Saudi Aramco’s Program Prepares Refinery Operators

After an intensive, seven-month training course at Riyadh Refinery, 15 refinery operators were recently certified who will work for the new Saudi Aramco Total Refining and Petrochemical Co. (Satorp) Refinery in Jubail. The Jubail refinery is a joint venture between Saudi Aramco and France’s Total slated to start operations in 2013. The refinery will process heavy crude into export-quality gasoline, jet fuel and low-sulfur diesel along with polymer grade propylene.

The operator training program extends across the Kingdom, and several groups are in training at Jiddah, Yanbu‘ and Ras Tanura refineries. Riyadh Refinery also is training 11 maintenance men for the SATORP complex. During a graduation ceremony in Riyadh, Refinery manager Mohammed N. Al-Naghash commended the operators for their enthusiasm and performance in the training program.