Chairman of the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC), Salah Abdel Kerim, visited three refining companies in Alexandria: the Middle East Oil Refinery (MIDOR); Amreya Petroleum Refining Company (APRC); and Alexandria National Refining and Petrochemicals Company (ANRPC).
During the visit to the MIDOR refinery, the plant’s strategic expansion efforts were reviewed, aiming to boost local production and reduce reliance on imports. MIDOR Chairman Amr Lotfy presented the status of this expansion, particularly after the completion of the project designed to increase refining capacity by 60%. The expansion is expected to reduce the import bill and save foreign currency.
Abdel Kerim emphasized MIDOR’s pivotal role in supporting energy security, stressing the necessity of continuously providing the crude oil required for sustainable full-capacity operations. Key operational challenges and ways to overcome them were also discussed to ensure continued efficient performance.
At APRC, Chairman Mohamed Sobhi reviewed the comprehensive internal maintenance plan scheduled for next September. It covers several key units. Maintenance will be carried out entirely using the capabilities and technical expertise of EGPC’s own companies, which suits EGPC’s policy of maximizing self-reliance and rationalizing expenditures.
An integrated plan was also presented covering the review of all operational lines and technical components, with an emphasis on full readiness to execute maintenance according to schedule. This is expected to positively impact improved production efficiency and increased value-added products. Abdel Kerim directed follow-up on the maintenance work, stressing the importance of proactive planning as a key tool to avoid operational surprises.
Abdel Kerim further discussed the operational maneuver plans during the maintenance period to secure the supply of petroleum products to the local market, which reflects EGPC’s proactive vision in managing operational and maintenance processes.
The visit concluded at ANRPC, where Chairman Sayed El-Rawi presented the company’s activities. He highlighted the company’s success in converting one of its boilers to operate on hydrogen, which has contributed to reducing the company’s carbon footprint. This achievement reflects the leadership of petroleum sector companies in utilizing modern technology and prioritizing environmental considerations.
A meeting was also held to review all precautionary measures and operational maneuvers required to secure the necessary steam supply for ANRPC from Alexandria Petroleum Company (APC), ensuring the continuity of operations during the rehabilitation period of boilers and steam lines at APC. Furthermore, alternative plans and joint cooperation between the two companies were agreed upon, guaranteeing that none of the vital refining units at APC would stop and that ANRPC’s operational processes would not be disrupted. It is worth mentioning that the Cairo Oil Refining Company (CORC) is set to undertake the major overhaul work.
