BUCHAREST, ROMANIA - (September 20, 2001) The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (TDA) awarded three grants totaling US$521,406 to Rompetrol for feasibility studies to rehabilitate, modernize and expand facilities at two of the firm's largest oil refineries, Petromidia and Vega. The grants were signed by the Senior Commercial Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Bucharest, Mr. Jonathan Marks, and Rompetrol Business Development Director, Oana Arsene, and Rompetrol Director of Quality Assurance, Cantemir Mambet.

Two of the three studies will be conducted at the Petromidia refinery near Constantza, Romania. The first study at Petromidia [US$297,270] will determine the technical specifications for the installation of two Cantenary Anchor Leg Mooring (CALM) buoys will be established. The second feasibility study at Petromidia [US$63,136] will examine how to replace the current manual blending system for crude oil with an automated in-line blending system. Finally, the third grant [US$161,000] is for a two-part feasibility study on the treatment of lagoon soils and groundwater remediation at the Vega Refinery in Ploiesti, Romania.

These three projects represent significant developmental priorities for Rompetrol management. First, the installation of the CALM buoy system at the Petromida refinery will greatly increase the cost-efficiency of the plant's operations. Second, the installation of an automated blending system at Petromidia will allow Rompetrol to comply with the EURO 3 gasoline standards established by the European Union (EU). Finally, by improving environmental conditions at the Vega refinery, Rompetrol will be closer to meeting the EU's standards for industrial operations. Each of these three opportunities will be competitively bid among interested U.S. firms.

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency promotes American private sector participation by helping U.S. companies pursue business opportunities in developing and middle income countries. Through the funding of feasibility studies, orientation visits, specialized training grants, business workshops and various forms of technical assistance, TDA helps American businesses compete for infrastructure projects in emerging markets. In addition, the agency promotes capacity building initiatives and supports U.S. government trade, economic policy and developmental objectives around the world. Since 1992, TDA has provided grant funding totaling over US$12 million for such projects in Romania. For further information, contact the Foreign Commercial Service at the U.S Embassy in Bucharest.

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