The Cubatão Refinery, a key Petrobras facility, has begun a major maintenance shutdown to ensure operational safety and efficiency.
The Presidente Bernardes Refinery (RPBC) in Cubatão, São Paulo, has initiated a scheduled maintenance shutdown, a significant event in Brazil's energy sector. The operation, which began on July 12 and is expected to last for approximately 30 days, involves a robust investment of over R$490 million and the mobilization of 3,600 employees and outsourced workers. This large-scale intervention occurs every six years and is critical for the long-term integrity and efficiency of the facility.
The maintenance work is primarily focused on the Petroleum Coke Unit (UCP-1) and the Distillation Unit (UN). According to Petrobras, the primary goals of the shutdown are to ensure operational safety, improve energy efficiency, and align with the company's broader strategic plan for sustainability. The comprehensive work includes regulatory inspections, as well as preventive and corrective maintenance to preserve the integrity of the facilities and protect workers.
Fernando Tadeu de Castilho, the General Manager of RPBC, emphasized the dual purpose of the shutdown. "In addition to enabling gains in operational and environmental efficiency, the shutdown contributes to the implementation of important projects aimed at increasing energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the carbon footprint," he stated. This highlights the company's commitment to modernizing its operations and adapting to the evolving landscape of the energy transition.
Despite the partial suspension of production during the shutdown, Petrobras has assured the public that the fuel supply to the market will not be impacted. The state-owned company has prepared in advance by adjusting its inventories and coordinating its sales and logistics departments to maintain a steady supply. This strategic planning is particularly vital for ensuring that there are no disruptions in the Greater São Paulo area and other regions served by the refinery.
The Cubatão Refinery is a cornerstone of Brazil's energy infrastructure. With a capacity to process up to 180,000 barrels of oil per day, it accounts for approximately 8% of the country’s total oil product production. The refinery is a leading manufacturer of a diverse range of products, including aviation gasoline, Podium Carbon Neutral gasoline, and various solvents. Its output is crucial for supplying the metropolitan region of São Paulo, as well as parts of the North, Northeast, and South of Brazil.
Beyond its current operational significance, the RPBC has a rich history as the first major refinery built by Petrobras after its founding in 1953. Its establishment was instrumental in the development of the first petrochemical complex in São Paulo.
