The basic engineering for the Qafco III debottlenecking is due to be completed by July 2003, after which separate detailed EPC packages will be issued by the client. The Qafco III plant, completed by Uhde in 1997, has design capacity of 1,500 tonnes a day (t/d) of ammonia and 2,200 t/d of urea. On the debottlenecking's completion, capacity will be raised to 1,900 t/d of ammonia and 3,000 t/d of urea.

Uhde is due to complete the engineering and procurement contract for the power upgrade by October 2003. It centres on the installation of a new high-voltage substation at units I and II, which went on stream in 1972 and 1979 respectively. The project will also see the power supply integrated at Qafco's four plants.