Sonatrach CEO Oversees Strategic Projects in Skikda: Advancing Algeria’s Energy Sovereignty and Global Export Capacity

✍️ BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Rachid Hachichi inspects vital infrastructure upgrades and energy transition initiatives, reaffirming Sonatrach’s commitment to operational excellence, environmental leadership, and national energy security.

Algiers, Algeria | May 7th, 2025 — In a move reflecting Sonatrach’s unwavering commitment to strengthening Algeria’s energy infrastructure and positioning itself as a global energy leader, the company’s CEO, Rachid Hachichi, conducted a high-level working visit to the Skikda industrial zone. Accompanied by Skikda’s Wali, Mr. Saïd Akhrouf, and senior executives of the group, Hachichi assessed the progress of several key strategic projects vital to both domestic supply stability and international export ambitions.

Ensuring National Fuel Security During Refinery Maintenance

The visit commenced with an inspection of the Skikda oil refinery, currently undergoing a 25-day scheduled maintenance operation involving three critical units: the crude oil distillation unit, the propane and butane separation unit, and the gasoline production unit. These upgrades are part of Sonatrach’s broader effort to enhance processing efficiency and safety.

Addressing the workforce on-site, Hachichi assured that robust contingency measures have been implemented to guarantee uninterrupted fuel supply across the national market, and to honor Sonatrach’s contractual obligations to domestic and international clients. He commended the technical and operational teams for their professional execution of the maintenance tasks in full compliance with international safety and environmental standards.

Massive LNG Storage Expansion to Meet Global Demand

In the second phase of his visit, Hachichi inspected the construction site of the giant LNG storage tank at the GL1K liquefaction complex. With a total capacity of 150,000 cubic meters, the project has achieved 76% completion. This infrastructure is designed to bolster Sonatrach’s LNG storage and loading flexibility, thereby boosting Algeria’s export readiness in response to the growing international demand for cleaner energy solutions.

Decarbonization in Action: Industrial Flare Site Visit

Demonstrating Sonatrach’s growing role in the global energy transition, the CEO and his delegation visited the industrial flare system at GL1K. This installation plays a pivotal role in reducing the carbon footprint of gas liquefaction operations. It aligns with Sonatrach’s climate strategy, which focuses on cutting greenhouse gas emissions and implementing advanced decarbonization protocols in both liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) production.

Petrochemical Valorization: LAB Project Gaining Momentum

A key stop in the itinerary was the petrochemical complex for the production of linear alkylbenzene (LAB), which entered the implementation phase following the March 7, 2024 contract signing with Italian firm Tecnimont. Currently at 20% progress, the project seeks to valorize locally available petroleum derivatives—kerosene and benzene—from the Skikda refinery. It aims to satisfy growing national demand for LAB, a crucial raw material in detergent manufacturing, while positioning Algeria as an exporter of surplus production by 2027.

Concluding the visit, Rachid Hachichi reaffirmed Sonatrach’s dedication to developing its industrial infrastructure in accordance with the highest global technical and environmental benchmarks. He emphasized the group’s strategic vision to consolidate Algeria’s energy independence, enhance export competitiveness, and take a leadership role in sustainable energy practices.

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