Ahead of the F1 Singapore Grand Prix this weekend, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Motorsport driver, Valtteri Bottas dropped by at PETRONAS’ US$16 billion (about RM66.76 billion) megaproject at the Pengerang Integrated Complex (PIC) in Johor.
Due to start commercial operations by the fourth quarter of this year, Valtteri visited the ‘brain’” of the 6,239-acre complex, the Main Control Building, which provides critical communication connections for the Refinery, Steam Cracker Complex, Petrochemical plants and its 6 major associated facilities. He also visited the Centralised Laboratory to learn about PIC’s research and development.
Petroleum products to Euro 5 specs
With a refining capacity of 300,000 barrels of crude per day, it will produce a range of refined petroleum products, including petrol and diesel that meet Euro 5 fuel specifications. The refinery will provide feedstock for the integrated petrochemical complex, which has the nameplate capacity to produce 3.3 million tonnes per annum of petrochemical products, including differentiated and specialty chemicals.
The refinery and selected petrochemical plants are owned and operated by Pengerang Refining and Petrochemical (PRefChem), a strategic alliance between PETRONAS and Saudi Aramco through an equal partnership in two joint-venture companies.
While at the facility, he met some members of the 28,000-strong workforce and treated a lucky few to a driving experience. 30 students from local schools also presented the F1 driver, currently running second in the 2019 championship, with their F1 car designs.
“It’s a sight to behold – the scale and scope of the facility is incredible! It’s great to learn more about PETRONAS’ technology and business whilst we’re in the region and also to see everyone working together with such a great team spirit and passion for their work. It is similar to the team back at the factories in Brackley and Brixworth [in England],” said Valtteri.
“We aspire to be at the forefront of technology and innovation across the energy value chain and PIC brings us closer to prime position in achieving that goal. We are proud of our new facility and have enjoyed giving Valtteri a preview of our extensive operations here,” said Dr. Colin Wong, CEO of PRefChem.
