COMMON QUESTIONS

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Ras Tanura Oil Refinery is one of the largest and oldest refineries on the Persian Gulf coast, located near Jubail, Saudi Arabia. It is owned and operated by Saudi Aramco, the world’s leading integrated energy and petrochemical company. The refinery plays a key role in processing crude oil into various refined petroleum products for domestic and international markets.

The refinery has a crude distillation capacity of 550,000 barrels per day (bpd), making it one of the largest refining complexes in the Middle East. Over the years, its capacity has been expanded through multiple modernization projects to meet increasing global demand.

Ras Tanura produces a variety of high-quality refined petroleum products, including:

  • Gasoline (high-octane fuel for transportation)
  • Jet fuel (aviation fuel)
  • Diesel (for automotive and industrial use)
  • Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) (used for heating and cooking)
  • Naphtha (petrochemical feedstock)
  • Heavy fuel oil (for marine and industrial applications)

Ras Tanura has implemented strict environmental policies to minimize its carbon footprint. It has invested in clean fuel technology, including diesel hydrotreaters, sulfur recovery units, and emissions control systems. Additionally, the Ras Tanura Clean Fuels and Aromatics Project was initiated to align operations with global environmental standards, reducing sulfur emissions and improving fuel quality.

 

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Several expansion projects have been executed to improve refining efficiency and capacity, including:

  • The $8 billion expansion (2007-2012), which added a new crude distillation unit, vacuum distillation unit, visbreaker, and hydrotreater.
  • The $2.6 billion Clean Fuels and Aromatics Project (2013-2019), which introduced a naphtha splitter column, catalytic reforming units, and an aromatics cracker.

Safety is a top priority at Ras Tanura. The refinery follows rigorous safety protocols, international best practices, and regulatory guidelines to protect personnel and assets. It has implemented:

  • Advanced monitoring and control systems
  • Regular safety drills and emergency response training
  • Automated shutdown systems to prevent accidents
  • Comprehensive employee health and safety programs

 

The refinery utilizes cutting-edge hydrocracking, hydrotreating, and delayed coking technologies to maximize yield and minimize waste. The use of catalytic reforming and isomerization units ensures the production of high-value fuels with superior efficiency.

 

As one of the most critical refineries in the region, Ras Tanura significantly contributes to Saudi Arabia’s economy by:

  • Supporting domestic energy security
  • Driving petrochemical and industrial growth
  • Generating employment opportunities
  • Enhancing export revenues through the sale of refined products

Ras Tanura follows strict quality control processes to ensure all refined products meet international standards and specifications. The refinery’s on-site laboratories conduct continuous testing and analysis to verify product quality before distribution.

 

Ras Tanura serves as a key refining hub in Saudi Aramco’s global supply chain. It processes crude oil extracted from Saudi fields and converts it into high-value petroleum products, which are then supplied domestically and internationally via Saudi Aramco’s vast distribution network.

Yes. Ras Tanura adheres to international environmental standards, including those set by:

  • Saudi Arabian government regulations
  • International Maritime Organization (IMO)
  • World Bank Environmental Guidelines
  • United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

 

Ras Tanura is equipped with:

  • Multiple crude distillation units
  • Vacuum distillation and hydrocracking units
  • Catalytic reformers and visbreakers
  • Natural gas liquids (NGL) fractionation plants
  • Sulfur recovery and amine regeneration systems
  • Advanced control centers for real-time monitoring

Saudi Aramco has invested billions of dollars in advanced refining and processing technologies, including:

  • Continuous Catalyst Regeneration (CCR) to enhance fuel quality
  • Advanced amine treatment for sulfur reduction
  • Hydrotreating and hydrocracking units to maximize fuel yield
  • Digitalization and automation systems for enhanced operational control

Saudi Aramco continues to explore further expansions and technological upgrades at Ras Tanura to:

  • Enhance clean fuel production
  • Reduce environmental impact through carbon capture initiatives
  • Increase refining capacity to meet growing global energy demand
  • Integrate renewable energy solutions into refining operations

With ongoing innovation, sustainability efforts, and strategic investments, Ras Tanura remains a critical pillar in Saudi Arabia’s energy sector, shaping the future of refining for generations to come.