The complete shutdown of the DHC* unit at Société Ivoirienne de Raffinage has, for the first time, been entrusted to a consortium of general contractors. This large-scale industrial operation was led by the experts at Eiffage Énergie Systèmes, showcasing our proven expertise in industrial maintenance and the coordination of complex technical shutdowns—all while contributing to local development in Côte d’Ivoire.
Between February and April, Eiffage Énergie Systèmes’ expert teams oversaw a major technical shutdown of the DHC (Distillate Hydrocracker) unit at the Société Ivoirienne de Raffinage (SIR) in Abidjan. This mission-critical unit plays a central role in refining operations, converting heavy distillates from crude oil into high-value diesel fuel through high-pressure, high-temperature processes.
Over a 45-day window, more than 120 Ivorian technicians from SIR collaborated with three French experts from Eiffage Énergie Systèmes to perform detailed maintenance on 156 components—including a turbo compressor and five reciprocating compressors. This shutdown represented a significant effort to restore the DHC unit to peak operating condition.
In a strategic move to streamline operations and improve coordination, SIR entrusted the project to just four general contractors, including Eiffage Énergie Systèmes. By reducing the number of stakeholders and centralizing the management of shared activities, SIR ensured tighter risk control and enhanced safety across this high-sensitivity industrial site.
A key focus of the project was local capacity building. In collaboration with the Regional Academy of Marine Sciences and Techniques (ARSTM) and Jacqueville vocational high school, 85 local technicians were hired on fixed-term contracts. These recruits received on-site supervision and ongoing training, reinforcing the knowledge transfer between French and Ivorian teams and ensuring long-term upskilling within the local workforce.
The core objective was clear: to return the DHC unit to full operational output through rigorous maintenance and retrofitting. This initiative exemplifies Eiffage Énergie Systèmes’ capacity to manage complex industrial shutdowns while fostering robust local partnerships and contributing to regional development.
