Sinopec fails to launch aromatic hydrocarbons complex

By Saule Tasbulatova

The long-awaited startup of aromatic hydrocarbons production complex at ANPZ, the Atyrau refinery, has been postponed to uncertain date, announced Daniyar Berlibayev, acting chairman of Kazmunaygas JSC, at an investment issues sitting in Samruk Kazyna National Well-being Fund. 

Internet media resources quoted Mr Berlibayev as saying:

"The plant had to be launched in December 2013. However, it is likely that we won't make it to the date. Contractor Sinopec Engineering has requested Prime Minister to move the deadline to July 2014. They claim they never received the project documentation we had sent them. Firstly, they admit to have had no experience of adapting to local standards, therefore it took them some time. Secondly, general plant utilities at the complex are also used in the construction of another facility at ANPZ - advanced oil processing center. Thirdly, they have had hard times obtaining permission to bring in foreign workforce, to what we admit. The fourth factor is delivery schedules and the time needed to deliver equipment."

As he explained, the failure to meet hardware delivery schedules occurred through a fault of a logistics firm.

Chairman of Samruk Kazyna Board Umirzak Shukeyev demanded that the Chinese company is imposed with penalty sanctions.

"Let's take our final decision at last. I will be taking part too. We need to cut it out! The Chinese side constantly falls behind the schedule. We need to be tougher and apply all sanctions agreed in the contract. Do not approve their request to move the deadline to July 31!" Mr Shukeyev concluded.