The Arab Petroleum Investments Corporation (Apicorp), a multilateral development bank, has announced a $100 million-investment as part of a consortium of international and regional banks to finance the construction of Oman’s Duqm Refinery.

Situated within the Duqm Special Economic Zone, the refinery is a joint venture between Kuwait Petroleum International and Oman Oil Company.  

Duqm Refinery is a milestone project which will contribute to the transformation of Oman’s economy.

Apicorp's contribution to the refinery project includes $50 million as sharia-compliant finance, while the other $50 million is in conventional tranche.

Today’s announcement continues the Arab multilateral bank's collaboration with Kuwait, a 17 per cent shareholder in Apicorp, with a continued partnership in the financing of foreign investments in petrochemical projects such as MEGlobal in Canada and the Netherlands, and for Equipolymers in Switzerland, as well as the Nghi Son refinery and petrochemical plant in Vietnam.

This is also a demonstration of Apicorp’s commitment to Oman with over $380 million currently committed to the energy sector in country, said a top official.

"We are delighted to be working with Kuwait Petroleum International and Oman Oil Company on this prestigious project - Duqm Refinery.  As the Arab energy sectors most trusted financial partner, we look forward to further strengthening our existing partnerships with the governments of Kuwait and Oman," remarked Apicorp CEO Dr Ahmed Ali Attiga.

"Once operational, the refinery will play a significant role in boosting Oman’s exports and will be a key driver for the growth of the region providing investment opportunities for new related projects," he stated.

Nabil Bourisli, the president of Kuwait Petroleum International and chairman of Duqm Refinery, expressed delight at tthe collaboration with Apicorp on Duqm Refinery.

"This reflects the trust and confidence of local, regional and international financial institutions in our economic ties that are deeply rooted in history. Our vision is aiming at maximising the value of our natural resources and driving the two countries towards expanding their economic potential, leading to balanced economic growth," he added.

Duqm Refinery is located at Al Duqm in the South East Al Wusta Governorate of the Sultanate of Oman.

A strategic maritime location providing immediate access to international shipping lanes in both the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea, it helps the process of transport in and out of the region and gives the project a significant competitive advantage.

Duqm Refinery recently celebrated the laying of the foundation stone and the commencement of the $5.75 billion construction work for the project, said the statement.

Once the refinery is completed, it will have the capacity to process around 230,000 barrels of crude oil per day. Its primary products will be diesel, jet fuel, naphtha and LPG, it added.-TradeArabia News Service