Petrofac, leading a joint venture with petrochemical industry specialist, China Huanqiu Contracting & Engineering Corporation (HQC), announced in a statement that it has received notification of a conditional award by STEP Polymers SPA (100% Sonatrach subsidiary) to execute a significant petrochemical project in Algeria. The total contract value is approximately US$1.5 billion, with Petrofac’s share valued at over US$1 billion.

The plant will be located at the Arzew Industrial Zone, west of Algiers. Covering the design and build of two major integrated processing units, the contract includes the delivery of a new propane dehydrogenation unit and polypropylene production unit, as well as associated utilities and infrastructure for the site. It is expected to produce 550,000 tons of polypropylene per year.

Tareq Kawash, Petrofac’s Group Chief Executive, said: “We are proud to be supporting our customer to deliver this strategic project. Algeria is a core market for Petrofac and we are committed to supporting the long-term delivery of critical infrastructure as the country plays an increasingly important role as a major energy producer and moves into major petrochemical projects.”

Elie Lahoud, Chief Operating Officer for Petrofac’s Engineering & Construction division, said:“The award of this major project builds on Petrofac’s 25-year track record of successfully supporting Algeria’s energy industry. As our client responds to the world’s increasing demand for petrochemical products, we are looking forward to developing our breadth of experience in-country, through the safe and timely delivery of this project.”

This contract award forms part of the US$1.5 billion of opportunities described by Petrofac as being at preferred bidder stage in its December trading update, statement mentioned.