John Crane has announced it has signed a frame agreement for the Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC) Clean Fuels Project, a modernization project that will upgrade two refineries in Kuwait. The agreement covers the full share of the mechanical seals and systems used for more than 530 critical pumps at the Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery, one of the largest refineries in the Middle East. Engineering services, commissioning support, and technical training are also covered under the agreement.

The agreement was signed with an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) joint venture that is managing a $4.8 billion portion of the Clean Fuels Project. The joint venture comprises JGC Corporation from Japan, and SK Engineering & Construction, and GS Engineering & Construction from South Korea.

The KNPC Clean Fuels Project is a major initiative to upgrade the Mina Al-Ahmadi and Mina Abdulla refineries, with a goal of increasing combined daily production to 800,000 barrels of oil per day, according to John Crane. The project will also improve the operating performance and energy efficiency of the refineries, reducing carbon dioxide emissions and improving the quality of hydrocarbon production to meet international environmental and marketing standards, as well as legislation requirements.

“We’re proud to be entrusted with this large project and support strengthening Kuwait’s refining sector. As a leader in energy services, we believe it is part of our responsibility to provide the advanced technology needed by our customers to improve reliability in their operations, while meeting the highest standards of commitment to the environment,” said Dave Hill, John Crane’s vice president of First Fit Sales and Projects.