
Bahrain Petroleum Company has a rich history that spans over 80 years. Founded in 1929 by the Standard Oil Company of California, BAPCO was the first oil company in the Middle East.
The company's early years were marked by significant growth, with oil production increasing rapidly in the 1930s. By the 1940s, BAPCO had become a major player in the global oil market.
In 1976, the Bahraini government acquired a 51% stake in BAPCO, paving the way for the company's future development. This move marked a significant shift towards greater Bahraini control over the company's operations.
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History and Milestones
Bahrain Petroleum Company has a rich history that spans nearly a century. The company's roots date back to December 2, 1925, when the British Eastern and General Syndicate acquired an oil concession from the Sheik of Bahrain.
The concession was initially granted over 100,000 acres, but it was later extended to cover all of Bahrain. This marked the beginning of the company's journey in the oil industry.
Gulf Oil, a major player in the industry at the time, played a significant role in the company's early history. They bought an option on the concession, but due to the Red Line Agreement, they were unable to exercise it jointly with the Iraq Petroleum Company.
In 1928, Gulf Oil sold the option to the Standard Oil Company of California, which later became a key player in the company's history.
On June 30, 1936, the California Texas Oil Company (Caltex) was incorporated as a wholly owned subsidiary of BAPCO, marking another significant milestone in the company's history.
Here are the key players in BAPCO's early history:
- National oil and gas companies
- Non-renewable resource companies established in 1929
- Oil companies of Bahrain
- Energy companies established in 1929
- Standard Oil
Texaco's involvement with BAPCO also played a significant role in the company's history. In exchange for a 50% stake in BAPCO, Texaco was awarded a 50% stake in the company, marking a significant turning point in the company's journey.
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Operations and Projects
BAPCO operates an integrated oil company with a 267,000-barrel-per-day oil refinery, storage facilities for 14 million barrels, a marketing terminal, and a marine terminal. The refinery is a significant contributor to the local economy, exporting most of its refined crude oil.
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The refinery is currently undergoing an expansion, with a planned increase in capacity from 267,000 bpd to 380,000 bpd by 2023. This expansion will be achieved through the completion of the flagship Sitrarefinery's expansion.
BAPCO is also planning to revamp and expand the refinery with an additional 100,000 b/d capacity, requiring a new pipeline to increase the supply of crude as feedstock. The pipeline will be 70 kilometers long, connecting the Ras Tanura refinery in Saudi Arabia to Sitra in Bahrain.
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Oil Discovery 1932
In 1932, a significant oil discovery was made in the region.
The discovery was made by the Standard Oil Company of California, which was later renamed Chevron.
It was a major find, with estimates suggesting that the oil field could produce up to 100,000 barrels of oil per day.
The oil field was located in the Kern River Valley in California.
This discovery marked a turning point in the history of oil production in the region, paving the way for further exploration and development.
The oil field was eventually named the Kern River Oil Field.
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Operations
BAPCO operates a 267,000-barrel-per-day oil refinery, which is a significant facility in the region.
The refinery is located midway between Awali and Sitra, and it's an integrated facility that includes storage facilities for 14 million barrels of oil.
95% of the company's products are for exports, with about one-sixth of the crude coming from the Bahrain Field and the rest being pumped from Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Aramco supplies around 350,000 barrels per day of crude through a 112-kilometre pipeline from the Abqaiq Plant.
The refinery's expansion, set to be completed in 2023, will increase its capacity to 380,000 barrels per day.
GE's Mobile Water Solutions
GE's Mobile Water Solutions are a game-changer for industries that require high-quality water, like the Bahrain Petroleum Company (Bapco) Refinery. Bapco is utilizing 13 GE Mobile Water Units for desalination, turning seawater into a high-quality source water for their refinery.
GE's innovative solution eliminates the need for Bapco to transport water to the refinery by tanker trucks. This is especially important in Bahrain, which is one of the most water-stressed countries in the world and will continue to be through at least 2040.
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The GE Mobile Water Solutions produce 136 m/h of water, meeting the refinery's high-quality standards. This is a cost-effective solution for on-site desalination, giving Bapco a reliable source of water.
GE Water & Process Technologies provided Bapco with a turnkey operations and maintenance solution, including mobile water units, pumping skids, tanks, and interconnecting piping and cabling.
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Key Figures and Performance
Bahrain Petroleum Company's financial performance is a notable aspect of its operations. In 2011, the company's revenues reached $10.22 billion.
The company's financial standing has been significant over the years.
Energising The Future
BAPCO has a rich history dating back to 1929 when it was established in Bahrain by the Standard Oil Company of California.
The company's first oil was discovered in 1932, and its first refinery was built in 1936 with a capacity of 10,000 b/d, which played a crucial role during World War II.
This refinery was later expanded to 250,000 b/d capacity in 1968, showcasing the company's commitment to growth and development.
In 1976, BAPCO was incorporated as a national oil company called Bahrain National Oil Company (BANOCO).
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News and Updates
Asry has launched two new bunker vessels for Bapco Refining, a subsidiary of Bapco Energies, marking a major milestone in the project.
The vessels were formally lowered into the water for the first time during a ceremony attended by senior representatives from both companies.
This project is the result of a strong strategic collaboration between Asry and Bapco Refining, reflecting both sides' backing for building national skills and delivering innovative marine solutions.
The launch begins the final phase of the project, which includes full commissioning, tests, and sea trials before the vessels are handed over to Bapco Refining.
Asry was selected for its expertise in engineering, ship construction, and repair, and the project has been a year in the making, from design to construction and outfitting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns the Bahrain Petroleum Company?
The Bahrain Petroleum Company is owned by the Government of Bahrain. It was previously owned by the Standard Oil Company of California.
Does Bahrain still produce oil?
Yes, Bahrain still produces oil, but its domestic production is not enough to meet the country's refining needs.
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