Herbert Smith Freehills advises Pertamina-Rosneft joint venture

The high-tech refinery in Tuban, East Java, will increase Pertamina’s refining capability and strengthen Rosneft’s presence in the Asia-Pacific petroleum market.

The project company has appointed Spain’s Tecnicas Reunidas SA to carry out the basic engineering design and the front-end engineering design for the project’s construction.

“We’re delighted to have advised on this important development for the two companies”, said partner Danila Logofet, who has led the team advising the project company since 2018. “Tuban will be one of the most technologically advanced refineries in the world, so the engineering contract process was more complex than usual.”

The firm worked in partnership with longstanding Indonesian associate firm Hiswara Bunjamin & Tandjung to advise on the project.

“This is one of many energy and infrastructure projects which have advanced following the recent Indonesian presidential elections”, said Matthew Goerke, Senior International Counsel at Hiswara Bunjamin & Tandjung. “Greater political certainty is refocusing project companies, financiers, construction companies and bidders on Indonesian projects, and we expect more announcements of this type into 2020.”

The Pertamina-Rosneft joint venture project company that will build and operate the new refinery was established in October 2017, with Pertamina holding a 55% stake and Rosneft 45%.

“Increasing Indonesia’s refining capacity to meet growth in demand will enable the country to reduce costly petroleum imports”, said Global Head of Energy Lewis McDonald. “This cooperation by two oil nationals is vital to support the ongoing development of the Indonesian economy.”

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