been designed to provide maximum protection, even in hot, humid and harsh environments. AkzoNobel is a story of success, growth and innovation with a world-class portfolio of brands including Dulux, International, Interpon and Sikkens.