Our Legacy
Bapco Energies and its predecessors have played an integral role in the Kingdom’s history.
Over 90 years of innovation
1920s
Oil exploration begins
The
1920s, a period nestled between the two world wars, saw events like the
Great Depression, the collapse of the natural pearl industry, and upheaval stemming from the aftermath of
the First World War. Amidst these challenging times, the prospect of
discovering oil in the Arabian Peninsula offered a glimmer of optimism.
1923
First concession to explore for oil and minerals
During the era of His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, the Ruler of Bahrain, the first concession to explore for oil and minerals was signed.
1925
Official concession for oil exploration
His Highness Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Ruler of Bahrain, signed the official concession for oil exploration.
1929
Bapco was formed
Bapco (now Bapco Refining) was formed by the Standard Oil Company of California (SOCAL).
1930s
Oil is discovered
In 1932, a defining moment was recorded with the discovery of oil at Well Number One in Jebel Al Dukhan, marking the first chapter in the Arabian Gulf's history of oil production.
With oil gushing at 400 barrels per hour, it was clear that Bapco was now in business.
1932
First oil discovery in the Arabian Gulf
Bahrain became the first country in the Arabian Gulf to discover oil, marking a significant milestone in the region's history. Oil was discovered at Well Number One in Jebel Al Dukhan.
1934
First shipment
The first shipment of 25,000 barrels of crude oil was exported on the ship El Segundo to Japan.
1937
Bahrain Refinery opens
The Bahrain Refinery was officially opened by His Highness Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, boasting a capacity of 10,000 barrels per day.
1940s
The discovery of natural gas
In 1948, the discovery of natural gas marked a significant milestone for Bahrain, helping to meet the energy demands of a rapidly growing and modernizing society.
1945
A-B pipeline
The A-B Pipeline was extended between Bahrain and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the era of His Highness the Late Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
1948
The discovery of natural gas
Bapco made a significant discovery in the region with the first-ever find of Khuff Gas, a large natural gas reserve.
1960s
Expanding the Refinery
Recognizing the fundamental role of oil in the modern economy, Bapco undertook a refinery expansion program in 1968, which effectively increased its capacity to 250,000 barrels per day.
1966
Abu Sa’afa field
Abu Sa’afa field was inaugurated by the Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa.
1968
Increasing Refinery capacity
The Bahrain Refinery Expansion Program was completed with capacity of 250,000 barrels per day.
1970s
Shaping the future
1976
BANOCO is formed
The Bahrain National Oil Company (BANOCO) was established in 1976.
1979
The Banagas Plant was inaugurated
The Banagas Plant was officially inaugurated by the late Amir, His Highness Shaikh Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa.
1980s
Expanding international reach
1980
First Butane shipment
Banagas completed its first shipment of Butane.
1985
Bahrain Aviation Fueling Company
The Bahrain Aviation Fueling Company was established to handle all aviation refueling at the Bahrain International Airport.
1990s
Ready for the new century
The 1990s served as a significant period of change for the Kingdom of Bahrain's energy sector, setting the foundation for the industry to address opportunities and challenges of the 21st century.
1997
Full ownership of Refinery
The Bahrain Refinery came under the complete ownership of the Bahraini government, a strategic move that paved the way for a pivotal change.
1999
Bapco is established
BAPCO and BANOCO successfully merged, forming a unified company well-equipped to tackle the opportunities and challenges of the 21st century.
2000s
A new millenium
2007
nogaholding
The Oil and Gas Holding Company (nogaholding), the energy investment and development arm of the Kingdom of Bahrain, was established to manage the nation's energy portfolio.
2008
Bahrain National Gas Expansion Company
Bahrain National Gas Expansion Company (Tawseah) was established, with the purpose of developing a new gas plant in the Bahrain Field.
2009
Bahrain Lube Base Oil Company
Bahrain Lube Base Oil Company, the first of its kind in the region, was established to build a lube base oil plant manufacturing Group III base oils.
2010s
Future-ready energy industry
2010
Tatweer Petroleum
Tatweer Petroleum Company – now Bapco Upstream – was formed, and was given the stewardship and redevelopment of the Bahrain Field.
2015
Bahrain LNG
Bahrain LNG, the first liquefied natural gas terminal, was established.
2016
BAC Jet Fuel Company
BAC Jet Fuel Company was established to manage the network refueling infrastructure at Bahrain International Airport.
Bahrain Gasoline Blending
Bahrain Gasoline Blending was established to with the goal of optimising and expanding the domestic gasoline business.
2018
New A-B pipeline
His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman jointly inaugurated the new A-B pipeline, symbolizing the longstanding historical relationship between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
2019
Bahrain Gas Plant (CGP III)
His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, inaugurated the Bahrain Gas Plant (CGP III).
The commencement of the Bapco Modernization Programme (BMP)
The foundation stone laying ceremony of the BMP project marked the commencement of the largest energy investment project in Bahrain's history.
2020s
Biggest transformation in the history of the Kingdom of Bahrain's energy sector
2021
Climate commitments at COP26
At COP26, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, announced the Kingdom of Bahrain's commitment to reaching Net Zero by 2060, in addition to reducing emissions by 30% through decarbonization and efficiency initiatives by doubling the deployment of renewables from targets set at COP21.
2023
Biggest transformation in the history of the Kingdom of Bahrain's energy sector
A historic day for the Kingdom of Bahrain with the launch of Bapco Energies. The new brand marks the evolution of the Company from a traditional oil and gas holding company into an innovative and progressive company that powers the next generation.