Attock Refinery Limited (ARL) took a decisive step towards modernizing its operations, signing a critical agreement with Italy’s STP Studi Technologie Progetti for Front End Engineering Design (FEED) and Project Management Consultancy (PMC) services. The deal, inked by ARL CEO Adil Khattak and STP CEO Carlo Gustavo Lombardi, marks a pivotal milestone in ARL’s ambitious $600 million refinery upgradation project aimed at boosting value addition and adopting environmentally sustainable production methods.
This partnership accelerates ARL’s comprehensive plan to enhance its refining capabilities and meet stricter environmental standards. The project centers on two key upgrades: the addition of a state-of-the-art Continuous Catalyst Regeneration (CCR) Unit and the revamp of its existing Diesel Hydro Desulfurization (DHDS) Unit. ARL has already completed the crucial Licensor FEED studies for these units with UOP/Honeywell of the USA, laying the technical groundwork. The selection of STP, a renowned Italian engineering firm, for the FEED and PMC phases underscores the project’s complexity and international scope. FEED will finalize the detailed engineering design, while PMC will ensure the project is executed efficiently, on time, and within budget.
“This agreement is fundamental to achieving our strategic objectives of producing higher-value products and significantly reducing our environmental footprint,” stated Adil Khattak following the signing ceremony. The upgradation is expected to enable ARL to produce cleaner fuels, particularly ultra-low sulfur diesel, aligning with national and global environmental trends. The $600 million investment represents one of the most significant refinery modernization initiatives in Pakistan, positioning ARL for long-term competitiveness in an evolving energy market. The collaboration with STP now propels the project into its detailed engineering and execution planning phase.
