Robert Brelsford
Downstream Technology Editor
As part of its earlier cooperation agreement with state-owned Sonangol EP, Eni SPA has let a contract to a subsidiary of Maire Tecnimont SPA for an upgrading project involving installation of two new processing units as well as other utilities and offsites at Sonangol’s 65,000-b/d refinery in Luanda, Angola.
As part of the $200-million contract, KT-Kinetics Technology will provide engineering, procurement, and construction services for a naphtha hydrotreater, including a naphtha splitter, and a catalytic reforming unit.
Scope of work also will include some unidentified utilities and offsites, as well as necessary tie-ins for integration with the existing refinery.
Scheduled for start-up and testing in about 2 years from the start date of the project, the new units will enable the refinery to quadruple the gasoline production to 1,100 tonnes/day from 280 tonnes/day, as well as improve product quality while minimizing the site’s global environmental footprint.
The proposed project plays a crucial role in Angola’s national target to reduce fuel imports and reach independence in its fuel supply, which currently is produced by the Luanda refinery, the country’s sole facility.
The proposed project joins other initiatives in the country’s plan to reduce volumes and costs associated with imported fuel, including Sonangol’s recently signed agreements with the United Shine consortium for construction of a new 60,000-b/d refinery in Cabinda as well as proposals for construction of new refineries in Luanda and Lobito.
