Hyderabad-based Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Ltd (MEIL) has secured a $225.5 million (KWD 69.23 million) contract from Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) to build, operate, and manage a gas sweetening and sulphur recovery facility at Kuwait's oilfields. The project, for a New Gas Sweetening and Sulphur Recovery Facility (NGSF) at West Kuwait's oil fields, marks a significant expansion of MEIL's footprint in the Middle East.
The project will be developed on a Build-Own-Operate (BOO) basis, with KOC having the option to buy back the facility once it is developed. The contract will be executed in two phases: an execution phase spanning 790 days and a five-year operation and maintenance period.
The advanced facility is designed to treat sour gas containing up to 4% hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) and 10% carbon dioxide (CO₂), processing 120 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD). The Sulphur Recovery Unit (SRU) will comprise two trains, each with a 100 TPD (tonnes per day) capacity, achieving approximately 99.9% sulphur recovery efficiency.
In the gas sweetening process, acidic gases like hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide are removed from natural gas, making it safer, more efficient, and environmentally compliant for use. The purified gas will then be dehydrated and transported through KOC's pipeline network to the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) plant at Mina Ahmadi Refinery for further processing. This dehydration step is crucial to prevent freezing or hydrate formation during long-distance transportation. The project is located near Booster Station BS-171.
P Doraiah, Director of MEIL, stated that this strategic win will enable MEIL to strengthen its presence in the Middle East's oil and gas sector and reaffirms its expertise in executing complex hydrocarbon projects. He added that the project reflects MEIL's commitment to delivering world-class energy infrastructure that enhances environmental safety and operational efficiency.
MEIL is currently setting up similar SRUs for the Rajasthan Refinery and the Mongol Refinery. The company has won major contracts in recent years, ranging from electrical reactors' construction for NPCIL to setting up a crude refinery plant in Mongolia. Established in 1989, the recent order aligns with MEIL's strategy to expand its presence in the Middle East.
The project supports Kuwait’s focus on sustainable energy, cleaner fuel production, and environmental safety. A senior MEIL official noted the project reflects MEIL's commitment to world-class energy infrastructure that enhances environmental safety and operational efficiency.
