TOR’s Turnaround Maintenance on Track as Refinery Eyes October Restart
Photo Credit: TOR
Tema | 30 August 2025 — Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) has reached critical milestones in its ongoing turnaround maintenance (TAM), positioning the refinery for an October restart that is expected to cut Ghana’s $400 million monthly fuel import bill.
According to the Managing Director’s update, steam purging of the Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) has been completed, and the plant has already been handed over to the maintenance team. This progress marks a significant step toward resuming refinery operations, with technical works advancing steadily across multiple units.
Scaffolding work around unit 01-C1 is reported to be 80 percent completed, while external column works are being executed internally to reduce costs. The Turnaround Maintenance Team has revised the scope accordingly, ensuring operational efficiency without compromising safety or timelines. In addition, twelve out of twelve manways across four major columns (01-C1, C2, C3, and C4) have been opened, signifying comprehensive inspection and readiness for the next phase.
Other essential works include the complete removal of insulation from the heat exchanger train, and progress on cleaning and desilting gutters within the battery limit, currently standing at 30 percent. These efforts are complemented by site clearing activities that have kept the refinery compound fully operational and accessible.
While TOR acknowledges some delays in the delivery of materials and tools, management has implemented concrete measures—working with the Finance and Procurement teams—to close gaps and keep planned timelines intact. The technical strides achieved reaffirm the refinery’s commitment to excellence and resilience in meeting Ghana’s energy needs.
The refinery’s progress comes against the backdrop of a newly inaugurated board tasked with spearheading its revival and reinforcing Ghana’s path toward energy independence. TOR’s October restart target, as highlighted in industry reports, represents a critical turning point in reducing the nation’s reliance on fuel imports and ensuring energy security.
As the turnaround advances, TOR remains focused on operational discipline, governance, and delivering sustainable value to Ghana’s energy landscape.
