Bapco Awards the Largest Catalyst Management Agreement in its History to ART for its Resid Hydrocracking Catalyst

Rhea-AI Summary

Advanced Refining Technologies (ART), a joint venture of W. R. Grace and Chevron, has secured a significant five-year catalyst management agreement worth USD 240 million with Bahrain Petroleum Company (Bapco). This exclusive deal is the largest of its kind in Bapco's history and will support the company's modernization program aimed at increasing refinery capacity from 267,000 to 380,000 barrels per day. ART is set to provide its Resid Hydrocracking catalyst technology, which is optimized for various feedstocks and enhances operational efficiency.

Positive

• Contract valued at USD 240 million, indicating strong market demand.
• Largest catalyst management agreement in Bapco’s history.
• Supports Bapco's capacity increase from 267,000 to 380,000 b/d.
• Utilizes advanced catalyst technology, enhancing operational efficiency.

Negative

• None.

• The agreement is for five years, valued at USD 240 million, with an option to extend for an additional five years
  
• ART will provide its Resid Hydrocracking catalyst and full-cycle catalyst management (FCM) solutions
• This award is part of the Bapco Modernization Programme (BMP) to boost processing capacity at the refinery
  

COLUMBIA, Md., Aug. 11, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Advanced Refining Technologies LLC (ART), the joint venture of US specialty chemicals and materials company W. R. Grace & Co. (NYSE:GRA) and US energy company Chevron (NYSE:CVX), today announced the award of an FCM agreement by state-owned Bahrain Petroleum Company (Bapco). The exclusive, 5-year agreement, which includes an option to renew for an additional five years, is valued at USD 240 million, the largest catalyst management agreement ever signed in Bapco’s history.

As part of the BMP, Bapco will boost Bahrain’s oil refinery processing capacity from 267,000 (b/d) to 380,000 (b/d). In addition, ART will supply its Resid Hydrocracking catalyst technology for a wide variety of feedstocks to maximize bottom of the barrel upgrading. The technology is the industry-leading catalyst for metals capacity and sediment control. In addition, ART will provide FCM services for the reclamation of metals from spent catalysts.

The signing ceremony took place on 11 August 2021 at Bapco Club in Awali, in the presence of Bapco’s Chairman and Chief Executive, and senior management and representatives from Bapco, ART, and CLG.

Bapco’s Chairman and Chief Executive Dr. Dawood Nassif highlighted the significance of the deal. “Our new hydrocracking unit will convert 78% of the vacuum residue feed into intermediate products, which will then be further processed into high margin kerosene and diesel. A key component is catalyst performance and management, and the unique agreement signed with ART, who will be responsible for the total supply chain of catalyst from cradle to cradle. This agreement has taken over 18 months to develop and negotiate, and I thank all the parties involved in making this a success.”

Jag Reddy, Managing Director of ART, said, “This award is significant. It demonstrates the superiority of our catalyst technology and our ability to provide value through unmatched global support and technical services. I want to thank Bapco for their vote of confidence.” He added, “They will benefit tremendously over the life of this agreement through maximum conversion, lower operating costs, reliability, and longer run lengths. Most importantly, Bapco will free up valuable time and resources.”

When fully operational in 2023, the new Resid Hydrocracking unit known as 1RHCU will be the main profit centre for the Bapco Refinery. 1RHCU utilizes LC-FINING process technology licensed from Chevron Lummus Global (CLG), a joint venture between Chevron and Lummus Technology. The unit is a two-train design with a processing capacity of 65,000 barrels per day. Bapco’s application of this state-of-the-art technology will be the first within the Middle East. Less than a dozen of these units exist globally, and the Bapco unit will be one of the largest examples.

About ART Hydroprocessing

ART, a joint venture between Grace and Chevron, is a leading supplier of hydroprocessing catalysts that produce cleaner fuels. ART Hydroprocessing™ represents a complete portfolio of resid hydrotreating, hydrocracking, and lubes hydroprocessing, and distillate hydrotreating catalyst technologies through a global manufacturing network. ART Hydroprocessing combines Chevron’s extensive expertise in refining operations, catalyst technology and development, process design leadership, and licensing with Grace’s materials science, specialty chemical manufacturing, and global sales and technical service strengths, to improve refiners’ profitability through catalytic solutions that improve the quality and yields of fuels refined from a wide variety of feedstocks. The ART team works seamlessly with CLG, itself a joint venture between Chevron U.S.A. Inc. and Lummus Technology, which is a leading process technology licensor for refining hydroprocessing technologies and alternative source fuels. More information is available at ART Hydroprocessing.com.

Media Contact
Caitlin Leopold
+1 410.531.8870
caitlin.leopold@grace.com

Investor Relations
Jason Hershiser
+1 410.531.8835
jason.hershiser@grace.com

FAQ

What is the value of the GRA agreement with Bapco?

The agreement is valued at USD 240 million.

How long is the GRA agreement with Bapco?

The agreement is for five years with an option to extend for an additional five years.

What will ART provide under the GRA agreement?

ART will provide its Resid Hydrocracking catalyst and full-cycle catalyst management solutions.

What is the significance of the GRA agreement for Bapco?

It is part of the Bapco Modernization Programme to boost refinery processing capacity significantly.

When is the new Resid Hydrocracking unit expected to be operational?

The new unit is expected to be fully operational in 2023.