Major Upgrade Completed on RT Sea Islands

RAS TANURA, September 28, 2009-- One of Saudi Aramco’s oldest and most essential crude oil loading facilities is enjoying increased reliability and operational enhancements thanks to completion of three major upgrades to Ras Tanura Sea Islands 2, 3 and 4

The company carried out the three projects simultaneously, providing new tower cranes, control systems and firewater protection for the Sea Islands, which have been a reliable gateway for crude oil export for more than 40 years.

The Saudi Aramco project team, working in partnership with main contractors Worley Petrocon and Mohammed Al-Mojil Group, achieved project completion without disruption to the crude-loading operation.

More than two million work-hours were expended during project construction, with no lost injury time despite many challenges, including daily transporting of the work force by boat, working in congested areas, and the parallel integration of a major Test and Inspection.

Hassan J. Al-Zahrani, general manager of Northern Area Project Management, at a recent recognition ceremony, remarked on the diverse challenges that had been overcome and congratulated the team for their efforts, dedication and alignment in completing the projects.

With the completion of the upgrades, the Ras Tanura Sea Islands have enhanced operational efficiency and should continue as a reliable crude oil export hub for years to come