After the impact of the earthquake of April 25, which affected several energy infrastructures energy infrastructures in Ecuador, the Esmeraldas in Ecuador, the Esmeraldas refinery has progressively reactivated its operations, reaching 50% of its installed capacity.
Partial restart of the Esmeraldas Refinery
Since May 10, under an operational emergency scheme, EP Petroecuador started the gradual start-up of the main process units. The Crude 1 and Vacuum 1 sections are already in operation, while the Fluidized Catalytic Cracking (FCC) unit is in the start-up phase. This action allows reestablishing the supply of derivatives and continuing with the established export commitments.
The magnitude 6 earthquake had its epicenter off the coast of Esmeraldas. The facilities suffered structural damage to furnaces, tanks and heat exchange systems. Thanks to the declaration of emergencythe emergency declaration, the inspection and repair inspection and repair workThe critical facilities of the complex were progressively repaired.
Domestic supply guarantee
Despite the damage, Petroecuador confirmed that domestic fuel supply has not been compromised. Domestic supply remains guaranteed and logistical export operations are unchanged. It is expected that by the end of May, the complex will be operating at 100%.
With a processing capacity of 110,000 barrels per day, the Esmeraldas Refinery is the core of refining in Ecuador. Its role is key to balancing the supply of fuels in the local market and to complying with international crude oil contracts.
The process of full return to operations includes technical verification phases, equipment calibration and pressure tests on the remaining lines. EP Petroecuador maintains constant monitoring to avoid new incidents and reinforce the resilience of its facilities to natural events.
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Source: Petroecuador
Photo: Shutterstock
