These investments will increase crude processing capacity while enhancing operational reliability, positioning Aster to better meet demand and strengthen Singapore’s role as a critical refining and petrochemical hub.
The key project is a US$75 million investment to revitalise the condensate splitter unit (CSU). This will increase Bukom refinery’s crude processing capacity to over 300 000 bpd. Additionally, the lube oil complex (LOC) will be rejuvenated with a US$71 million project which allows for the safe and reliable upgrading of refinery residue to produce higher value base oils which is a main component of lubricants used in industrial, marine and passenger car sectors.
To increase shared feedstocks and processing capabilities, Aster will also invest to improve Bukom’s logistics to enable export of mixed C4 product and import of pyrolysis gasoline from Chandra Asri’s Cilegon facility, Singapore. These projects will enable deeper integration between Bukom and Cilegon to take advantage of the processing capabilities of both sites to further upgrade value from these products.
Mashhad Dohadwala, Aster’s Director for Projects & Technology, said: “We are targeting for these projects to be operational in 2026. The rejuvenation will allow us to make higher value products and be more integrated through our oil-chemicals value chain. We continue to evaluate new technologies aligned with energy transition goals, and in parallel keep emphasis on optimising existing assets as it is essential for capacity resilience and produce higher-value offerings for Singapore’s energy and chemicals sector growth.”