Bapco, Bahrain

When was Bapco established and how has its position in the regional oil and gas industry changed since then?

Bapco lies at the heart of the Bahrain economy. For 78 years it has been the main provider of wealth to the nation. Since 1932, when oil was first discovered on this island, the progress of Bahrain has been based largely on the growth and development of the oil and gas industry.

As the economic base of the Kingdom diversified into the financial services sector, aluminium smelting, petrochemicals and now tourism, Bapco has continued to play the key role as the provider of fuel for all energy users.

In the same way, the Company has led the way by energetically raising standards in business planning, technical innovation, and manpower development as well as environmental, health and safety issues.

• Bapco receives Her Royal Highness Shaikha Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa on 21 May in an inspirational visit which highlights the Company’s environment and female empowerment initiatives;
   
• The landmark US$151 million Refinery Gas Desulphurisation Plant (RGDP) is commissioned in January, delivering major environmental benefits;
   
• Bapco upstream employees are seconded to the joint venture Tatweer Petroleum, developer of the onshore Bahrain field;
   
• A new shutdown technique is pioneered on the Low Sulphur Diesel Production (LSDP) complex, resulting in reduced downtime and cost savings;
   
• A 49-day Turnaround & Inspection (T&I) shutdown on a fluid catalytic cracking unit is one of the biggest in Bapco’s history; 
   
• A new drilling rate record is set on a Khuff gas well using advanced directional drilling techniques; 
   
• The Refinery Laboratory receives the Air BP Performance Excellence Award for the outstanding quality of Jet A1 fuel test data; 
   
• Work begins on the US$430 million Lube Base Oil Plant (LBOP); 
   
• 306 Bahrainis benefit from on-the-job industrial training programmes at Bapco; 
   
• Bapco donates US$2 million to community, social and charitable organisations.