Saudi Aramco, ExxonMobil complete clean fuels project at Yanbu refinery

Saudi Aramco Mobil Refinery Co. (SAMREF), a JV between Saudi Aramco and ExxonMobil, has completed construction of major desulfurization facilities, including a new hydrotreater, that dramatically cuts sulfur levels in gasoline and diesel.

“We continue to apply advantaged technology that will deliver world-class products that contribute to the fuels value chain,” said Darren Woods, senior vice president of ExxonMobil. “The successful, recent startup of the Clean Fuels Project illustrates the refinery’s advancements and preparations to meet global energy demands.”

The SAMREF partnership, which is celebrating 30 years of joint refining operations, demonstrates the long-term collaboration and progress to meeting the energy needs of Saudi Arabia’s growing economy. The project is the largest investment in SAMREF’s history and will reduce the sulfur levels in gasoline and diesel by more than 98%, to 10 ppm, which makes the refinery an industry leader in emissions reduction.

“Our long-term partnership benefits from the technology and innovation from both companies,” said Khalid Al-Falih, president and CEO of Saudi Aramco. “Our refinery will continue to be an industry leader throughout the Middle East and in the global market place well into the future. It is also testimony of Saudi Arabia’s long-standing role as a reliable energy supplier to key geographic areas of the world.”

“The company contributes to the global competitiveness of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by providing world class fuels, but also creating jobs and improving the surrounding environment," added Mohammad Al Naghash, CEO of SAMREF.

SAMREF is a joint venture between the Saudi Arabian Oil Co. (Saudi Aramco) and Mobil Yanbu Refining Co. (a wholly-owned subsidiary of ExxonMobil) The SAMREF refinery complex was formed for the development, construction, ownership and operation of crude oil refining facilities in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia. 

Following the construction and start-up of the facilities, it commenced operations in late 1984.