Khalid Khamis Al Jahwari

Leveraging its extensive expertise and experience in the global energy industry, Petrofac has secured contracts for engineering and procurement services in Oman.

What is your assessment of Petrofac’s lasting influence and contributions in Oman?

Petrofac has been active in Oman for 40 years and made a significant contribution to the country’s energy sector and its wider economy. Major EPC projects we have delivered, like Rabab Harweel and the Sohar Refinery, helped to boost Oman’s energy production and supply, created job opportunities, and contributed to the growth of the wider economy. We believe we have had a positive impact in Oman, with a strong commitment to Omanization, in-country value, local workforce development, and social responsibility. Over the past 30 years, Petrofac has generated USD3.7 billion in-country value and achieved 48% Omanization, and we look forward to continuing to support the country’s growth and development in the years to come.

Could you share any insights or innovations that Petrofac is implementing to enhance operational efficiency and safety in its projects in Oman?

In terms of efficiency, we invest heavily in digitalization, and here in Oman—on the Salalah LPG project—we trialed our connected construction platform, which gives us insights into the details of the delivery and helps drive efficient project management. With regards to safety, we want everyone involved with Petrofac to feel safe, valued, and cared for. Ultimately, our aim is for zero safety incidents, which we see as an entirely realistic goal. Our overall safety record is among the strongest in the industry, and we intend to keep improving the way we work. In 2020, for example, we launched a refreshed health safety and environment (HSE) strategy. This ensures that the same uncompromising safety culture exists across the entire group, and the same impeccable standards are applied on every site.

How will the partnership between Petrofac and the Oman Hydrogen Center (OHC) contribute to accelerating the Sultanate’s energy transition to renewable energy and the development of green hydrogen projects?

The Petrofac-OHC partnership will bring considerable benefits to the efficient implementation of green hydrogen projects and help accelerate the Sultanate’s energy transition. As well as providing expertise and supporting the growth of the hydrogen sector, the collaboration is structured around the development of Omani talent. The Takatuf Petrofac Oman (TPO) training center will provide access to educational resources, technical training, and hands-on learning to upskill students from its base in Muscat. We believe hydrogen and ammonia projects will play an important role in the global energy transition, and we are investing in knowledge and technology to contribute to their success. Green hydrogen provides an opportunity to accelerate the energy transition in Oman through the decarbonization of many industrial processes, especially those which have traditionally been carbon intensive, like steel production and food processing. Our partnership with OHC is designed to meet the needs of new complex energy assets, with the focus on engineering excellence and an ever-more skilled workforce.

Petrofac has been awarded several contracts by Shell to undertake new engineering and procurement services (EPS). How does Petrofac’s expertise and experience in the global energy industry position the company to effectively carry out these services in Oman?

Petrofac’s robust track record in the global energy industry uniquely positions us to deliver exceptional value in this partnership. We bring decades of specialized experience in engineering and procurement to the table, having worked in diverse energy markets from the UK to the Middle East. This extensive experience means we can anticipate and proactively address challenges that may arise in complex environments. In addition, Petrofac has a strong presence in Oman, with in-depth knowledge of local regulations, supply chain logistics, and workforce capabilities. Our familiarity with the Oman market will allow for a smooth integration of our global expertise with local needs, ensuring a swift and efficient project execution. The longstanding relationships that we have built in Oman, as well as with Shell, allow for a level of trust and understanding that is crucial for the success of any project.