Considering the current economic and energy climate across the international market, developing new partnerships and joint ventures can often be the only method to increase production of essential energy resources. In a deal that will surely strengthen the output capacity of the Middle East, TotalEnergies has joined forces with Bapco Energies to establish the all-new BxT trading company, aimed at delivering vast energy resources through the Bahrain Sitra refinery.
France is standing firm on its position regarding economic growth across the energy industry
Following recent threats by Donald Trump to place new import tariffs on French products, France has been working diligently to advance its standing in several economic markets across the world. One method to strengthen the nation’s energy security is through significant joint ventures led by the titan of the French energy market, TotalEnergies.
Building on that premise is the new joint venture established by Total and Bapco, which will be aptly named BxT Trading. The new equally shared joint venture aims to handle trading opportunities linked to Bahrain’s Sitra refinery. Bahrain, along with a myriad of Middle Eastern nations, has been working on increasing energy output capacity to meet anticipated increases in energy demand in 2026.
Abu Dhabi recently hosted the signing ceremony for the new joint venture
On January 13th, His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King of Bahrain for Humanitarian Works and Youth Affairs, and Chairman of Bapco Energies, alongside Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of TotalEnergies, oversaw the signing ceremony to establish BxT Trading.
The BxT Trading joint venture aims to leverage downstream assets in Bahrain
As noted by the joint venture’s leadership, the new company is aiming to leverage the substantial downstream oil assets that the Middle Eastern nation has in abundance. Through the new joint venture, both companies are set to benefit from each other’s expertise and the exceptional output capacity of the Sitra refinery in Bahrain.
The new partnership builds on a previous commitment by Total to advance the expansion and modernization of the Sitra refinery, which currently boasts a processing capacity of around 267,000 barrels per day.
“The launch of BxT Trading reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to forging long-term strategic partnerships with leading global energy companies. BxT Trading represents a strategic step forward for Bapco Energies and the Kingdom of Bahrain. Through this partnership with TotalEnergies, we are enhancing our global trading capabilities, strengthening our downstream value chain, and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a competitive and trusted player in the international energy markets.” – His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty for Humanitarian Works and Youth Affairs and Chairman of Bapco Energies
The Middle East has seen several nations entering partnerships to advance refinery operations, such as the new UAE-backed Uganda refinery project. BxT Trading will now become a major driver for growth in the Middle East downstream market.
“We are happy about this new partnership with Bahrain and Bapco Energies, which strengthens our presence in the Middle East. BxT Trading reflects our long-standing commitment to act as a trusted partner in the region, dedicated to innovation, operational excellence and value creation.” – Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies
Bahrain is also making major moves across the renewable energy market
The new BxT Trading joint venture is only the start of a new era of energy generation for the Kingdom of Bahrain. The Middle East nation has recently seen its power authority begin construction on a truly significant renewable energy project, namely the 100 MW Al Dur solar photovoltaic project. Through the new joint venture and the even newer solar project, Bahrain is preparing to usher in a new era of increased energy production in a considerably volatile international energy market.
