MAN Diesel & Turbo wins major order in Kuwait

MAN Diesel & Turbo has won an order for nine compressor trains for the state-owned Kuwait Oil Company (KOC). MAN technology will be deployed in Kuwait's Burgan field, one of the world's largest oil fields. The British plant manufacturer Petrofac has been contracted by KOC to build the Gas Gathering Center 32 here, enabling to process accompanying gases and to improve the quality of the oil produced.

Dr. Uwe Lauber, CEO of MAN Diesel & Turbo: "The oil- and gas-rich countries of the Arabian Gulf are an important focus region especially for our Turbomachinery business unit. With more than 50 compressors and turbines delivered to Kuwait alone, we are one of the leading providers of technology here." Across the Middle East, MAN Diesel & Turbo is able to look back on numerous projects with plant manufacturers (EPC), as well as with stateowned and international oil and gas producers.

In Kuwait, turbomachinery by MAN is also deployed in other gas gathering centers. "The current order is based not least on the positive experience that KOC has with us," explains Hassan Ajami, Regional Manager MAN Diesel & Turbo Middle East. The company’s technology is not only employed in upstream operations, as he stresses: "In the past year, we have booked an order for six ReTPac machinery trains for the Al Zour refinery in Kuwait."

The nine electric motor-driven compressors for Gas Gathering Center 32, type RB35 and RB28, will allow  challenging sour and wet gas from the Burgan field to be compressed. High proportions of hydrogen chloride and hydrogen sulfide mean demanding requirements for machines and materials. This current order also includes an option for additional machines and services.

"Just like with this order, the oil and gas industry is increasingly investing in the processing of accompanying gases, which until now have often been flared off," says Ulrich Mudrack, Vice President MAN Diesel & Turbo in Berlin, Germany. Sophisticated compressors, turbines and engines make it possible to make good use of such gases. "Processing and power generation benefit not only the customer, but also the environment, by reducing flaring and venting," Mudrack explains.