Aramco, China Petroleum & Chemical (Sinopec), and Yanbu Aramco Sinopec Refining (Yasref) have announced the signing of a venture framework agreement (VFA) intended to pave the way for a major petrochemical expansion at Yasref, in Yanbu, on the west coast of Saudi Arabia.
Coinciding with Yasref’s 10th anniversary, the agreement seeks to advance engineering studies for the development of a fully-integrated petrochemical complex at Yasref, a joint venture owned by Aramco (62.5%) and Sinopec (37.5%). The project aims to maximise operational synergies and create additional value through introducing a state-of-the-art petrochemical unit, a large-scale mixed feed steam cracker with a 1.8 million tons per year capacity, and a 1.5 million tonnes per year aromatics complex with associated downstream derivatives integrated into the existing Yasref complex. This is expected to enhance Yasref’s ability to meet growing demand for high-quality petrochemical products.
Amin H. Nasser, Aramco president and CEO, says: ‘The Yasref venture framework agreement further deepens and elevates our strategic partnership with Sinopec. The planned expansion project solidifies our commitment to product innovation and diversification. As we look forward to strengthening our collaboration with Sinopec in making Yasref a leading refining and petrochemicals joint venture, we aim to contribute to growing Saudi Arabia’s position as a global leader in energy and chemicals.’
Mohammed Y. Al Qahtani, Aramco downstream president adds: ‘Our strong relationship with Sinopec continues to build momentum. The planned Yasref expansion aligns with our downstream strategy to unlock the full potential of our resources, including converting up to four million barrels per day of crude oil into petrochemicals by 2030. In partnership with Sinopec, we aim to advance cutting-edge refining and petrochemical capabilities to deliver high-value products, create new opportunities, drive industrial innovation, and enable economic transformation. This highlights our strategic, long-term partnership with Sinopec and it is fitting that the announcement of this project coincides with Yasref’s 10th anniversary.’
Zhao Dong, Sinopec president, adds: ‘Yasref, a flagship joint venture symbolising China-Saudi energy cooperation, has not only served as a key driver for Saudi Arabia’s local economic growth but also actively advanced petrochemical industry upgrades. The Yasref expansion project represents a significant milestone in our bilateral partnership, ushering in a new phase of deeper and more far-reaching collaboration. We expect the Yasref expansion project to unlock new dimensions of collaborative potential as we navigate the energy transition. Sinopec and Aramco are poised to establish a world-class, integrated refining and petrochemical complex distinguished by comprehensive competitive advantages, aiming to redefine traditional energy cooperation models and expand new frontiers for more sustainable development.’
