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Cabinda Refinery | Lider Magazine - Aug 14,2025

The Cabinda Refinery (Refinaria de Cabinda) is strategically located in Cabinda Province, Angola's oil-rich exclave separated from the main country by the Democratic Republic of Congo, providing proximity to major offshore oil production fields.

The Phase 1 facility was inaugurated in September 2025 with commissioning ongoing and first commercial production expected by year-end 2025. The refinery represents Angola's first privately-developed refinery since independence and a cornerstone of the country's strategy to achieve 445,000 bpd total national refining capacity by 2030.

Feedstock

• Primary Supplier: Sonangol E.P. (Angola's national oil company)
• Supply Arrangement: 100% feedstock provided by Sonangol under processing fee model
• Sourcing Flexibility: Sonangol reserves right to source crude internationally if needed
• Feedstock Type: Angolan crude oil (predominantly heavy to medium grades)
• Grade: Primarily Angolan heavy crude with API gravity typically 20-35°
• Volume: 30,000 bpd Phase 1, scaling to 60,000 bpd Phase 2
• Logistics: Delivered via conventional buoy mooring (CBM) system and pipeline infrastructure

Phase 1 (Operational by the end of 2025)

• Crude Processing Capacity: 30,000 barrels per day (bpd)
• Market Supply: Approximately 10% of Angola's domestic fuel demand
• Storage Capacity: 1.2 million barrels of refined products storage
• Processing Units:
  • Crude Distillation Unit (CDU): 30,000 bpd atmospheric distillation
  • Desalinator: Crude oil salt removal system
  • Kerosene Treatment Unit: Product quality upgrading
  • Naphtha Splitter: Light naphtha separation
  • Storage Terminal: 1.2 million barrel capacity with conventional float anchoring system
• Products:
  • Heavy Fuel Oil: Approximately 45% yield
  • Light Products (Naphtha/White Products): Approximately 28% yield
  • Middle Distillates: Remaining capacity for diesel and jet fuel

Phase 2 (Planned)

• Total Capacity: 60,000 bpd (doubling Phase 1 capacity)
• Market Coverage: 20% of Angola's total refined product demand
• Timeline: Engineering to commence once Phase 1 is fully operational, completion within 18-24 months
• Processing Units:
  • Second Crude Distillation Unit: Additional 30,000 bpd processing capacity
  • Catalytic Reformer: Convert straight-run naphtha to high-octane gasoline
  • Hydrocracking Unit: Diesel and jet fuel production enhancement
• Products:
  • Gasoline: High-octane motor fuel production through reforming
  • Enhanced Diesel Production: Increased volume through hydrocracking
  • Expanded Jet Fuel: Greater aviation fuel output
  • Gas Production: LPG and fuel gas streams

Phase 3 (Future Expansion)

• Configuration: Complete conversion refinery with advanced secondary processing
• Technology Addition: Hydrotreater and catalytic cracking units for heavy fuel oil upgrading
• Processing Units:
  • Hydrotreater Units: Heavy fuel oil upgrading to lighter products
  • Catalytic Cracking Unit: Maximum conversion of heavy residues
  • Complete Conversion Configuration: Full product slate optimization