KBR Achieves Industry Leading Safety Performance at Pearl GTL Plant
Safety is more than a priority at KBR – it is a core value deeply engrained in our culture. The company has set a goal of Zero Harm to mitigate health and safety risks consistently and positively, both on and off the job. This commitment has recently contributed towards KBR reaching a major milestone of 2 million safe working hours at the Pearl Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) plant in Ras Laffan Industrial Area in Qatar.
Pearl GTL is the world’s largest gas-to-liquid plant, which turns natural gas into cleaner-burning fuels and lubricants. It is known to be one of the most complex and challenging energy projects ever commissioned. KBR, in partnership with Descon, is executing the Mechanical Maintenance Services (MMS) for the plant. This entails over 500 personnel from both companies efficiently and safely performing complex maintenance operations at the plant every day.
With new challenges that arose from COVID-19, the team continuously adapted and ensured a high level of operational safety through continued vigilance. Despite the pandemic, we have successfully onboarded over 300 employees proficient in contract, resource mobilization, competency management, disciplined delivery, HSSE and quality.
KBR secured the contract in May 2021 and by December 2021 work began full swing on the project.
"Achieving 2 million safe hours is a testament to how our employees approach health and safety. We are very proud of the Zero Harm culture at KBR, and we recognize the impact it has on how we think, plan, execute, and look out for each other,” said Rik Klavers, Vice President, Technology-Led Industrial Solutions.
The safety milestone, which was achieved earlier this month, has followed the roll-out of several projects and initiatives across the group, including a focus on mental health and well-being campaigns such as LSR (lifesaving rules), blood donation camps, worker welfare programs, Zero Harm and SHELL Safety Day celebrations. The recent successful completion of the SHELL Worker Welfare Building Responsibly (BR) assessment is also a significant milestone, demonstrating that the project is fully aligned with best-practice worker welfare principles.
In May 2011, the Pearl GTL project received a Gold Award at the inaugural Qatar Oil and Gas Industry Safety Awards event and in October 2012, the project won the ADIPEC Regional Award for best HSE in projects. Since then, the project has continued to operate at the highest standards in terms of safety, efficiency, and productivity.
