Tecnicas Reunidas (TR) has been selected by Pemex Refinacion for the execution of the ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) project at the General Refinery Lazaro Cardenas in Minatitlan, Mexico.

This contract includes engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning of three new refining units: diesel hydrodesulfurisation unit (30,000 bpd), hydrogen production plant (25 Mcfd) and sulfur recovery plant (150 tpd); as well as modifications to an existing hydrodesulfurization unit and the integration of the facilities beyond the battery limits for these plants.

This project is part of the development and updating plans that Pemex Refinacion is carrying out, with investments of $5,500 million, within the Fuel Quality Project at their refineries throughout the country, to produce and supply diesel with a maximum sulphur content of 15 parts per million (ppm), which represents a reduction of 97% to meet environmental standards. 

Similarly, air quality will be improved by reducing emissions of greenhouse gases by more than 12,000 tpy.

These works will have a very positive impact in areas where refineries are located, generating 12,000 direct jobs and 31,000 indirect jobs, according to company officials.

The contract was awarded under the open book method, and will be implemented in two phases. The first phase, costing approximately $50 million, includes the execution of a basic design (FEED), a detailed estimation of the investment cost and the purchase of long-term delivery equipment. This first phase will take 12 months.

The second phase is project implementation, including detailed engineering, procurement of equipment and materials, construction and commissioning, under the turnkey model, with an estimated impact exceeding $500 million, and an execution period of 27 months.

This project provides continuity to TR's experience in Mexico, where it has recently completed several important refinery projects for Pemex Refinacion, at this same site.