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Angola’s new Cabinda crude oil refinery is set to commence operations later this year, with a target to reach full production of 30 000 barrels per day by July next year, according to chief executive Marcelo Hofke.
Nearly two-thirds of the construction is complete, making Cabinda the most advanced of the three planned refineries, Reuters reported.
These new facilities, including an upgraded Eni-supported plant in Luanda, are crucial for Sub-Saharan Africa’s second-largest oil producer to reduce its reliance on imported refined products for domestic consumption.
“The idea is to start commissioning by the end of this year…and we want to reach full production by the end of July,” Hofke said.
The Cabinda refinery’s first phase will include a crude distillation unit (CDU), desalinator, kerosine treating unit, and auxiliary infrastructure, as well as a conventional float anchoring system, pipelines, and a more than 1,2-million bbl storage terminal.
The first US$473 million phase of the modular refinery will produce naphtha, jet fuel, diesel, and heavy fuel oil (HFO). Naphtha and HFO will be exported, as Angola has limited domestic demand for these products.
The facility’s first phase will include a crude distillation unit (CDU), desalinator, kerosine treating unit, and auxiliary infrastructure, as well as a conventional float anchoring system, pipelines, and a more than 1,2-million bbl storage terminal.
It is also expected to satisfy about 10 percent of Angola’s total demand for refined oil products, increasing to 20 percent with Phase 2. Upon completion of the second phase, which will boost production to 60 000 barrels per day, the refinery’s market share is expected to double. – Reuters.
Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu