The North African energy construction sector is showing strong momentum as Libya takes a major step forward in rebuilding its domestic refining capacity. Industry sources confirm that contractors have officially submitted technical bids for the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract for the planned South Refinery in Ubari.
This megaproject represents a massive
opportunity for the regional supply chain, engineering firms, and heavy
infrastructure contractors.
Key Project Specifications & Timeline
- Estimated
Value: Exceeds $600
million.
- Execution
Window: Scheduled
for a 50-month EPC timeline.
- Project
Owner: Zallaf
Exploration, Production & Refining of Oil & Gas Company (a
subsidiary of Libya's National Oil Corporation).
- Project
Management: US
engineering giant KBR is executing the project management and
technical services contract.
Scope of Construction Work
Built in Ubari, the grassroots refinery
is designed to process 30,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil. For
downstream construction contractors, the scope covers extensive processing
units capable of producing propane, butane, gasoline, kerosene, diesel, and
fuel oil.
The Broader Picture: A Pipeline of
Upgrades
This bidding milestone arrives at a
critical time for Libya's energy infrastructure. While the country holds a
nominal refining capacity of 380,000 bpd across five major facilities, conflict
damage and deferred maintenance have kept actual output closer to 180,000 bpd.
The Ubari project is just the beginning
of a broader infrastructure upgrade cycle. National plans are also underway to
upgrade the country's largest operating facility—the 120,000 bpd Zawiya
refinery—alongside targeted refurbishment projects at the Serir, Brega,
Tobruk, and Ras Lanuf plants. Contractors specializing in brownfield
rehabilitation and industrial maintenance should keep a close eye on these
upcoming tenders.
For deeper insights into this project, read the original reporting at:
https://www.oilandgasmiddleeast.com/news/libya-south-refinery-bids