Bolashak Processing Plant

New build of an onshore petroleum refinery

Kashagan is an offshore oil field located in the northern Caspian Sea. With an area of about 300.00 ha it is the largest oil field found in the past 30 years.

The refinery is situated 35 km to the north-east of the city Atyrau. It consists of 2 similar plants for the desulphurisation of crude oil and the refinement of crude oil and natural gas. A third plant is planned for expansion at a later date. The entire plant covers an area of
about 9 km². Capacity was expected to increase tenfold by 2015.

This project was challenging due to extreme climate conditions and the client's exacting standards. Summers are dry and very hot. In winter, temperatures drop to -40°C and there are strong winds. The majority of construction activity took place in the winter months. This coupled with design temperatures of up to 210°C required the use of special concrete.

KVL was responsible for quality assurance and quality control while the excavation and civil engineering work was being carried out. This included the concrete, insulating and waterproofing work on the foundations, underground buildings and supply channels as well as road construction.