Bahrain-based Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (GPIC) has achieved its highest productivity ever of ammonia, urea and methanol in the third quarter (Q3) of this year.

This was made possible while maintaining a high level of performance and a commitment to sustainable development in its business activities, said a statement from the company.

The achievements were all the more impressive since they were made despite the challenges, including the condition of the global chemical and fertiliser markets and low oil prices. It was thanks also to the company employees, their dedication, their professionalism and their desire to overcome all obstacles, it said.

GPIC board of directors chairman Dr Ahmed Al Sharyan praised the professional excellence of the company and the team and its executive management for their implementation of the board of directors’ strategies.

He also praised the excellent production figures achieved during the summer months that normally leave a negative impact on performance of plants.

Al Sharyan applauded the company's ability and expertise to overcome these obstacles and maintain operations, thus meeting all contractual obligations.

He said GPIC has taken all safety precautions according to well established global standards.

Al Sharyan said fluctuations in global markets have affected the balance of supply and demand. He said despite those challenges, which include increased supply and less demand, there was no obstacle for GPIC to continue production and exports to alternative markets and getting good returns.

This, he said, indicated the sound marketing plans and strategies of the board of directors to meet all challenges. This was done in co-ordination and co-operation with the Petrochemical Industries Company of Kuwait, the authorised marketer for ammonia and urea and the Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (Sabic), the authorised marketer for methanol.

Dr Abdulrahman Jawahery, company president, expressed satisfaction at the results and also spoke about achievements in other areas such as occupational safety, which are much admired in the industry.

He said GPIC has been able to achieve about 5,638 working days without a lost time accident, which is equivalent to more than 26.6 million hours. This, he said, is the result of careful application of international safety standards.

Dr Jawahery said another major achievement was in ensuring employees stayed safe since they are the real wealth of the Company in ensuring its success.

He said all employees have worked with a lot of professionalism and dedication, while complying with the highest safety standards, to make the success a reality. He said GPIC is always keen to ensure special attention is given to each employee in imparting special training on emergencies and crises situations, in addition to organising lectures on health and safety.

Dr Jawahery said every employee has been made aware on the potential damage caused by unsafe practices and how to avoid it. He praised the employees’ commitment to all safety applications and the importance of complying with them.

He said GPIC would continue to adhere to its vision and mission to make high quality products while adhering to safety standards and while maintaining team spirit among all employees. This has led to more community appreciation and the company playing an influential role in community service.

Dr Jawahery reiterated all these achievements would not have been possible without the unlimited support of the company's executive management and the board of directors, headed by Dr Al Sharyan.

Total production reached 1.2 million tonnes in the third quarter and this included 347,000 metric tonnes of ammonia, 331,000 metric tonnes of methanol and 525,000 metric tonnes of urea.

On the other hand, the company exported a total of 920,000 metric tonnes. Taiwan was the largest market with 16 per cent, followed by the US, at 15 per cent, it stated. – TradeArabia News Service