The Need
The refinery was established in 1938 following treaties that were signed in the 30’s between Mandatory Palestine and the Anglo-Iranian company Ltd.
According to these treaties, the company would receive a concession for 70 years to transport, store and distill petroleum.
In 2003, at the end of the concession period, the national planning authorities instructed on the preparation of a detailed statutory plan for the complex. The new plan is consistent with the guidelines of the national master plan of the south of Haifa Bay and the regional master plan for the Haifa District. Both master plans instruct that the refineries will remain in place and the purpose of the complex will comply with industry requirements.
The Vision
In light of the complexity of the master plan, and its many ramifications, leading consulting firms in the country, especially in the field of health and the environment were involved in the preparation of the master plan, led by our office.
The Design
In a very long process, over the course of nearly eight years, the consultants’ recommendations and requirements of various authorities have been integrated into the plan documents. The purpose of these recommendations is to significantly reduce the environmental impacts of such industries and ensure a complex which is state-of-the-art, modern, controlled and safe.
The ORL area is characterized by extensive and unique activities and its operating companies are engaged in oil refining and other petrochemical processes.
This industry manufactures essential and important products for the economy, such as fuel for cars and airplanes, plastic packaging, toys, bedding and textiles, lanterns, oil and candles.