Technip Energies has secured two pivotal Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) contracts to modernize and expand the Société Gabonaise de Raffinage (SOGARA) refinery in Port-Gentil. The agreements mark a significant step in Gabon’s efforts to upgrade its industrial energy infrastructure, focusing on both the efficiency of existing operations and the creation of new, high-capacity refining capabilities.
The scope of these Technip Energies SOGARA FEED contracts is divided into two distinct phases: a comprehensive debottlenecking of the current refinery facilities and the design of a new, modularized hydrocracking complex. Together, these projects are intended to transition the Port-Gentil site toward higher production volumes and significantly cleaner output.
For Gabon, the upgrades are not merely about volume but about viability. By integrating advanced process technology, the refinery aims to meet the stringent AFRI 5 fuel quality standards—the most rigorous sulfur specifications on the African continent. This shift is expected to reduce sulfur emissions substantially, directly improving air quality for the residents of Port-Gentil and surrounding communities.
Optimizing existing infrastructure through debottlenecking
The first contract focuses on the “debottlenecking” of SOGARA’s current installations. In industrial terms, this involves identifying and removing the constraints that limit the refinery’s overall throughput, allowing the plant to operate more efficiently without requiring a total rebuild of the core architecture.
A central component of this phase is the design of a new kerosene sweetening unit. This unit is critical for removing sulfur and other impurities from kerosene, ensuring the final product meets international aviation and transport standards. To support this increase in process efficiency, Technip Energies will also design four new storage capacities, ensuring that the refinery can manage increased flows without creating logistical logjams.
Beyond the hardware, the engineering firm is tasked with the complete integration of these new processes. This requires a seamless technical bridge between the aging legacy systems of the Port-Gentil refinery and the modern infrastructure being introduced, a process that demands high-precision engineering to avoid operational downtime.
Expanding capacity with modular hydrocracking
While the first contract optimizes what is already there, the second contract looks toward the future. Technip Energies will lead the FEED for a new modularized hydrocracking complex. Hydrocracking is a heavy-duty refining process that uses hydrogen to “crack” heavy hydrocarbon molecules into higher-value, lighter products like diesel and jet fuel.
The decision to utilize a modularized design is strategic. Modular construction allows large sections of the plant to be built in controlled environments elsewhere and then shipped to Gabon for assembly. This approach typically reduces on-site construction risks, shortens the timeline for commissioning, and minimizes the environmental footprint during the build phase.
To support this expanded capacity, the project includes the design of a new marine jetty and enhanced unloading facilities. These additions are essential for the refinery to handle the increased volume of crude oil imports and the expanded export of refined products, ensuring that the logistical chain can maintain pace with the increased refining speed.
Technical Specifications and Environmental Impact
A key technical driver for the project is the production of hydrogen, which is essential for the hydrocracking process. Technip Energies will employ its proprietary Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) technology to generate the necessary hydrogen on-site. SMR is a globally recognized standard for high-volume hydrogen production, providing the chemical catalyst needed to strip sulfur from fuels.
| Project Component | Primary Objective | Key Technical Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Debottlenecking | Increase existing throughput | Kerosene sweetening unit & 4 new storage tanks |
| Hydrocracking Complex | Boost overall refining capacity | Modular construction & SMR hydrogen production |
| Logistics Upgrade | Improve feedstock/product flow | New marine jetty and unloading facilities |
| Environmental Goal | Sulfur emission reduction | Compliance with AFRI 5 standards |
Economic implications for Gabon
The modernization of the SOGARA refinery is expected to have a ripple effect on the local economy of Port-Gentil. Beyond the immediate technical gains, the project is designed to stimulate local employment and support the broader economic development of the region. By reducing the reliance on imported refined fuels, Gabon strengthens its energy security and reduces its vulnerability to global price volatility.
The move toward AFRI 5 standards also aligns Gabon with a wider continental trend. As African nations move toward more sustainable urban environments, the reduction of sulfur in transport fuels is a primary lever for reducing respiratory illnesses and urban smog. By implementing these changes, SOGARA positions itself as a regional leader in environmentally conscious refining.
This award was recorded within the Technology, Products & Services segment of Technip Energies, reflecting the company’s strategic pivot toward high-value engineering services that support the energy transition in emerging markets.
The next phase of the project will involve the transition from the FEED stage to the Final Investment Decision (FID), after which the detailed engineering and construction (EPC) phase will commence. Further updates on the project timeline are expected to be released following the completion of the preliminary engineering designs.
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