Cabinda Refinery
Entity
Cabinda Refinery Corporation
Refining and Chemicals Operations
Cabinda
Malembo Plain
https://www.sonangol.co.ao/English/AreasOfActivity/Pages/Areas-of-Activity.aspx


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
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