Bahrain Oil Minister opens Middle East Bottom of the Barrel and Catalyst Technology Conference
TDT | Manama
The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com
Oil Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa has inaugurated the Bottom of the Barrel and Catalyst Technology Conference (BBTC MENA 2021).
The two-day conference brings together CEOs of oil companies, members of Gulf and international oil companies, experts, engineers and specialists in oil industries from around the world.
The conference is organized by the European Petroleum Consultants and the Bahrain Petroleum Company (Bapco), in cooperation with the Ministry of Oil, and with the support of Gulf and international oil companies.
The conference is a platform to exchange and share experiences on the best methods and appropriate solutions for residual fuel oil and waste and the impact of the Corona pandemic on the energy sector.
It also reviews how Middle East refineries are adapting their operations to meet the current market demand, as many of the remaining fuel oil projects in operation depend on fuel oil.
In a statement, Shaikh Mohammed stressed that the energy sector in Bahrain is witnessing continuous growth in light of the support and care of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
The support enhances the role of the sector in serving the national economy and supporting Bahrain's efforts in sustainable development, he added.
Bahrain’s hosting of the conference is within the framework of its interest in exchanging expertise and experiences on the most important technological developments in this field, he said.
"This is highly significant as traditional refining methods are no longer the only source of profits, and there is a global trend to enhance ways to benefit from fuel oil as one of the sources of energy with a promising future," he said.
"The petrochemical industry is facing new challenges and opportunities today, with changing markets and the world’s trend towards sustainability and decarburization. This requires oil and gas refineries to develop themselves to keep pace with this change, and increase conversion to reduce the production of low-value fuel oil and reduce emissions in a way that contributes to preserving the environment and meets sustainability requirements."
Organizing and hosting such important events are an opportunity to discuss opinions and ideas on ways to develop this sector, confront the challenges arising from the repercussions of the Coronavirus pandemic and improve mechanisms for dealing with various emergencies and crises, Shaikh Mohammed said.
"In the downstream industry, upgrading the Bottom of Barrel has been without doubt central to achieving high levels of productivity and maintaining competitiveness – a key component to every modern refinery complex," organizers said.
"In today's downstream industry, we are faced with new challenges and opportunities, with changing markets and a drive towards greater sustainability and decarbonisation. Refiners will continue to look to convert low value residues and increase conversion to curb low-value fuel oil production. Key objectives remain increasing conversion, improving products, further integration with petrochemicals, reducing emissions and increasing margins."
Along with the process technologies, Catalysts will continue to play a central role in reaching these objectives, they said.
"Catalytic processes are very much at the heart of all refineries. Producers are looking to select the best-suited catalyst to increase profitability, maximise production, increase integration & develop new revenue streams. Making the right selection in terms of Catalyst Management, waste management, and different recovery & regeneration techniques is highly important when it comes to deciding on the best operational strategy for the coming years."
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