Laffan Refinery’s Diesel Hydrotreater (DHT) Project recently celebrated 5mn man-hours without a lost time incident (LTI). The significant safety milestone was achieved earlier this month as the project gets closer to completion and start-up at the end of April.
When operational, the DHT will produce diesel with less than 10 parts per million of sulphur, serving domestic demand and making a major contribution towards Qatar’s drive for world-class environmental standards. The facility will have the capacity to process 54,000 barrels per stream day (BPSD).
Acknowledging the significant achievement, Salman Ashkanani, chief operating officer (refinery ventures) said, “This milestone is the result of exemplary teamwork across multiple departments and organisations. I would like to congratulate the project management team, the contractor and sub-contractors and the Laffan Refinery asset staff for their excellent co-operation and safety management. I am confident that with the commitment and professionalism of everyone involved, we will deliver a project with outstanding SHE performance.”
Hasan Numan, acting project manager said, “This achievement is extremely important for us as our aim is to finish the project without an LTI. We are very close to the end of the project, which is a time that requires maximum focus from everyone involved to get safely to the handover. We are looking forward to reinforcing Qatargas’ reputation as a safety leader in the industry.”
The permanent works construction phase commenced back in July 2012. The company’s project management team together with the EPC contractor for the work (Samsung Engineering and Construction) have adopted an integrated approach to safety on the project that involves working closely with the workforce in a collaborative manner to achieve excellent health and safety outcomes for all employees associated with the activities. Success in avoiding incidents and injuries is a clear indication that this co-operative process is working and has provided a solid foundation upon which to continue this type of performance well into the future, according to a statement.
The DHT project forms part of the Qatar’s National Vision for ensuring efficient energy supplies for the country and meeting the most stringent environmental specifications. The processed diesel from the DHT unit will be distributed within Qatar through the existing truck loading gantry facilities, which has also been constructed by Laffan Refinery and is being operated by Qatar Fuel (Woqod).
