Through COMPERJ, Petrobras intends to increase Brazil's heavy oil refining capacity and produce first- and second-generation petrochemical products for the internal and external markets. Due to come on stream in 2012 and to be completed in 2013, COMPERJ will have the processing capacity for 150,000 barrels per day of Brazilian heavy oil. In a single industrial complex, it will bring together a first-generation refining unit for production of basic petrochemical products including ethylene, propylene, benzene, and paraxylene; a series of second-generation units to transform the basic products into petrochemical products such as styrene, ethylene glycol, polyethylene, polypropylene, and PTA and a utilities plant to supply water, steam, and electrical energy for the whole complex.

WorleyParsons' services contract is valued at approximately US$110 million and includes the integration of the overall project, preparation of planning for the implementation phase, cost estimation, and documentation for contracting companies for the detailed design, procurement, and construction of the facilities. WorleyParsons will also provide front-end engineering design of the utilities and offsites as well as technical assistance during the detailed design, commissioning, pre-operation, start-up, and performance test of the utilities and offsites.

WorleyParsons CEO John Grill commented, "The confidence placed in WorleyParsons by Petrobras for the execution of the largest industrial undertaking of Petrobras and Brazil is a demonstration of WorleyParsons' recognized proven ability to successfully manage mega projects around the world. This provides us with the continued opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to Latin America and its expanding economies."