KBR awarded project management contract for new Libyan refinery development

KBR has secured a contract from Zallaf Exploration to provide project management and technical services for the South Refinery Project in southwest Libya. The 50-month engagement covers EPC phase support for the Ubari facility, building on KBR's historical involvement in Libyan infrastructure development.

KBR has been awarded a contract by Zallaf Exploration, Production and Refining of Oil and Gas Company to deliver project management and technical services for the South Refinery Project in Ubari, southwest Libya, according to an official announcement. The scope includes contract management, project management, and supporting technical services throughout the engineering, procurement, and construction phases over an anticipated 50-month period. KBR is a US-based engineering, construction, and services company with extensive experience in energy infrastructure projects globally. Zallaf is a Libyan oil and gas company engaged in exploration, production, and refining activities.

The South Refinery Project represents continued investment in Libya's downstream energy sector, where refining capacity expansion aligns with domestic fuel demand and export potential. KBR brings prior Libyan experience including engineering services for the Great Man-Made River Project, one of the world's largest irrigation schemes, and multiple refining and downstream projects globally. This development matters for Libya's energy industry as the country seeks to rebuild and expand hydrocarbon infrastructure following years of instability. The refinery project supports local fuel production, reducing import dependence and creating employment in the Ubari region.

For international engineering firms, the contract signals renewed opportunities in Libyan energy development as security conditions permit project execution. Stakeholders including equipment suppliers, construction contractors, and local engineering firms stand to benefit from subcontracting opportunities during the EPC phase. The project also reinforces KBR's position in Middle East and North Africa energy markets, where downstream capacity expansion remains a strategic priority for resource-holding nations.