GTL plant ‘ramp-up meets expectations’
Published: Wednesday, 30 July, 2008, 01:49 AM Doha Time
gulf-times.com
JOHANNESBURG: Sasol Ltd (SSL), the world’s largest producer of motor fuels from coal, yesterday said the performance and production ramp-up at the Oryx gas-to-liquids plant in Qatar is meeting its expectations.
Oryx, in which Sasol has a 49% stake and Qatar Petroleum (QP) 51%, suffered a delayed start-up and early technical difficulties.
Sasol said the plant at Ras Laffan operated above 85% of its capacity for most of June, with an average output for the month of more than 22,000 barrels a day of final product.
The average production for the first six months of the year was about 30% higher than the previous six months, the Johannesburg-based company said in a twice-yearly newsletter published on its website.
Diesel from the GTL plant is sold as a blend component in European and Middle Eastern markets and naphtha has to date been sold primarily as cracker feedstock to Asian ethylene producers.
Sasol said Oryx underwent a scheduled shutdown in the first quarter, which was completed within schedule and with no recorded injuries.
“As plant operating efficiencies increase, higher and more sustainable production levels are being achieved. The focus now is on optimizing the plant’s operating performance,” Sasol said. – Dow Jones Newswires
=====
Sasol investor newsletter
The July 2008 newsletter provides a brief divisional review and also an update on progress on the major capital projects underway in South Africa and elsewhere.
sasol.com |
