Stroc Industrie wants to take part in a tender to repair a large fuel storage tank at the Samir refinery in Mohammedia. The Casablanca Commercial Court has allowed the industrial company to submit a bid, despite being under judicial reorganisation. The tender covers the full repair of the tank. The work includes the tank structure, internal lining, pipes, seals and fire protection system. The successful bidder will have 150 days to finish the work.
“The future winning bidder must completely refurbish all components of the reservoir. This includes the fire protection system. Delivery must occur within a period of 150 days.”
Stroc already has a history with Samir. The company previously built storage units and pipelines at the refinery.
Samir has been in liquidation since 2016. Its sites in Mohammedia and Sidi Kacem have about 2 million cubic metres of fuel storage capacity.
The refinery once processed up to 200,000 barrels of crude oil a day and supplied a large share of the country’s fuel needs. Its physical assets have been valued at more than 21bn dirhams.
The storage facilities are still being used. The court-appointed liquidator has been leasing storage platforms to fuel distributors to help maintain fuel supplies.
“The judge supervising the liquidation of the Samir refinery accepted a state offer to rent its storage platforms in order to secure Morocco’s oil needs.”
Stroc has been under judicial restructuring since February 2022. The company is working with its creditors on a plan to restructure its debt and continue operating.
The court’s decision allows Stroc to compete for the Samir contract while it remains under judicial protection.
“Under Article 595 of the Commercial Code, the company will submit a continuation plan supported by the report of the appointed judicial receiver to the commercial court.”
The tender comes as authorities seek to increase fuel storage capacity and build larger strategic reserves.
Existing facilities at the Samir site could play a role in that effort, while companies such as Stroc could find new work in repairing and maintaining old industrial infrastructure.
