Sirte Oil Company, a subsidiary of Libya’s National Oil Company, has replaced 540 thermal synthesizer pipes at the First Methanol Plant within 20 days, significantly reducing the typical timeline of over 60 days. With this work completed, the plant is set to resume operations and increase production capacity, targeting an output of 1,000 metric tons per day through the implementation of supporting projects and upgrades.
In tandem, the state-owned Libyan Fertilizer Company (LIFECO) recently restarted its second urea plant after a 16-month shutdown. The restart follows the installation of a high-pressure reactor, relining of the high-pressure washing device and boiler repairs, allowing the plant to achieve 80% of its full capacity of 1,750 tons per day. As part of its modernization efforts, LIFECO has also upgraded its logistics infrastructure with the acquisition of a state-of-the-art Type-1A ship loader from Bruks Siwertell. The equipment, designed for efficient urea handling, incorporates advanced digital technology to enable remote operational support.
Methanol and urea, both critical inputs for agrichemicals and petrochemicals, play a central role in Libya’s strategy to strengthen its downstream sector. While the country is working toward a crude oil production target of two million barrels per day by 2025, it is also prioritizing the monetization of its 53 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves. A key element of this strategy is the development of petrochemical projects to convert natural gas into high-value products such as methanol, ammonia and urea. These initiatives aim to diversify exports, support domestic power generation, expand the production of value-added petrochemical products and stimulate growth of non-oil sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, plastics processing, pharmaceuticals and textiles.
Libya’s gas valorization strategy is integral to its efforts to expand its petrochemical sector, with much of this activity concentrated in the Marsa El-Brega industrial zone. This key port hub, managed by Sirte Oil Company, hosts Libya’s First Methanol Plant, along with two urea plants and two ammonia plants operated by LIFECO. To enhance petrochemical output, LIFECO has implemented extensive modernization and upgrades across its facilities, focusing on improving efficiency, increasing production capacity, and evaluating the development of new natural gas-based production units.
