en.Wedoany.com Reported - Ecuador's state-owned oil company Petroecuador has completed the scheduled maintenance of the Parsons unit at the Refinería La Libertad (RLL). The atmospheric distillation unit resumed operations on June 19, 2026, reaching its design capacity of 26,000 barrels per day.
The technical shutdown began on May 7, 2026, lasted 44 days, and involved a total investment of approximately $2.5 million. This is the only planned maintenance the state-owned company intends to carry out at this refining center in 2026.
The maintenance work was conducted under strict industrial safety parameters, aiming to restore the mechanical integrity of the equipment. Specific tasks included deep maintenance and repair of furnaces, towers, heat exchangers, storage tanks, valves, strippers, pumps, motors, and control systems. Additionally, non-destructive testing, hydrostatic pressure tests, and mechanical adjustments to thermal, hydraulic, and automation systems were performed. These measures help extend equipment lifespan, reduce the risk of critical failures, lower emergency maintenance costs, and ensure compliance with current technical and environmental regulations.
The Refinería La Libertad is Ecuador's oldest refining center, having operated for over 60 years. It processes 25.8° API Oriente crude oil and has a total installed capacity of 45,000 barrels per day. Currently, its three distillation units are operating as follows: the Universal unit (9,500 bpd) is running at full capacity; the Parsons unit (26,000 bpd) has resumed operations after completing maintenance; and the Cautivo unit (9,500 bpd) has been under maintenance since June 11, with a planned restart on June 28, 2026. Additionally, the refinery features a stabilization unit that produces products such as base gasoline, Jet Fuel, No. 1 Diesel, No. 2 Diesel, No. 4 Fuel Oil, No. 2 Solvent, and mineral turpentine.
With the restart of the Parsons unit, fuel supply continuity for the automotive, industrial, and power sectors in the country's southern region will be ensured, along with a continuous supply of Jet Fuel to meet the daily needs of the Guayaquil airport.
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