MOPCO (Misr Fertilizers Production Company) has carried out a simulated ammonia gas leak as part of the activities of the “Saqr 153” project.
This exercise was conducted as part of the petroleum and petrochemical sector's commitment to enhancing occupational health, safety, and environmental protection standards. It was implemented in accordance with directives from Engineer Karim Badawi, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, and Engineer Ibrahim Maki, Chairman of the Egyptian Petrochemicals Holding Company (ECHEM).
Engineer Ahmed Mahmoud El-Sayed, Chairman and Managing Director of MOPCO, stated that this is the second consecutive year the company has participated in the exercise, responding to an invitation from the Damietta Governorate. He emphasized that the simulation enhances emergency response capabilities through coordinated efforts involving Damietta Governorate, the Armed Forces’ Chemical Warfare Unit, and all relevant executive authorities.
MOPCO conducted a mock drill simulating a major ammonia gas leak and resulting injuries from August 17 to 19 at the company’s facility in Damietta Governorate. The “Saqr 153” project is a joint practical training camp between Damietta Governorate and the Armed Forces, aiming to improve emergency and crisis response capabilities within the governorate.
The training is intended to boost the efficiency of local institutions, assess response speed, promote a safety culture, and raise preparedness levels for handling emergencies in cooperation with executive bodies and the Civil and Military Defense Forces.
The simulation demonstrated high efficiency in the company’s emergency teams' response. The rapid intervention and HAZMAT vehicles were immediately dispatched, followed by the arrival of the fire engine. The evacuation plan was implemented with a 100% success rate, ensuring all personnel were safely moved from the operation area to designated assembly points with no injuries.
Emergency teams performed excellently, quickly executing instructions, strictly adhering to personal safety procedures, and properly using protective equipment. They also achieved a record response time from the moment the incident was reported to the arrival of intervention teams and the swift evacuation of the injured from the scene.
The company affirmed that the simulation highlighted the clarity of roles and responsibilities among emergency, evacuation, and medical teams, demonstrating a professional level of crisis management. MOPCO also stressed its ongoing commitment to enhancing personnel and equipment efficiency and continuously improving performance to uphold the highest safety standards.
