Algerian fertiliser company Fertial has awarded the US’ KBR a contract that will see the engineering consultancy carry out a study at two ammonia plants in the North African state.

The study is aimed at improving efficiency, safety and operational reliability at the two sites. KBR has stated the study could improve output by 50 per cent at the facilities, which were originally built in the 1970s.

The initial phase of the study will focus on defining the technical scope. The exact value of the deal has not been disclosed.