Malaysia: Throwback at Rapid Project Huge Explosion Rocks Petronas' Refinery in Malaysia

Reuters reports that a fire at Petronas' Malaysian oil refinery was brought under control early on Friday after an explosion. The company was testing its facilities ahead of planned commercial operations later this year.

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Kuala Lumpur/Malaysia — The fire occurred at the company's Atmospheric Residue Desulphurisation (Ards) Unit which is currently under commissioning stage. No fatality was recorded, the company announced in a statement. However, one personnel sustained scratches and had already been discharged upon receiving medical consultation.

Malaysian "Strait Times" reported that a massive explosion rocked Petronas’ Refinery and Petrochemical Integrated Development (Rapid) at the Pengerang Integrated Complex near there, at 1.25 am local time on Friday. The fire was contained within 30 minutes. In contrast to the company's official statement, the newspaper talks about two injured workers.

Poised for startup in 2019, Rapid is designed to produce Euro 4 and 5 premium petroleum products and other specialised chemicals. It forms the heart of the Pengerang Integrated Complex (PIC) - the oil company's biggest project so far. Rapid is realized by a 50/50 JV between Petronas and Saudi Aramco.

The fire will likely set back plans for the refinery to reach commercial operations by October as several units will have to be shut for further inspection, Reuters quotes Energy Aspects’ analyst Nevyn Nah.

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