Kuwait picks Honeywell automation technology for new Al Zour refinery

Honeywell announced that it has been selected by KNPC to provide the integrated control and safety system (ICSS) for its new 615,000-bpd Al Zour refinery complex to be built in southern Kuwait. Honeywell will also provide the front-end engineering design (FEED) for the system.

This will be Kuwait’s fourth refinery and the largest refinery in the entire Middle East. The total capacity of Kuwait’s three current refineries is 930,000 bpd. The new refinery is targeted for startup in 2018.

“With this new refinery, Kuwait will become one of the largest producers of clean fuels in the Middle East,” said James King, Honeywell general manager, Kuwait. “Honeywell’s suite of proven technologies for the refining industry is well suited to support a quick and safe refinery start up, and efficient operations.”

Honeywell has provided industry-leading technologies to KNPC’s refineries for about 30 years through its Process Solutions (HPS) business. As the main automation contractor for the new Al Zour refinery, Honeywell will supply Experion PKS as the main control system for the refinery complex, as well as integrate all process automation systems throughout the site.

“We are very excited to begin work on this new refinery, which will further position Kuwait as an industry leader not only in the Middle East, but on a global level,” said Mr. Khaled Al-Awadhi, New Refinery Project manager. “Honeywell’s technology and experience in process controls will enable the Al Zour refinery to effectively meet the energy demands of Kuwait and reduce overall emissions.”

The new refinery complex will help to meet domestic demand and export of ultra-low-sulfur products such as fuel oil, diesel and kerosine, along with petrochemical feedstocks.