Strategies of Refining Industries and Petrochemicals in Yemen:

Any facilities must rely on accurate plans and aspiring strategies to achieve their objectives and meet their demands, and thus, would definitely overcome any impediments in no time. This is the case when we talk about the Yemen Oil Refining Company (YORC), which in a standard time was efficient enough to establish itself and find for itself a solid footing and ground. With its high ambition and strong determination, it was capable of translating the orientations and visions of the political leadership under the guidance of HE President Ali A Saleh through boosting Yemen’s aspired-for development.

Actually, YORC can see its future in playing an effective role in the field of oil industry through not only updating and expanding Marib Refinery but also operating, administering, and supervising the refinery in addition to overseeing other newly founded refineries. Consequent to conducting feasibility studies on refining and petrochemicals plants, YORC set such plants according to the need of local markets to each service. The result was that updating and expanding and doubling Marib Refinery’s production constituted a crucial factor in future plans; similarly, other oil industrial projects are of a tantamount significance especially those whose raw materials are accessible and of great quantities particularly in the field of urea fertilizers, detergents, and other manufacturings.

In addition, YORC commenced on taking the first step in the course of accomplishing its future plans and objectives. For instance, it worked on conducting studies, holding negations and making successful international contacts. Some of which was signing an agreement with  (TDA) regarding the study on expanding Ma’reb Refinery, which was accomplished by VECO in 2004.

In the field of petrochemicals industries, the company conducted initial feasibility studies on some projects. Such studies were made by the assistance of FAO international experts in urea industry. The findings were that constructing these factories would bring about great profitable benefits to Yemen and investors. Beyond the availability of cheap and skilled manpower and the large quantities of raw materials contributing in the success of such investments is Yemen‘s strategic location. Needless to say, Yemen is in the center of global markets like the African, Asian and even European ones. Another exceptional characteristic is Yemen being near a water path, which connects the East with the West. This makes the transportation, shipping, and marketing of such transformational materials more accessible and cheaper to and fro external markets. 

Realizing leaps as such makes me recall a Chinese proverb: “ A thousand mile starts with a step.” I do believe that we are steadily and firmly taking that first step, especially with the constant support and encouragement of our political leadership, the government and the Ministry of Oil and Minerals. Not only that, what enhances and strengthens our firm leaps is the knowledge and qualification of the YORC’s staff that is always subject to training programs in different fields of administration, information and technical arenas.

Though the main objective of the company was to operate and administer Marib Refinery and supervise any new refining plants like Althabah Refinery, Hadhramout, and Ra’ess Issa Refinery Hudaidah, this objective was  fortunately widened. That is, the great quantities of raw materials extorted from oil derivatives and natural gas opened new investment opportunities as establishing industrial projects, which would bring about profitable returns to Yemen and investors as well. In light of that, the company committed itself to conducting feasibility studies of technical and economic nature on a number of projects relevant to refining industries. These are

• Marib Refinery Lab Expansion and Updating Project;
• Information Systems Network Project
• UREA Industry Project.
• Detergents Industry Project.  
• Safety and Security Development System Project
• YORC’s Head Office Construction Project.

To enhance such activities and as a promotional means, the company decided to design a website which aims at making information and data accessible to those interested in knowing more about the company and its various activities as well as open and enticing investment opportunities in this sector. Also through our contacts, the company’s staffs are willing to provide any information and answer any inquiries.

 Eng. / Musad  Ahmed  Al-Subari

Executive General  Manager