Strategic Meeting Between Sonatrach, Baker Hughes Marks Major Step in Enhancing Hassi R’mel Gas Field

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | December 16th, 2024 — In a pivotal meeting held on Monday in Florence, Italy, Rachid Hachichi, the President and CEO of Sonatrach, convened with Lorenzo Simonelli, the CEO of Baker Hughes, to discuss the ongoing technical advancements of the Boosting project at the Hassi R’Mel gas field. This collaboration, which focuses on strengthening the field’s production capacity, is a cornerstone of Sonatrach’s strategic efforts to maintain Algeria’s status as a leading gas producer on the global stage.

The meeting, held at Baker Hughes’ headquarters, comes on the heels of the official launch on December 1 of the second phase of the Boosting III project, a critical component of Hassi R’Mel’s third-phase development. The Boosting III project aims to address the natural depletion of the field by implementing cutting-edge technologies designed to sustain and enhance its output, ensuring that Sonatrach can meet domestic energy demands and fulfill international commitments.

Accompanying Mr. Hachichi at the meeting were senior executives from Sonatrach, including Farid Djettou, Vice President of Exploration and Production, Mahdi Sellami, Director of Engineering, Ammar Nouacer, Director of the Production Division, and Youcef Loucif, Regional Director of Hassi R’Mel. The discussions focused on the progress of the project, ensuring that all elements of the planned timeline are adhered to while maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety.

Following the high-level discussions, the delegation embarked on a visit to Baker Hughes’ state-of-the-art facilities, including its research and development laboratory. Here, they were introduced to the latest innovations and technological advancements that are being integrated into the Boosting project. This hands-on experience reinforced the technical partnership between the two entities, emphasizing their mutual commitment to leveraging the latest industry advancements to maximize gas production efficiency at Hassi R’Mel.

Furthermore, the delegation visited the manufacturing unit in Massa, Italy, where the critical turbine compressors, produced by Baker Hughes’ subsidiary Nuovo Pignone, are being built. These compressors are essential for the operation of the Boosting installations, marking a significant step forward in ensuring the sustainability and expansion of Hassi R’Mel’s gas output.

The strategic alliance between Sonatrach and Baker Hughes is strengthened by their shared commitment to the project’s success. The meeting underscored both parties’ resolve to meet the established project timelines and to uphold the highest levels of professionalism, quality, and technical expertise. The second phase of the Boosting III project is being executed by a consortium comprising Baker Hughes, Tecnimont SPA, and Nuovo Pignone International SRL under an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract signed on May 23 of this year.

The Boosting project at Hassi R’Mel is of paramount importance to Sonatrach’s long-term energy strategy, designed to mitigate the natural decline of the field’s output while ensuring that Algeria remains a key player in the global energy market. The successful execution of this project will not only bolster Sonatrach’s capacity to meet domestic energy needs but also reinforce its international commitments, further solidifying its position as a major gas exporter.

About Dzair Tube Media Group

Dzair Tube has firmly positioned itself as a leading force in Algerian digital journalism, delivering a rich and diverse array of content. Available in Arabic, French, and English, Dzair Tube captivates a broad audience, drawing over half a million daily clicks.

The platform’s excellence was notably recognized with the prestigious President of the Republic’s Award for Professional Journalist in the Electronic Press category on October 22, 2022. This accolade underscores Dzair Tube’s steadfast commitment to the highest journalistic standards.

Dzair Tube’s substantial online footprint includes 350,000 YouTube subscribers, over six million followers across various Facebook pages, and 450,000 Instagram followers. The digital channel serves as a nexus for a wide range of programming, spanning news, sports, entertainment, culture, and religion, catering to a diverse audience.

Boasting cutting-edge studios and advanced technology, Dzair Tube’s digital channel has attracted a significant viewership with its varied programs. It facilitates interactive discussions with key figures from various sectors, promoting public discourse and engagement. Beyond news, Dzair Tube excels in producing marketing documentaries, short TV commercials, and high-viewership shows.

The print edition of Dzair Tube’s sports newspaper, “Dzair Sport,” further attests to the platform’s influence, with over 50,000 daily downloads from the official Dzair Tube website.

Awarded the Media Leadership Award by the Minister of Communication, Mohamed Laâgab, Dzair Tube continues to shape the Algerian digital media landscape, maintaining its position of influence and impact. Additionally, Dzair Tube’s prominence in Algeria’s media scene was celebrated at the ninth edition of the “Hilals of the Television” competition, solidifying its status as a media leader.

Stay Connected with Dzair Tube