Duqm Refinery hits milestone with 500th export shipment

MUSCAT: Duqm Refinery has successfully exported more than 19 million tons of refined petroleum products to global markets, the refinery’s CEO announced on Monday, marking a major milestone for the Kuwaiti-Omani joint initiative.

Kuwaiti engineer Abdullah Al-Ajmi, CEO of Duqm Refinery, said the refinery has also shipped over 304,388 metric tons of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and 50,000 tons of petroleum coke per shipment, highlighting the refinery’s growing role in global energy supply chains.

The announcement came in a statement to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) as the refinery celebrated its 500th oil product shipment, a milestone Al-Ajmi described as a reflection of the refinery’s “accelerated progress” and its position as a strategic hub in global energy logistics.

“Duqm continues to set new benchmarks in operational excellence,” said Al-Ajmi, noting that the refinery has achieved loading rates of 130,000 barrels per hour across five berths operating simultaneously, a feat that demonstrates “advanced performance and operational precision.” He added that the refinery has proven its logistical efficiency by handling vessels of various sizes—from small tankers to large LR2-class ships—and completing each petroleum coke shipment in under 120 hours.

MUSCAT: Workers are seen at the Duqm Refinery, the largest joint investment project between Kuwait and Oman.

Abdullah Al-Ajmi, CEO of Duqm Refinery.

Now fully operational for over two years, the refinery has also integrated night-time crude oil offloading into its daily operations, enhancing its capacity to offer round-the-clock logistical services. Al-Ajmi said Duqm Refinery is now working to diversify its exports, including preparations to ramp up sulfur shipments as part of a broader strategy to expand its product portfolio and meet global market demands with “flexibility and innovation.” “This rapid achievement reinforces Duqm’s standing as a strategic development anchor and a trusted global supply chain partner,” he said, describing the refinery as one of the world’s newest and most efficient.

Located in southern Oman, Duqm Refinery is the largest joint investment project between Kuwait and Oman, co-owned by OQ, Oman’s energy company, and Kuwait Petroleum International. With an estimated investment of $9 billion, the project aims to add high-value refined products to the international energy market. The facility was officially inaugurated in February 2024 under the patronage of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman. — KUNA