SATORP partners with Marafiq, Veolia, and Lamar to launch industrial water recycling initiative in Jubail
Saudi Aramco Total Refining and Petrochemical Company (SATORP), a joint venture refinery, has signed a 30-year agreement with Marafiq, Veolia, and Lamar to establish a landmark industrial water recycling project in Jubail Industrial City, the largest petrochemicals hub in the Middle East.
The initiative, set to launch in Q3 2028, involves the construction of a $500 million advanced water reuse plant with a treatment capacity of nearly 8.76 million cubic meters annually. The project also includes a three-decade operation and maintenance agreement.
Driving sustainability in the energy sector
As one of the world’s most advanced refineries, SATORP currently processes 465,000 barrels per day of Arabian Heavy Crude into high-value fuels and petrochemicals. This new initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, supporting sustainable growth, industrial diversification, job creation, and long-term energy security.
Mohammad A. Al Hatlani, President and CEO of SATORP, emphasized the project’s alignment with national goals:
“This project is perfectly in line with the Kingdom's strategy to reduce the environmental impact of industrial activities and promote a circular economy. Maximizing the reuse of industrial wastewater is key to preserving precious water resources, thereby strengthening the resilience of both industry and the territory.”
Expertise in wastewater management
The new plant will be owned by a consortium led by Marafiq with Veolia and Lamar. Operations will be managed by an operating company headed by Veolia in partnership with Marafiq, focusing on resource recovery and recycling wastewater and spent caustic from SATORP’s petrochemical Value Park.
Estelle Brachlianoff, CEO of Veolia, noted:
“By innovating and advancing large-scale wastewater recycling in Jubail, Veolia reaffirms its commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and leading the transition to a more circular economy in the Middle East.”
Mohamed Zuabi, CEO of Marafiq, added:
“This agreement reflects Marafiq’s commitment to advancing sustainable industrial practices in Jubail. By recycling industrial wastewater, we are reducing environmental impact while contributing to the Kingdom’s circular economy strategy.”
Dr Lina Noureddin, CEO of Lamar Holding, highlighted the project’s significance:
“As one of the GCC’s leading developers of PPP projects, Lamar is committed to shaping transformative infrastructure that advances Saudi Arabia’s strategic goals. This initiative represents a significant milestone for sustainable infrastructure in the Kingdom.”
A step toward circular economy leadership
The project is expected to play a pivotal role in reducing the environmental footprint of Jubail’s industrial ecosystem while supporting sustainable resource management. By reusing industrial wastewater on a large scale, SATORP, Marafiq, Veolia, and Lamar reaffirm their joint commitment to advancing the circular economy under Vision 2030.
This long-term partnership is regarded as a milestone in sustainable industrial solutions in the Middle East, paving the way for a lower-impact industrial future.
