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Gasoline Optimisation Program (GOP)

Petrotrin is facing many challenges in the refining of crude oil at the refinery at Pointe a Pierre.

To remain viable, Petrotrin has analysed various options, the most attractive of these was an upgrade of the existing refinery, aimed at producing higher quality and quantities of petroleum products.
Petrotrin’s Gasoline Optimisation Program (GOP) commenced in November 2005 and is the first phase of the refinery upgrade.

The Gasoline Optimization Programme currently underway at Petrotrin will enable the refinery to become a premier supplier in the regional and international market of high quality environmentally
friendly gasoline.

The Gasoline Optimisation Program (GOP) consists of:

1. Installation of an Isomerization Complex
2. Installation of a Continuous Catalytic Reforming Platformer Complex
3. Installation of an Alkylation Unit and Sulphuric Acid Regeneration Plant
4. Upgrade of the Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit
5. Installation of Offsite Facilities and Upgrade of Utility Systems

The project’s benefits include:

1. Increased gasoline yield
2. Improvement of the quality of the gasoline pool through increases in the Motor Octane Number (MON) ratings and reduction in aromatics and sulphur contents.

The project’s completion will also result in significant improvements in the refinery’s energy efficiency. At end of July 2009, the GOP cumulative progress was 84.8% and overall GOP mechanical completion was projected for February 2011.
At end July 2009, total GOP expenditure was TT$5,103.5 million (US$810.1 million) and the total cost of the project was estimated at TT$8,185 million (US$1,299 million).